MK Muthu, son of Karunanidhi and former actor, passes away at 77

Once positioned as a political heir apparent in the 1970s, Muthu’s career took a cinematic turn when Karunanidhi introduced him to the Tamil film industry.

MK Muthu, the eldest son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 77. He breathed his last at his residence in Chennai's Injambakkam.

He had reportedly been battling age-related health complications for several years. His mortal remains have been kept at home for public homage.

Born to Padmavathi, Karunanidhi’s first wife and daughter of celebrated musician Chidambaram Padagasundaram Pillai, Muthu was Karunanidhi’s firstborn and the half-brother of current Chief Minister MK Stalin. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, Thenmozhi, who is married to CavinKare MD CK Ranganathan.

Once positioned as a political heir apparent in the 1970s, Muthu’s career took a cinematic turn when Karunanidhi introduced him to the Tamil film industry.

He debuted in Pillaiyo Pillai (1972), a film written by the late DMK patriarch. This was also widely seen as an attempt to counter the meteoric rise of actor-turned-politician MG Ramachandran (MGR), who had recently broken away from the DMK to form the AIADMK.

Despite acting in a few films, including Anaiya Vilakku and Pookkari, Muthu’s film career quickly lost steam.

His relationship with Karunanidhi grew increasingly strained due to personal struggles, including reported battles with alcoholism.

Later, in a dramatic political shift, Muthu joined the AIADMK, his father's arch-rival party, though he never gained political prominence. The rift lingered for decades until a reconciliation took place in 2009 as Muthu’s health began to decline.

Muthu remained mostly out of the spotlight in recent years, living a largely private life.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Stalin visited his late brother’s home to offer condolences. As a mark of respect, the DMK cancelled all official engagements for the day.