When actor MR Radha shot MGR: How a 1967 assassination attempt reshaped Tamil Nadu

On January 12, 1967, actor-politician MGR was the target of an assassination attempt carried out by his fellow film industry colleague MR Radha. The incident occurred at MGR's residence in Nandambakkam, Tamil Nadu. Radha and another producer, KK Vasu, had visited MGR's home to discuss a new project, where they were the only three people present.

According to MGR, Radha stood up and moments later, a loud noise was heard, after which he felt shooting pain and saw blood. He claimed he then shot himself in the right temple and neck. Radha, however, stated that MGR scolded him about negative articles he had written and that he heard a loud noise followed by MGR brandishing a gun. Radha claims he grabbed the gun, fired back reflexively, and MGR fled the scene, calling for an ambulance.

Both men were admitted to the Government Royapettah Hospital, with Radha eventually being transferred to the Government General Hospital. The news spread quickly, and a riot-like situation ensued, with people pelting stones at public property. The police intervened with lathis and tear gas to restore order. In hospital, MGR took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution before filing his nomination for the St Thomas Mount assembly constituency in Madras State.

The trial took months, with the prosecution arguing that Radha had visited MGR's house with intentions of assassinating him due to political animosity, professional jealousy, and personal prejudice. They also alleged that Radha, a Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) supporter, harbored extreme views against MGR, who belonged to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The defence, on the other hand, argued that the incident was an accident and that Radha brought a loaded weapon to MGR's house.

After a lengthy legal battle, Radha was sentenced to five years in prison, a reduction from the original seven-year sentence in humanitarian grounds. The incident significantly impacted the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, marking a turning point in the relationship between MGR and Radha, both as individuals and as political figures.