R.M. Veerappan, a powerful organiser and strategist, also a successful film producer, who hit upon the idea of using the photograph of MGR with a bandage on his neck after being shot by actor M.R. Radha in the 1967 Assembly elections

RMV, as he was called, was also a member in the ministry of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, but was expelled by her in 1995 after he shared a dais with actor Rajinikanth during the success celebrations of the film Baashha, where the actor criticised the AIADMK government “for the deterioration of law and order in the State.”

He is survived by three daughters and three sons.