M. Karunanidhi Biography: Education, Age, Net Worth, Death, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Height

Muthuvel Karunanidhi was an Indian politician, writer, and screenwriter best known for his influential role in Tamil Nadu politics as the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu five times between 1969 and 2011.

Apart from politics, he made significant contributions to Tamil literature and cinema, writing powerful film scripts and advocating for social justice. He was widely respected as a cultural icon and a strong proponent of Dravidian ideology until his death.

Profile

• Full Name: Muthuvel Karunanidhi
• Stage Name: M. Karunanidhi
• Born: June 3, 1924
• Died: August 7, 2018 (aged 94)
• Birthplace: Thirukkuvalai, Madras Presidency, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India)
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Politician, Screenwriter, Author
• Height:. 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
• Parents: Muthuvel, Anjugam
• Siblings: Shanmugasundarathammal, Periyanayagam
• Spouse: Padmavathi (deceased), Dayalu Ammal, Rajathi Ammal
• Children: M.K. Muthu, M.K. Stalin, M.K. Alagiri, Selvi, Kanimozhi
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million (at the time of his passing)

Early Life And Education

Muthuvel Karunanidhi was born on June 3, 1924, in Thirukkuvalai, a small village in the Nagapattinam district of the then Madras Presidency, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India).

He was born into a humble Isai Vellalar family, a Tamil-speaking community known for their traditional involvement in music and temple arts. His father was Muthuvel, and his mother was Anjugam. Karunanidhi had two siblings—Shanmugasundarathammal and Periyanayagam.

From a young age, Karunanidhi was drawn to the ideals of social justice and Tamil pride, heavily influenced by the rationalist movement led by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. He practiced Hinduism but was ideologically committed to rationalism and atheism throughout his political life.

Karunanidhi received his early education in his hometown, where he developed a strong interest in Tamil literature, drama, and poetry. Though he didn’t pursue formal higher education, he educated himself through reading and active participation in socio-political movements.

His passion for writing and reformist ideas emerged early, with his first political writings and plays taking shape during his school years. His involvement in the anti-Hindi agitation of the, 1930s and his work with the Dravidar Kazhagam during his teenage years laid the foundation for his long and impactful political journey.

Career

Muthuvel Karunanidhi‘s career was a remarkable blend of politics, literature, and public service, spanning over seven decades. He began his political journey at the young age of 14, inspired by the Dravidian movement led by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. Karunanidhi‘s early involvement in the anti-Hindi agitation of 1938 brought him to the forefront of the Tamil political landscape.

He officially entered politics through the Dravidar Kazhagam, but later joined the newly formed Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) under C. N. Annadurai in 1949. Karunanidhi quickly rose through the ranks of the party due to his oratory skills, writing talent, and organizational abilities.

After Annadurai‘s death in 1969, Karunanidhi became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a position he held five times (1969–71, 1971–76, 1989–91, 1996–2001, and 2006–2011).

Beyond politics, Karunanidhi was a prolific writer and screenwriter. He wrote more than 100 scripts for Tamil films, including classics like Parasakthi, Manohara, and Poompuhar, which often reflected his reformist ideologies and promoted social equality. His contributions to Tamil cinema helped popularize the DMK’s social messages among the masses.

Karunanidhi also served as the DMK president for nearly 50 years, making him one of the longest-serving political party leaders in India. Under his leadership, the DMK implemented numerous social welfare schemes, focused on education, and promoted Tamil language and culture. He remained active in politics until his death in 2018, earning the title Kalaignar (artist), a tribute to his enduring impact on both politics and the arts.

Awards and Nominations

• Tamil Nadu State Government Award for literature
• Several honorary doctorates
• Acknowledged for contributions to Tamil language and literature

Personal Life

Muthuvel Karunanidhi was married and had a large and notable family. He had three wives during his lifetime — Padmavathi (who passed away early), Dayalu Ammal, and Rajathi Ammal. Despite the complexities of his personal life, Karunanidhi managed to maintain cordial relationships within his family, and his children went on to achieve prominence in politics, business, and entertainment.

He had six children in total. From his first wife Padmavathi, he had one son, M. K. Muthu, who became an actor and singer. With his second wife Dayalu Ammal, he had four children: M. K. Alagiri, M. K. Stalin (who is the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu), Selvi, and M. K. Tamilarasu. With his third wife Rajathi Ammal, he had one daughter, Kanimozhi, a well-known politician and Member of Parliament.

Regarding his height, Karunanidhi stood at an approximate height of 5 feet 5 inches.

Filmography

Karunanidhi contributed to several Tamil films as a screenwriter. Notable works include:

• Parasakthi (1952)
• Manohara (1954)
• Thirumbipar
• Poompuhar (based on the epic Silappatikaram)

Net Worth

Muthuvel Karunanidhi had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing. His wealth was primarily derived from his long and successful political career, literary contributions, and involvement in the Tamil film industry.

As a five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a veteran legislator for over six decades, Karunanidhi held various key positions in government and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which provided him both influence and financial stability.

In addition to his political earnings, he was a prolific writer and screenwriter, having penned scripts for over 100 Tamil films. His works were not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful, further contributing to his income.

Karunanidhi also authored numerous books, plays, and essays that were published widely in Tamil Nadu, generating additional revenue and cementing his legacy as a literary icon. His financial standing was the result of a multifaceted career that combined politics, art, and public service.