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M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar was Tamil Cinema’s first superstar. His life story is now inspiring the upcoming film Kaantha, slated to released on November 14. (Image: IMDb) Born in March 1, 1910 in Trichy, into a family of poor goldsmiths, young Thyagaraja showed an intimate gift fir music from an early age. His melodious voice drew attention within his community. Recognising his musical aptitude, mentors provided him with formal Carnatic training. Reportedly, one of them, impressed by his spiritual devotion and vocal grace bestowed upon him the title “Bhagavartha”, meaning a singer devoted to divine expression. (Image: Facebook) The artist began his career as a stage performer and classical singer in the late 1920’s, where he mesmerized the audiences with his golden voice and commanding presence. He then transitioned to cinema in 1934 with Pavalakkodi, an adaptation of a popular play. Directed by K. Subramanian, the film featured him alongside his acclaimed stage partner, S.D Subbulakshmi. (Image: Facebook) After Pavalakkodi’s success, he reunited with Subramaniam and Subbulakshmi for Naveena Sarangadhara(1936), another box-office hit that solidified his status as a household name. The late 1930’s and early 1940s marked Bhagvathar’s stardom. His films Chitamani (1937), Amibikapathi (1937), Thiruneelakantar (1940), Ashok Kumar (1941), and Sivakavi (1943) became monumental success turning him into one of the highest paid actors. (Image: Facebook) His 1944 release Haridas broke all records when it ran continuously for 114 weeks at Broadway Cinema in Madras (now Chennai), an achievement that remained unbeaten for over fifty years until Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi (2005), surpassed it with an even longer run at Shanti Theatre. (Image: IMDb) Reportedly, the actor’s fame was matched with his luxurious lifestyle. He was reportedly the first Tamil film celebrity to own a Mercedes-Benz car. (Image: YouTube/Screengrab) Unfortunately, his flourishing career came to an abrupt halt in 1944 when he was arrested as a prime suspect in the sensational Lakshmikanthan murder case. Though he was acquitted in 1947 by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the trial and imprisonment tarnished his public image. (Image: Reddit) After his release, he attempted to make a comeback with films such as Raja Mukthi (1948), Shyamala, Amarakavi, and Pudhu Vazhvu. However, he failed to recreate his former glory. (Image: IMDb)
