Mayavaram Krishnasamy Thiyagaraja Bhagavathar (1 March 1910 – 1 November 1959), also known by his initials as M. K. T., was an Indian actor and carnatic singer. Critics and film historians … 展开

Bhagavathar was born Thiyagaraja in Mayiladuthurai (then known as Mayavaram), Tanjore District on 1 March 1910, the eldest son of Krishnasamy Aachary, a goldsmith. A few years after … 展开

F. G. Natesa Iyer, a railway officer with South Indian Railways, Trichy and the founder of an amateur theatre group, Rasika Ranjana Sabha, is credited with introducing Thyagaraja to the stage. One story is that he heard Thyagaja singing at a bhajan. Impressed with … 展开

In 1934, businessmen Lakshmana Chettiar and Alagappa Chettiar and film director K. Subramaniam happened to watch a Hindu mythological play called "Pavalakkodi" in which Bhagavathar played the lead role of Arjuna. Thoroughly impressed with the … 展开

In 1937, Bhagavathar was cast in role of Bilwamangal in the film Chintamani directed by Y. V. Rao. Chintamani was record-breaking success and became the first Tamil film to run continuously for a year. Bhagavathar's songs in the movie were especially popular. The … 展开

Singing
Most of M.K.T.'s songs were devotional with a South Indian classical base. Along with lyricist Papanasam Sivan, M.K.T. composed many songs, including "Unai Alaal", "Neelakanta", "Amba Manam Kanindhu", "Soppana … 展开

MKT turned more towards temples and developed a philosophical attitude towards the end of his life. He undertook journeys to many pilgrimage centres. He lost interest in wealth and popularity.
After 1955, he visited many temples in South India including … 展开