Mugen Rao Explained
| Background: | solo singer |
| Birth Name: | Mugen Rao |
| Birth Date: | 20 October 1995 |
| Occupation: | Actor, singer |
| Years Active: | 2009–present |
Mugen Rao (born in 1995) is a Malaysian singer[1] and film actor in Tamil films. In 2019, he won Season 3 of Bigg Boss Tamil. He is sometimes known as MGR.[2]
Personal life
Mugen was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, one of three children.[2] His father, Prakash Rao, died in 2020.[3]
Career
He began his singing career with his father, a stage singer, and performed in fifty stage shows.[2] [4] He made his acting debut in the Malay TV show Senandung Malam, then had small parts in films including Gerak Khas and Ghora, in shorts, TV films, and advertising.[2]
Rao's career took off in 2016, when his music video "Kayalvizhi" went viral on YouTube.[5] His later music videos include "Anbe Aruyire", "Pogiren", "Mayakkurriye", and "Oththa Thamarai", which was shot in 2022 using virtual production technology.[6]
In 2019, he was the first Malaysian contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil edition, and emerged as the winner.[5] [7] While on Bigg Boss Tamil, he sang the unreleased song "Sathiyama", which was only officially released in 2020.[8] He then moved to Chennai and sought to break into Tamil cinema.[9] [10]
He signed a three-film deal in 2020,[11] and was announced at the time to have a leading role in Vettri.[12] He played the lead in Velan, directed by Kavin Moorthy and released in December 2021.[13] [14] [15] In 2022, he began filming Mathil Mel Kadhal alongside Divya Bharathi.[16]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Film | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|
| 2018 | Ghora | Adhitya | Malaysian film |
| Haran | Abdu |
| Hey Coffeelopher | Ram |
| 2019 | Venpa | Yuvaraj Balakrishnan | Malaysian film (Special Appearance in Thandayuthabaaniye song) |
| 2021 | Velan | Velan | Also singer and lyricist |
| Vettri | | |
| Madhil Mel Kaadhal | | |
| Kaadhal Enbathu Saabama | | |
| Jinn | | [17] | |
Short films
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|
| 2017 | I am Peter | |
| 2018 | Light Up Someone's Life | | |
Television
Actor
| Year | Serial/Telemovie/Drama | Role | Channel | Language | Notes |
|---|
| 2009 | Senandung Malam | Paperboy | | | |
| 2010 | Da Bomba | Supporting | | | |
| 2011 | Gerak Khas | Supporting | | | |
| 2012 | Sindiket Fixie | Supporting | | | |
| 2012 | Rumah Kecil Itu | Supporting | | | |
| 2014 | Rembau Ada WiFi | Supporting | | | |
| 2016 | ASTRO Sitcom: Barber | Main Cast | | | |
| 2016 | Veetuku Oru Paati | Main Cast | | | |
| 2016 | Ippadiyum Pannalama | Main Cast | | | |
| 2017 | Agam Puram | | | | |
| 2018 | Sekuriti | | | | |
| 2018 | Sugamaana Sumaigal | | | | |
| 2019 | Nee Yaar | Main Cast | | | Best TV Drama Actor award | |
Reality shows (non fiction)
| Year | Reality Show/Fiction/Live Show | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|
| 2016 | 360 Degrees: Season 11 | Anchor | | |
| 2017 | 360 Degrees: Season 12 | Anchor | | |
| 2017 | Chinna Kabali | Anchor | | |
| 2017 | Astro Ponggal | Anchor | | |
| 2018 | Astro Ponggal | Anchor | | |
| 2019 | KL to KK: Let's roll | Host | Astro Ulagam | |
| 2019 | Bigg Boss Tamil 3 | Contestant | | Winner[19] |
| 2019 | Super Singer 7 | Guest | | [20] |
| 2020 | Dancing Super Stars | Judge | | | |
Discography
Singer
- Note: When he is credited as the composer, he is credited as Mugen Rao MGR.
