MGR Illam gives a glimpse into a charismatic actor-politician’s life

Explore the museum of former Chief Minister MGR, bequeathed to his fans and followers in T. Nagar, Chennai with its unique blue metal arch and soft yellow polished mosaic floors.

It is a place that can be easily missed in T. Nagar unless you look for it specifically.

In Arcot Street off Thanikachalam Road around 500 feet away from the Pondy Bazaar pedestrian plaza is MGR Illam, a museum that former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (generally known as MGR) bequeathed to his fans and followers.

It is a nondescript place with just a blue metal arch proclaiming its presence besides a board at the entrance to the street. On many days the place is quiet. But on MGR’s birthday on January 17 and on his death anniversary on December 24 people flock to the place.

The two-storey structure, built probably in the mid-20th century, has soft yellow polished mosaic floors. Visitors must leave their footwear outside before entering the building. The outside is sparse with a bust of the former Chief Minister facing the road inside a mandapam.

There are nearly a dozen rooms inside the building. On the ground floor are gifts and awards presented to him by his fans and members of the political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), that he founded.

The blue Ambassador car that he owned finds pride of place. The number plate 4777 is unique as it was on July 4, 1977, that he assumed office as the CM of Tamil Nadu. The car is fitted with a television as well. Television was a rarity until early 1990s in middle class households even in Chennai. The man who keeps an eye on the visitors, P. Palani Andavar, says the car would run if the battery were installed.