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.

M. S. Subbulakshmi in Kumbakonam

In March 1933, Kumbakonam was preparing for the mahamaham. Director K.Subrahmanyam was in charge of organizing a music and dance exposition for the festival. Actress S. D. Subbulakshmi, a friend of Shanmukhavadivu persuaded Subrahmanyam to give Madurai Shankukavadivu Subbulakshmi, a chance on the concert stage at the exhibition he was organising during the Mahamaham Festival . K.Subrahmanyam arranged for a concert of Subbulakshmi. M.S. was known in Kumbakonam as an up-coming artist. The concert was a huge success and the organizers had to arrange for another concert by her. Thanjavur rasikas not only approved but also praised the young Subbulakshmi. This was a big step for M.S.The following year in 1934, she was invited to sing in Music Academy, Madras.