AIADMK Leader RM Veerappan Passes Away: Who Was He?

Former Tamil Nadu minister RM Veerappan passed away on Tuesday due to ill health. He was aged 97.

His son-in-law Thyagarajan of Sathya Jyothi Films confirmed the news of RM Verappan's death in a statement. "We regret to inform the demise of Mr RM Veerappan today in Appolo hospitals."

After the final respects by Chief Minister MK Stalin to the departed leader, the body will be taken to his Thirumalai Pillai road residence and his funeral rites will be done in Nungambakkam cremation ground by 4 pm tomorrow April 10, Thyagarajan added.

Who was RM Veerappan?

A prolific writer and movie producer, he remained a close aide of MGR throughout his career. As the founder and leader of the MGR Kazhagam party, he held prominent positions in state government, serving as a Cabinet Minister across five administrations from 1977 to 1996.

He also held the distinction of being elected to the Legislative Council three times and to the Legislative Assembly twice.

Distinguished by his leadership roles, he served as the Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly and as the Leader of the ADMK party in the Legislative Council. Instrumental in shaping the ADMK organization, he orchestrated the amalgamation of MGR fan clubs to form the party.

Revered as the 'Chanakya' of AIADMK politics during the 1970s and 1980s, his strategic acumen played a pivotal role in shaping the party's trajectory.

As far as his film career is concerned, Veerappan made numerous Tamil blockbusters, collaborating with nearly every leading star of Kollywood such as MGR, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan.

Among his repertoire of smash hits are iconic titles like 'Naan Aanaiyittal', 'Kaavalkaran', 'Rickshawkaran', 'Kadhal Parisu', 'Kaaki Sattai', 'Moondru Mugam', 'Ranuva Veeran', 'Panakkaran', and 'Baasha'.