M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

Mayavaram Krishnasamy Thiyagaraja Bhagavathar (1 March 1910 – 1 November 1959), also known by his initials M. K. T., was an Indian actor and carnatic singer. Critics and film historians acknowledge Bhagavathar as the first superstar of Tamil cinema. Bhagavathar was born in the town of Mayiladuthurai in then-Mayiladuthurai District of the Madras Presidency, British Raj. He started his career as a classical singer and stage artist in the late 1920s. In 1934, he made his debut in films with the hit movie Pavalakkodi. From 1934 to 1960, Bhagavathar acted in 14 films of which 10 were box-office hits. Bhagavathar's 1944 film Haridas ran for three consecutive years at Broadway Theatre in Madras (now Chennai) and created the record for the longest continuous run at a single theatre. Bhagavathar was arrested in 1944 as one of the main suspects in the Lakshmikanthan murder case and spent three years in prison before being released in 1947 after a Judicial Committee of the Privy Council verdict came in his favor. Bhagavathar's career declined after his arrest. Although he did continue to act in Tamil films after his release from prison, none of them did well. Bhagavathar died of complications from ayurvedic medication at the age of 49 on 1 November 1959. Bhagavathar was acclaimed for his powerful, melodious voice and the ease with which he could sing high-pitch notes.