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Before Rajinikanth and Sivaji Ganesan, there was M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar — or MKT, as fans fondly called him. With his melodious voice, divine looks, and unmatched screen presence, he became Tamil cinema’s first megastar in the 1930s and 1940s, adored by audiences across South India.

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Born on March 1, 1910, in Trichy to a poor family of goldsmiths, Thyagaraja showed an extraordinary talent for Carnatic music from a young age. His passion for performance soon took him from temple singing to the theatre stage, where his journey toward superstardom began.

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Starting out as a stage performer and classical vocalist in the late 1920s, Thyagaraja earned the title “Bhagavathar,” meaning one who sings in devotion. His deep connection with music and his ability to conve

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