Karunanidhi was 94. (Express photo archive)
Politician-screenwriter M. Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday. He was 94. Karunanidhi started his career as a screenwriter in Tamil films. His first film as a writer released in 1947, but appreciation came his way after his 1952 film Parasakthi. The 1952 film also marked the debut of Sivaji Ganeshan and was the story of a family that faces many trials during World War II. The film was criticised at the time of its release as its content was quite bold in terms of its ideology. Karunanidhi was not afraid of expressing his thoughts when it came to a film’s script. Many of his films spoke about subjects like widow remarriage, abolition of zamindari and untouchability among other issues. A few of his plays were banned in the 1950s because of their content. For him, cinema was a vehicle of presenting his political thoughts and ideologies. His last film as a screenwriter was Ponnar Shankar that released in 2011.
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Allu Arjun tweeted, "KALAIGNAR. Patriarch of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. 5 times CM, 6 Decades Of Political Career, Bhishma Pitamah of TN Politics, Dravidian Pride . Condolences to Family, Followers & every Tamilian. May his soul RIP #Karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar"
Kajal Aggarwal posted on Twitter, "Very disturbed by the news of our former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi ji passing away. Such a legend. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions who feel his loss. #RIPKalaingar"
“Today, we have lost a great leader of Tamil Nadu. His contribution to Tamil and Tamil people can never be forgotten. As an actor, I am blessed to get a chance to act in his movie, which will be unforgettable for me. He will forever live in every tamil person's heart. My deepest condolences to his family," Namitha said in a statement.
Rajinikanth requests Tamil Nadu government to allot space for Karunanidhi near Anna memorial at Marina Beach.
Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan tweeted, "The sun that worked non-stop has finally gone to sleep. Sir, your contributions to Tamil language, literature, cinema and politics will live on forever."
In a heartfelt post, Tamil actor and star Dhanush took to Twitter to express sadness at the death of the late leader. He wrote, "To the oppressed people, he was the sun of self-respect that burnt down inequality, transforming it into gold. He introduced the world of politics with Parasakthi, kicking open the doors of cinema to the laymen. We bid adieu, saluting you with tears."
Actor Jayam Ravi also expressed his grief at Karunanidhi's death and shared a picture of himself with the late politician. The tweet read, 'Your love and support towards us will never be forgotten.'
"India has lost a towering personality, an elder statesman, a seasoned politician in the passing of Karunanidhiji this evening. It is an irreparable loss for the DMK & for Tamil Nadu politics in particular. Indeed, they have lost a guiding light. May his soul rest in peace," Hema Malini said via Twitter.
Parvatii Nair shared on Twitter, "Rest in Peace Kalaignar Karunanidhi - a Leader by all means. Your contributions to the welfare of Tamil language and Tamilnadu will speak across generations. The SUN will shine in our hearts always. #Karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar #u0b95u0bb2u0bc8u0b9eu0bb0u0bcd #KauveryHospital"
Mohan Babu wrote on Twitter, "A true legend, a leader of masses and always lead by example, Sri. Karunanidhi leaves a huge void. My condolences to Brothers Stalin and Alagiri and their families. He touched millions of lives with his policies, gave hope to millions and inspired millions with his writing."
RJ Balaji posted on Twitter, "Its absolutely disgraceful to deny #Marina4Kalaignar . The man deserve this respect and more. Come on, This is not the time for pettiness and political rivalries. Show some class and sensiblity. #Reconsider"
Tamil Film Producers Council on Tuesday announced that there will be no shooting of movies on Wednesday.
Ranganathan Madhavan said, "Saddened hearing the demise of one of this nation's most dynamic leader and writer. May his soul Rest In Peace. Condolences to the entire party, family and supporters."
Lakshmi Manchu tweeted, "One of the most senior veteran politician and a great soul, Karunanidhi sir left us today. We salute your contribution towards the development of Tamil Nadu as a state, to its literature & the film industry as a screen writer. My hearfelt condolences to the family. #RIPKalaignar"
Manoj Kumar Manchu shared on Twitter, "From a screen writer in Tamil industry to being the CM of Tamil Nadu for 5 times...The most senior leader who completed 50yrs as DMK president! Respect to Karunanidhi garu & his contribution to the state & Tamil literature. Deepest condolences to his family. #RIPKalaignar 🙏"
"A one man army..Fighter.. Writer..Politician..A man with many faces..75 years...No man can achieve what he did..I'm sure even after this he will continue to live on in all our hearts...#Respect #Karunanidhi #RIP sir.. strength to his family..A true #Leader in very way..@mkstalin," Varu Sarathkumar said via Twitter.
"Dark day for us, my mind and heart is full of memories of this tall leader @kalaignar89 , man who instilled and strived for the pride of Tamils. His spirit will always live on, will miss him terribly. A tall and great leader gone, bid him a tearful adieu," Radikaa Sarathkumar said via Twitter.
Yuvan Shankar Raja wrote on Twitter, "Tamil Nadu has lost a great leader of our times. We people and Our #Tamil language will miss #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi my deepest condolences to the entire family members"
Vishal posted on Twitter, "Deeply saddened 2 hear dat our iconic leader #KalaignarKarunanidhi ayya is no more. An irreplaceable leader. nobody cn match his contribution n politics and cinema. My deepest condolences 2 his family n his followers. RIP. i request Tn govt 2 allot marina beach"
Riteish Deshmukh said, "Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir."
Rajinikanth tweeted, "This day will remain a black day in my life for I lost my Kalaignar today. Let his soul rest in peace."
"An irreplaceable loss. And the end of a great era. Writer, Author, Screen Writer, Orator and one of the greatest leaders of our time. A revolutionary. But more than all of the many facets to his persona his love for tamizh and his people stand tallest. The opportunity I had to play him in Manis film is something I miss today. All of my meetings with him are fond memories discussing cinema, politics and literature. Deeply saddened by this loss," said Malayalam superstar Mammootty.
Gautami shared on Twitter, "Deeply grieved at passing of Kalaignar avl. His place in TN history is distinct & he's inspired countless to follow their calling in cinema & politics. His loss is irreplacable. My heartfelt condolences to his family&legions of followers. May his soul RIP"
"Today we have lost one of our tallest leaders #kalaignarkarunanidhi. His contribution to Tamil Nadu & its people is immense. He will live on in our hearts. #RIP @kalaignar89," Sangeeth Sivan said via Twitter.
Kichcha Sudeep wrote on Twitter, "The country will always remember this Amazing personality and Leader ,,,Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji for his huge contribution to Tamil Nadu. RIP sir."
Vikram Prabhu posted on Twitter, "Grandad’s oldest friend, his best man at his wedding, a part of the family even before the brand Sivaji came in to the industry & a well wisher of all things related to Annai illam . We will miss you Aiyah 😔🙏#கலைஞர் 🙏 #Legend 🙏"
Siddharth tweeted, "The Last #Tamil Titan has fallen. Former TN CM #MKarunanidhi was an incomparable man. #TamilNadu has lost at once its greatest contemporary political and creative enigma. Our beautiful language #Tamil will miss #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi This void he has left will take ages to fill."