R. M. Veerappan facts for kids

R. M. Veerappan (also known as RMV or Rama Veerappan) was an important Indian politician and film producer. He was born on 9 September 1926 and passed away on 9 April 2024. He came from the state of Tamil Nadu in India. He started his own political party called MGR Kazhagam. RMV served as a government minister in Tamil Nadu for many years, from 1977 to 1996. He was also a member of the state's law-making bodies, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. People often called him the 'Chanakya' of AIADMK politics because he was very smart at planning and organizing.

RMV's Career in Politics and Films

R. M. Veerappan first learned about the Dravidian movement from a leader named Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. He followed Periyar's ideas, which focused on social equality and justice. Later, he worked for a drama company called Krishnan Drama Company. There, he became a fan of Arignar Anna, another important leader, and became friends with famous actor Sivaji Ganesan.

In 1953, RMV met the popular actor and future Chief Minister, MGR. He joined MGR's drama company as a manager. This company later became a film production house called Em.Gee.Yar Pictures. Their first film, Nadodi Mannan, came out in 1958. They also made other successful movies like Adimai Penn and Ulagam sutrum Valiban.

RMV then started his own film production company, Sathya Movies. Their first film, "Deiva Thai," starring MGR, was released in 1964. A famous director, K Balachander, wrote the dialogues for this movie. RMV and MGR worked together on many more films under this company, such as Naan Anayittal and Kaavalkaran. One of their films, Rickshawkaran, even helped MGR win a National award for his acting. Sathya Movies also produced other popular films like Kakki Chattai, Moondru Mugam, and the very successful Baasha.

RMV used his films to share the ideas of the DMK political party, especially during elections. When MGR left the DMK party in 1972, RMV helped him start a new party called AIADMK. He organized MGR's fan clubs to support the new party. In 1984, when MGR was unwell, RMV took charge of the party's activities and election campaigns. After MGR passed away in 1987, the AIADMK party split into two groups. RMV led the larger group and helped V.N. Janaki become the Chief Minister. Later, he worked with J. Jayalalithaa's group, and they reunited the party. He became the Joint General Secretary of the party.

RMV was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (the state's main law-making body) two times. He was also a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (another state law-making body) three times. He won elections in the Tirunelveli area in 1986 and in the Kangayam area in 1991.

M.G.R. Kazhagam Party

M.G.R. Kazhagam (which means M.G.R. Federation) is a political party in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. R. M. Veerappan, who was a founder and leader of the AIADMK party, was the president of M.G.R. Kazhagam. This party supported the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the 2004 national elections for the Lok Sabha.

Literary and Social Work

R. M. Veerappan was also involved in literary and social activities. He founded and led two organizations: Kamban Kazhagam and Azhvargal Aaiyvu Maiyam. He also managed an education trust. This trust helped provide money for the education of children from less fortunate backgrounds.

Personal Life

R. M. Veerappan married Thirumathi Rajammal on 12 March 1956. Their wedding followed traditional Tamil customs. They had six children: three daughters and three sons. Their oldest daughter, Thirumathi Selvi, married T. G. Thyagarajan, who is also from a film family.

R. M. Veerappan passed away on 9 April 2024, at the age of 97.

Filmography