MGR called me his artistic heir: K.Bhagyaraj

In a bid to do some quick damage control after his misogynistic speech on sexual assault received flak and spawned court cases, veteran director and actor Bhagyaraj said at a recent event that the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the legendary MGR, had described him as his ‘artistic heir’after watching his films, which always glorified women.

Recalling an incident featuring the iconic actor at the audio launch of Naan Avalai Sandhittha Pothu, he said, “Once MGR asked the men to stay back and the ladies to leave first after one of his massive meetings got over. Later, he explained, ‘If the entire crowd moves together, the ladies might find it difficult to go out. I didn’t want them to get heckled.” That's the kind of concern he had for women. Being an ardent follower of MGR, why would I speak ill of women? People misconstrued my speech.”

Naan Avalai …  directed by LG Ravichander of Maasani fame, is set in 1996 with Santhosh Pratap and Chandiniare in the lead. The film is inspired by the director’s own life story. VT Ritish Kumar, who produced the film, has doubled up as an actor. Two songs composed by Hitesh Muruhavel were screened for a select gathering.