Senior makeup artiste L Muthappa died earlier today. He was 75, according to reports. Muthappa has been in the film industry for over five decades and worked with Sivaji Ganesan, MG Ramachandran when they ventured into acting. A family friend of Muthappa told Silverscreen that the make-up man was tasked with getting Sivaji Ganesan camera ready for the iconic social drama Parasakthi.
He went on to work with Superstar Rajinikanth and had a close relationship with the actor. The family friend said that L Muthappa often had small roles in Rajini’s films. “He enjoyed being onscreen and so Rajini sir would give him these guest roles. You can see him in Thambikku Endha Ooru, Velaikkaran and as an astrologer in Annamalai.”
While poor health prevented Muthappa from working in the industry, he still took great joy in catching up with the latest trends in cinema, the spokesperson said.
Muthappa began his career at the behest of director L Subramaniam who recommended his work to producer AV Meiyyappa Chettiar. The makeup artiste swiftly rose through the ranks to become the premier artiste of the times, sought after by actors Sivaji Ganesan, MG Ramachandran and Rajkumar. He was the makeup artiste for Kamal Haasan when he made his debut in Kalathur Kannamma.
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His association with Rajinikanth began with Gayathri. Soon, Muthappa began to set aside other film commitments to become the personal makeup artiste for Rajinikanth. “Rajini sir really respected Muthappa. He would personally invite him to all their family functions. Muthappa has been an important part of his life. He is fond of narrating the first time he met Rajini’s father. Rajini told his father that Muthappa was like a second father to him. Even Muthappa often said that Rajini was like his son.”
Muthappa’s mortal remains have been kept at his home in Chennai. Rajinikanth is expected to arrive later today to pay his respects.
Featured image: Samayam