MGR's nephew Sugumar passed away

M G C Sugumar, a former actor who bore a striking resemblance to his uncle, the late MGR, passed away in Chennai on Thursday afternoon. He was 60.

He had undergone a bypass surgery last Wednesday and was discharged from the hospital on December 31. "He complained of uneasiness on Thursday and we took him to the hospital, but he died around 1.30 pm," said his brother M C Rajendran. He is survived by his wife, daughter and eight of his siblings, all of whom were with him when he breathed his last.

Fifth among the ten children of MGR's brother M G Chakrapani, Sugumar had an early interest in films, debuting as hero in Kunkumam Kadhai Solgiradhu (1978). Directed by Shankar, the film was Sugumar's own production. Karadi and Porkalam were the other films he acted. His uncle MGR neither encouraged nor discouraged him, merely observing, "Each has to come up on his own merit in this world." Sukumar entered politics in 1987, but it was a short career. S.Thirunavukkarasar MP condoles for the death of his 'close friend' Sugumar and said, "he is a gem and open minded!'

His last rites will be held on Friday afternoon at the Anna Nagar crematorium.