Chennai: There are many actors among humans. But, if there was one human amongst actors, it is Puratchi Thalaivar MGR, said former Health Minister Dr H V Hande, at the launch of his book ‘Critical Years of an Immortal Legend (MGR)’ at Anna Auditorium, Chepauk, Thursday.
State Fisheries Minister and self-confessed ‘huge fan’ of MGR, D Jayakumar, released Dr Hande’s book and announced that he will buy Rs 1 lakh worth of the books that is equal to his one-month salary.
In the book, Dr Hande has recalled personal and memorable accounts from his association with former Tamilnadu Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran.
It is to be noted that Dr Hande was made the Health Minister of the State by MGR in 1977. Dr Hande accompanied MGR to Brooklyn Hospital when he was seriously ill and played a critical role in the treatment provided for the legendary actor-politician.
Speaking at the event, Dr Hande said, “Though I have worked closely with a few important political leaders in the past, MGR has been my source of inspiration in every aspect of my life. When I accompanied him to the US for treatment, I recorded my memories. The eureka moment to write the book came during an event I attended in Kuala Lumpur in connection with the MGR centenary celebrations. After I delivered my speech there about Puratchi Thalaivar, people in the audience urged me to bring all my accounts in the form of a book.”
“The book not only recounts the days during MGR’s treatment in the United States, but also the important events on his return to Tamilnadu after the treatment,” added Dr Hande.
Former ministers Ponnaiyyan and Gokula Indira, former MLA J C D Prabhakaran, businessman Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti, BJP leader L Ganesan, actress Latha were among the dignitaries present. They recounted memories from their experiences, interacting with MGR.