Long before the eras of MGR–Sivaji, Rajinikanth–Kamal or Vijay–Ajith, Tamil cinema was ruled by its first superstar duo — M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT) and P.U. Chinnappa. While MKT was hailed as Tamil cinema’s first superstar, Chinnappa earned the title of first super-actor. But today, the condition of Chinnappa’s family tells a heartbreaking story.
Born to Lokanatha Pillai and Meenakshi Ammal in Pudukkottai, Chinnappa stepped onto the stage at age five. By twelve, he joined the Madurai Original Boys Company for just ₹15 a month — but his stunning singing talent got him an instant raise to ₹75. It was the first big turning point of his life.
Chinnappa became a celebrated stage hero, trained in wrestling and Silambam, and could lift 190 pounds—a record then. His play Chandrakanta was turned into a film, launching him as “Sundar Rajakumaran.” He soon became Tamil cinema’s first true multi-talent: he could sing, act and perform stunts.
With consecutive superhits like Uttama Putthiran, Kannagi and Jagathalaprathapan, Chinnappa became immortal in Tamil cinema. Even MGR considered him a guru. At the peak of his fame, Chinnappa bought 124 houses and 1,000 acres in Pudukkottai—so much that the king reportedly forbade him from buying more land.
At just 36, Chinnappa suddenly vomited blood while chatting with friends and passed away. After his death, his wife sold their remaining properties and moved to Chennai. The vast wealth he built with hard work vanished — much of it lost to relatives, proxies and people who cheated the family.
Chinnappa named his son Raja Bahaddur, hoping he’d live like a king. He also entered films but never reached his father’s heights. Eventually, the remaining properties were sold, and the once-royal family slipped into debt. Raja Bahaddur’s last screen appearance was a small role in Karagattakaran.
A man who once owned wealth worth crores now has only one memorial in his name — and even that lies neglected and crumbling. PU Chinnappa, Tamil cinema’s forgotten icon, left behind a legacy brighter than his riches… but a family that never recovered from their tragic fall.