Rare and unseen pictures of Dravidian icon Muthuvel Karunanidhi

Muthuvel Karunanidhi, popularly known as Kalaignar, was an epitome of determination, persistence and dedication. Karunanidhi's captivating oratory and his hard-work for Dravidian movement made him a household name in Tamil Nadu. Born in Thirukkuvalai village in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi was interested in drama, poetry and literature in his childhood. He also worked as a screenwriter in Tamil cinema and wrote several novels, biographies, historical novels, stage-plays, dialogues and movie songs. Inspired by a speech of Alagiriswamii of the Justice Party, Karunanidhi entered politics at the age of 14. As he struck a chord with the local community, he became a student leader. At the age of 33, he won the first assembly election from Kulithalai constituency in 1957. He completed 60 years as a legislator after winning the 13 assembly elections without break. He was the only Indian politician, who had completed almost 50 years as a president of a political party.

Muthuvel Karunanidhi with Indira Gandhi.

Chief Minister of Rajasthan Hari Dev Joshi (L) with Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Muthuvel Karunanidhi (R) in New Delhi during 1973.

National Front leaders (from left) N T Rama Rao, V P Singh and M Karunanidhi during the release of the party's manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, in New Delhi on October 21, 1989.

Tamil film maker K Balachander (r) with M Karunanidhi (c) in the year 1970.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in conversation with Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi (centre) and finance minister Nedunchezian, when they called on her in Madras on October 5, 1969.