Thangavel is from Kembaty colony, Coimbatore gets all teared up when anyone talks to him about MGR.
Coimbatore: The late Ex-CM of Tamilnadu and silver screen superstar of Tamilnadu, MG Ramachandran, fondly called as MGR has millions of diehard fans across Tamilnadu. His popularity is something that today’s generation might not be aware of other than hearing it from their parents and in news. His fans never separated his reel life from his real life. There are countless such incidents to tell about his popularity but we thought it would be better if we can highlight one of Coimbatore’s own diehard fan of MGR.
Thangavel, who is 64 now, can only be described as an ardent devotee of ‘Makkal Thilagam MGR’. To mark MGR's death anniversary, Thangavel goes fasting today. He also does not talk to anyone today and spends the day in silent prayer. Thangavel has been maintaining this practice for around 33 years now as a rememberance for his favourite leader.
Thangavel is from Kembaty Colony, Coimbatore and gets all teared up when anyone talks to him about MGR. Thangavel who is a coconut water vendor joined the AIADMK party in 1972 after he was inspired by MGR. He was awestruck after seeing him at a shooting spot during his childhood days. He fondly remembered “I saw him first during the shooting of the movie Vivasayi which took place in the TNAU Coimbatore campus. The shooting happened for 20 days and I didn’t go to school for 20 days just ogling at him. Actor Ashokan who saw me everyday, spoke to me and took me to my icon MGR and explained to him. He immediately put a hand around me and said don’t come here and waste your time. Do well in your studies.”
He proudly says, “I’ve seen every film of MGR since then and when MGR came out of DMK and started ADMK I went and saw him and joined immediately. I followed his policies in life and worked hard. At that time, my marriage had been fixed and I joined the party immediately. I have four sons and named my eldest son, Vetri Thirumagan”
When indicating if he still has MGR’s photo in his pocket, he quickly responded, “Not just in my pocket but in my heart and will continue to have him in my heart till my death. The day of his death is one of inconsolable grief for me”. Elani Thangavelu was all teary eyed as he recalled all his moments with MGR 33 years after his death.