M. Karunanidhi
Five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and screenwriter
- Lived
- 94 yrs
- 1924 – 2018
- Works listed
- 2
- Screenplay, Historical novel
- Honours
- 0
- Awards & distinctions
- Profile views
- 0
- 0 followers
M. Karunanidhi was a Tamil writer and screenwriter who led the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for almost half a century and served five times as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Known as “Kalaignar” (artist), he never lost an assembly election he contested.
Biography
Writer of the Dravidian movement
Karunanidhi was drawn as a teenager to the Self-Respect movement of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and to C. N. Annadurai. He became a prolific writer of plays, novels and screenplays that carried the Dravidian movement’s rationalist and anti-caste message; his dialogues for the 1952 film Parasakthi made him famous across Tamil Nadu.
Leader of the DMK
Elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1957, he rose through the DMK and became Chief Minister after Annadurai’s death in 1969, also taking over as party president — a post he held until his death in 2018.
He served as Chief Minister in 1969–71, 1971–76, 1989–91, 1996–2001 and 2006–11. His governments are associated with reservations for backward classes, the nationalisation of bus transport, the Samathuvapuram mixed-caste housing settlements and promotion of the Tamil language.
National role
Karunanidhi’s DMK was an important partner in national coalitions, including the National Front, the United Front, the NDA under Vajpayee and the Congress-led UPA, giving him considerable influence over central governments. He was a strong advocate of state autonomy and the Tamil language, and his government secured classical-language status for Tamil in 2004.
Later years and legacy
Karunanidhi won every one of the 13 assembly elections he contested. He died in Chennai on 7 August 2018 at the age of 94 and was buried beside Annadurai on Marina Beach. His son M. K. Stalin succeeded him as DMK president and became Chief Minister in 2021.
Family
He married three times and had six children. His son M. K. Stalin succeeded him as party leader; his daughter Kanimozhi is a poet and DMK MP; and his son M. K. Alagiri was a Union minister. The family’s dominance of the DMK drew criticism of dynastic politics.
Timeline
-
1924
Born in Thirukkuvalai, Tanjore district, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu)
-
1938
Takes part in anti-Hindi agitations as a teenager
-
1952
Writes Parasakthi
Landmark Tamil film; his dialogues become famous.
-
1953
Leads the Kallakudi agitation
-
1957
Elected to the assembly
From Kulithalai.
-
1969
Chief Minister and DMK president
Succeeds C. N. Annadurai.
-
1989
Second spell as Chief Minister
Until 1991.
-
1996
Chief Minister again
Until 2001.
-
2004
Tamil declared a classical language
Under the UPA government his party supported.
-
2006
Fifth term as Chief Minister
Until 2011.
-
2018
Dies in Chennai
On 7 August, aged 94.
-
2018
Died, aged 94
Notable works
-
1952
Parasakthi Screenplay
Film starring Sivaji Ganesan; dialogues by Karunanidhi.
-
—
Thenpandi Singam Historical novel
Did you know?
-
1
He wrote screenplays for more than 70 films.
-
2
His trademark dark glasses and yellow shawl became his public signature.
-
3
He wrote dialogues for films starring both Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran.
-
4
He took part in anti-Hindi protests as a teenager.
-
5
He is buried next to C. N. Annadurai on Marina Beach.
Gallery
Connections
Related people
Frequently asked
Who is M. Karunanidhi?
M. Karunanidhi was a Tamil writer and screenwriter who led the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for almost half a century and served five times as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Known as “Kalaignar” (artist), he never lost an assembly election he contested.
When did M. Karunanidhi die?
M. Karunanidhi died on 7 August 2018 at the age of 94.
Where is M. Karunanidhi from?
M. Karunanidhi was born in Thirukkuvalai, Tanjore district, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).
What is M. Karunanidhi known for?
M. Karunanidhi is best known for Leading the DMK for nearly 50 years; Tamil screenwriting and literature.
Who is M. Karunanidhi married to?
Spouses: Padmavathi, Dayalu Ammal, Rajathi Ammal.
References
- M. Karunanidhi — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- M. Karunanidhi — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- M. Karunanidhi — IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- M. Karunanidhi — Hindi Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Hindi). Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Official website. kalaignarkarunanidhi.com. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- M. Karunanidhi (Q470875) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editors; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal
- First published 26 October 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“M. Karunanidhi.” TrackFame, last updated 26 October 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/m-karunanidhi
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