RM Veerappan, MGR’s close aide and noted filmmaker, passes away

CHENNAI: RM Veerappan, a close aide of AIADMK founder and late chief minister MG Ramachandran and a noted filmmaker, died at a private hospital here on Tuesday due to age-related illness. He was 98, and is survived by three sons and three daughters.

Born in 1926 at Pudukkottai, RMV started his career in theatre and came into contact with Dravidian leaders, including DMK founder CN Annadurai, MGR and M Karunanidhi through Periyar EV Ramasamy.

When MGR launched AIADMK, Veerappan was instrumental in strengthening the then-nascent party and played a key role in winning the Assembly elections. He kept the spirits up when MGR was admitted to a US hospital by releasing videos about his health and treatment.

After MGR died, Veerappan extended support to his wife Janaki who took over the party. However, when the Janaki-led government stuttered, he shifted to Jayalalithaa’s faction.

Veerappan was a minister in Jayalalithaa’s cabinet and held various portfolios. But his closeness with actor Rajinikanth earned her wrath and led to his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities. He then floated his own party, MGR Kazhagam, and extended his support to DMK and GK Moopanar’s TMC.

A successful filmmaker, his production company Sathya Movies produced several movies with MGR, delivering mega hits. The list of films with MGR includes super hits like Naan Aanaiyittal, Kaavalkaran, Kannan En Kadhalan, and Idhaya Kani.

With Rajinikanth as the hero, he produced Ranuva Veeran, Moondru Mugam, Thanga Magan, Oor Kavalan, Panakaran, and Baasha. He also made films with Kamal Haasan, including Kadhal Parisu and Kakki Chattai.

Chief Minister MK Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, former chief minister O Panneerselvam and other political leaders condoled his death.