Though initially famous for being named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, MK grew into prominence within the DMK and went on to become the mayor state capital Chennai as well as the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

A known favourite of the leader and the working president of DMK, MK Stalin was the third son of Karunanidhi and the second with his wife Dayalu Ammal.

He has three children - two daughters and one son, Dayanidhi Azhagiri.

Karunanidhi's second son, and the first with Dayalu Ammal, MK Azhagiri is a former member of DMK and ex-cabinet minister for Chemicals and Industries under the UPA government between 20.

Apart from acting in a few Tamil movies, his influence was not as extensive as some of his siblings. MK Muthu was Karunanidhi's eldest son who, like his mother Padmavathi, died before his time.The late Karunanidhi reportedly treated both his wives with respect and their children, as equals. The loophole that had kept Karunanidhi out of jail was the fact that a complaint against the polygamist can be filed only by the wife he married first.īut the two women themselves treat each other like sisters, notes a report by Outlook, and since Dayalu Ammal had no qualms with her husband marrying another woman, Karunanidhi was essentially a polygamist, even if the third marriage was not recognised in the court of law. And the DMK chief had managed to evade prosecution despite polygamy being made illegal in India 55 years ago. If there's one thing the DMK leader was infamous for, it was for how unabashedly he practiced polygamy.Īfter the demise of his first wife, Padmavathi, who died young, Karunanidhi had married not once, but twice - to Dayalu Ammal and Rajathi Ammal, both of whom are alive, though living in separate homes.

Though this comes as no surprise given the authority Karunanidhi commands coupled with the size of his family.

It can be noted that the 94-year-old leader himself was an established scriptwriter, having written for almost 40 films in the last 60 years.Īnyone who is even remotely aware of the influence the Karunanidhi family enjoys would know that their power goes far beyond politics and extends deep into the Tamil entertainment industry. The late DMK chief's grandchildren and nephews have stakes in at least nine companies related to production, distribution and sales rights in the Tamil film industry. While one son has held the post of a deputy chief minister and another served in the cabinet of the former UPA government, Karunanidhi's grandchildren own multiple production houses in the Tamil film industry while his influential nephews have monopolized power in the entertainment sector. What's noteworthy is that the Karunanidhi family found a way to influence the people of Tamil Nadu by making their presence felt in every single home - through the television screens.

Kalaignar karunanidhi family tree