| Year | Song | Composer(s) | Co-singer(s) | Writer(s) | Ref. |
|---|
| 2014 | "Kaadhaley Kannir" | Coruz Hooks | A'sha, Coruz Hooks | Mugen Rao | |
| 2015 | "Ring-Eh" | Razor Ray | A Sha | [21] |
| 2016 | "Kayalvizhi" | Coruz Hooks | Solo | |
| 2018 | "Pogiren" | Prashan Sean | Prashan Sean | |
| "Abinaya | Shane Extreme, Mugen Rao | Solo | |
| 2019 | "Yenggedi" | Shane Extreme | Solo | [22] |
| "Maya" | Mugen Rao | Solo | |
| "Sathiyama" | Mugen Rao, Shane Extreme | Priyashankari | |
| 2020 | "Arivum Anbum" | | | Kamal Haasan | [23] |
| "Thedinen" | Mugen Rao, Shane Extreme | Solo | Mugen Rao | |
| 2021 | | Gopi Sundar, Mugen Rao | | |
| Gopi Sundar | Solo | Lalithanand | |
| 2022 | | Mugen Rao, Vivasvan | Solo | Mugen Rao, Vivasvan | |
| 2023 | "Murugan Cassette Vol.1" | Mugen Rao | Havoc Brothers | Mugen Rao | | |
Actor in music videos
| Year | Song | Music | Notes |
|---|
| 2014 | "Anbe Aaruyirae" | Prashan Sean | |
| 2015 | "Aayiram Sorkal" | Emzzie Boi | Also co-lyricist |
| 2016 | "Kadhal Enbathu Saabama" | Lawrence Soosai | |
| "Nanba Vaa" | | |
| 2022 | "Mayakirriye" | AniVee | |
| "Othai Thamarai" | Sandy Sandellow | |
| 2023 | "Single Aayiten Di" | | |
| "Makka Makka" | | | |
Notes and References
- News: Sriram Ranganath . Bigg Boss Tamil 3, Day 100 Written Update: How Mugen Rao Made The 100th Day Extra Special . . 2 October 2019 . 23 November 2022 . 2 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191002133651/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/bigg-boss-tamil-3-day-100-written-update-how-mugen-rao-made-the-100th-day-extra-special-2110848 . live .
- News: Bigg Boss Tamil 3: From being influenced by gangster culture in Malaysia to a talented lyricist, lesser known facts of Mugen Rao . . 24 June 2019 . 23 November 2022 . 23 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221123024919/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-3-from-being-influenced-by-gangster-culture-in-malaysia-to-a-talented-lyricist-lesser-known-facts-of-mugen-rao/photostory/69927524.cms . live .
- News: Mugen Rao's father passes away. IndiaGlitz. 28 January 2020. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062808/https://www.indiaglitz.com/mugen-rao-father-prakash-rao-passed-away-bigg-boss-3-title-winner-tamil-news-252210. live.
- Web site: EXCLUSIVE: Velan Interview With Malaysian Actor Mugen Rao - Varnam MY. 31 December 2021. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928153128/https://varnam.my/51260/exclusive-velan-interview-with-malaysian-actor-mugen-rao/. live.
- News: Malaysian Mugen Rao wins India's 'Bigg Boss 3' reality TV show. Malay Mail. 27 October 2019. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062812/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/07/malaysian-mugen-rao-wins-indias-bigg-boss-3-reality-tv-show/1797830. live.
- News: M Suganth . Shoot at Site: Mugen's new music video is shot using virtual production technology . Times Of India . 25 March 2022 . 20 November 2022 . 20 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062810/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shoot-at-site-mugens-new-music-video-is-shot-using-virtual-production-technology/articleshow/90426376.cms . live .
- News: Mugen Rao wins Bigg Boss Tamil season 3 MGR. The Hindu. 7 October 2019. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062807/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/mugen-rao-wins-bigg-boss-tamil-season-3/article29612665.ece. live.
