CHENNAI: Over three decades ago, when rumour spread that AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran had died while in treatment in the US, a video was released showing him in better health. “This was shown to his fans, party cadre and other patrons. It helped the party to win the Assembly elections in 1984, recalled S Chellappan, a minister in MGR’s cabinet.
The one who shot the video was the leader’s friend and industrialist, Palani G Periasamy, who released his autobiography Idhaya Oli (and its English Translation, ‘Heartbeats’) in Chennai on Saturday.
More than an autobiography of the author, the book focuses more on the role that he and some of the cabinet members like R M Veerappan, S Chellappan, H V Hande and S Thirunavukkarasar played in MGR’s life.
“I made sure that our role in MGR’s life is recognised and remembered,” he added.
The other facet of the book, he added, was the ordeals of an industrialist, the difficult journey he had before achieving success. “This book also should be an inspiration to the young entrepreneurs,” Periasamy said.
The first Tamil copy was released by R M Veerappan and received by lyricist Vairamuthu, while the first English copy was received by senior journalist N Ram. Actress B Sarojadevi and former Union minister S Jagathrakshakan also spoke on the occasion.