Prodigal son returns to Tamil music scene

published by Asianpost on Thu, 04/03/2008 - 14:06

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's elder son M.K.

Muthu, banished by his father from his political circle for hobnobbing with arch political rival and Tamil screen legend M.G. Ramachandranan years ago, is trying to return to the Tamil film world as a singer.

Muthu, now 61, was an aspiring actor in the 1970s but failed to come up to his father's expectations to take on MGR, the charismatic actor who founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) after he was expelled from the DMK.

Muthu, Karunanidhi's son by his first wife Padmavathy, could not match MGR's popularity though he had acted in over a dozen Tamil films and also sang for them.

Aspiring to make it big in both the film and political worlds, he began hobnobbing with MGR, angering Karunanidhi who banished him from his political and family circles.

The Tamil film world too shunned Muthu who took to drinking and almost became an alcoholic.

However last year on Muthu's 60th birthday, his son and daughter arranged a high-profile reunion of their father with Karunanidhi.

With the rehabilitation came offers from Kollywood - the Tamil film industry.

"My Almighty is my father. I am nobody without him. I sought his blessings before recording the song for this new film," Muthu said Monday after the recording.

The film titled "Mattu thavani" (bull-run or jallikattu) is directed by Pavitran and Deva is the music composer.

"I am also getting offers to act now," he said, a clear indication that Kollywood has taken his rehabilitation to be complete as the 60th birthday re-union was attended not only by Karunanidhi but also by his wife Dayaluammal, Muthu's brother M.K. Stalin and sister M.K. Kanimozhi, MP.