Dr. M.G. Ramachandran in Kumbakonam

Marudur Gopala Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, Ponmana Chemmal and Puratchi Thalaivar (Revolutionary Leader), was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death. He was born at Nawalapitiya near Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopalamenon and Satyabhama. After his father's death, MGR settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.