Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (17 January 1917 – 24 December 1987), popularly known as M. G. R. was an Indian politician and film actor who served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for over nine years between 1977 and 1987. He was also a philanthropist and a humanitarian icon.In 1988, M.G.R. was awarded India's highest civilian honour,the Bharat Ratna, posthumously.