PM Narendra Modi called former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran as true icon of Tamil cinema and visionary leader on his birth day. “Today, on his birth anniversary we remember and celebrate the life of the great MGR. He was a true icon of Tamil cinema and a visionary leader. His films, particularly those on social justice and empathy, won hearts beyond the silver screen. As a leader and Chief Minister, he worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s growth and development. His work continues to inspire us,” wrote PM Narendra Modi on his social media handle on X (formerly Twitter). January 17 is former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and PM Modi and other political leaders paid tributes to this popular actor-turned-politician. MGR was part of the DMK but he quit the party and founded the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in 1972.