Pulamaipithan, poet and M.G.R.’s image builder, is no more

Pulamaipithan was also active in politics and served as Deputy Chairman of the now-abolished Legislative Council between 1980-83, as well as the chairperson of the AIADMK presidium till 2003

Poet Pulamaipithan, whose songs gave a fillip to the films and political career of AIADMK founder and late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, died in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 88 and is survived by his wife. Born in Pallapalayam in Coimbatore, his real name was Ramaswamy. He studied the now-defunct four-year ‘Pulavar’ course to become a Tamil scholar. His in-depth knowledge of Tamil and ancient literature found manifestation in his career as a lyricist in films. He adopted the pseudonym ‘Pulamaipithan’. He was active in politics and served as Deputy Chairman of the now-abolished Legislative Council between 1980-83. Pulamaipithan was also chairperson of the AIADMK presidium for a few years, till 2003. He also had a stint as the poet-laureate of the State government.