M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar Biography

Mayavaram Krishnamurthy Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, shortly called Thyagaraja Bhagavathar was a Carnatic singer and actor from Tamil Nadu. He is considered to be one of the most successful Tamil film actors ever. He completely dominated the industry during late 1930’s and 1940s’. He acted in 14 films of which 6 were box-office hits. As a singer, powerful and melodious voice, along with his capability to sing high pitch notes were his plus points. He was a well known was a philanthropist also.

Thyagaraja Bhagavathar was born on March 1, 1901 in Mayiladuthurai of Thanjavur. He was born in a goldsmith family. His father’s name was Krishnamurthy Achary. The family moved to Tiruchirappalli from where he did primary education. But Thyagaraja neglected his studies as he wanted to become a singer. Singing was not considered to be an honourable profession in the conservative Indian society of the early 20th century. So his family didn’t approve his decision and once he ran away from home too. But when his father came to know that he has a huge fan club following around in his hometown, he gave up. His father encouraged him and Thyagaraja began to sing Hindu religious songs.

He joined an amateur theater group, Rasika Ranjana Sabha and this marked the acting debut of Thyagaraja as a stage actor. Yet Thyagaraja was more interested in singing than becoming an actor. Once film director K. Subramaniam happened to watch a Hindu mythological play "Pavalakkodi" in which Bhagavathar played the lead role. He was casted the lead role in the movie, based on the same story and it became successful. Thus he became a star at debut. Bhagavathar's 1944 film Haridas ran for three consecutive years at Broadway Theatre, Madras creating a new record. But his career turned upside down when he became the suspect of Lakshmikanthan Murder Case of 1944. He was arrested, imprisoned for three years, but later released when found innocent in re-trial. But he couldn’t bring those old good days again. His films flopped one after the other and he slowly retrieved from the industry.

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Updated: January 07, 2014