- Web site: WATCH: Mugen Rao's Infamous Tune, Sathiyama is Finally on YouTube! - Varnam MY. 2 May 2020. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928150409/https://varnam.my/20982/watch-mugen-raos-infamous-tune-sathiyama-is-finally-out/. live.
- News: Gautam Sunder . Mugen Rao can't wait to conquer the world, beginning with Kollywood first . The Hindu . 15 October 2019 . 23 November 2022 . 20 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062811/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bigg-boss-tamil-winner-mugen-rao-cant-wait-to-conquer-the-world-beginning-with-kollywood-first/article29690101.ece . live .
- Web site: Mugen Rao Ranks 11th on the Chennai Times 30 Most Desirable Men 2019 - Varnam MY. 16 March 2020. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928151453/https://varnam.my/18940/mugen-rao-made-it-to-the-chennai-times-list-of-30-most-desirable-men-2019/. live.
- Web site: Malaysian artiste Mugen Rao signs deal to star in 3 Kollywood movies. The Star. 29 September 2020. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120141429/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/09/23/malaysian-artiste-mugen-rao-signs-deal-to-star-in-3-kollywood-movies. live.
- Web site: 'Bigg Boss' winner Mugen Rao, Miss India Anukreethy Vas to debut in 'Vettri'. The Hindu. 28 September 2020. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062812/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bigg-boss-winner-mugen-rao-miss-india-anukreethy-vas-to-debut-in-vettri/article32716000.ece. live.
- News: Mugen looked perfect for the role of Pollachi native boy in Velan: Director Kavin. Times Of India. 22 December 2021. 23 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120063145/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mugen-looked-perfect-for-the-role-of-pollachi-native-boy-in-velan-director-kavin/articleshow/88433733.cms. live.
- News: Bhuvanesh Chandar . Velan to feature Mugen Rao in two looks; first look out . . 26 April 2021 . 23 November 2022 . 20 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062816/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/apr/26/velan-to-feature-mugen-rao-in-two-looks-first-look-out-24169.html . live .
- Web site: Mugen Rao's Velan cleared with a clean 'U' certificate. Times Of India. 7 November 2021. 20 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062812/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mugen-raos-velan-cleared-with-a-clean-u-certificate/articleshow/88141926.cms. live.
- News: Sharanya CR . Mugen Rao & Divya Bharathi's Mathil Mel Kadhal is a love story set in Chennai . Times Of India . 2 December 2021 . 23 November 2022 . 20 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120064007/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mugen-rao-divya-bharathis-mathil-mel-kadhal-is-a-love-story-set-in-chennai/articleshow/88034505.cms . live .
- News: Chandhini R . Mugen Rao's next titled Jinn; Film commences production . . 18 January 2023 . 19 January 2023 . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119035523/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/jan/18/mugen-raos-next-titled-jinn-film-commences-production-38930.html . live .
- Web site: 22 August 2023. ‘MY3’: First look of Hansika, Shanthnu, Mugen’s web series out. www.thehindu.com. en. 5 October 2023. 4 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230904192853/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/my3-first-look-of-hansika-shanthnu-mugens-web-series-out/article67222579.ece. live.
- Web site: Bigg Boss winner Mugen Rao continues to dream bigger dreams. www.nst.com.my. 20 November 2022. 20 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062809/https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2019/11/535298/bigg-boss-winner-mugen-rao-continues-dream-bigger-dreams. live.
- Web site: WATCH: Mugen Rao Performs with Anirudh at the Super Singer Finale - Varnam MY. 11 November 2019. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928152050/https://varnam.my/13926/watch-mugen-rao-performs-with-anirudh-at-the-super-singer-finale/. live.
- Web site: Ring Eh Song Lyrics - Mugen Rao (MGR, 2014). 30 September 2020. www.exlyrics.com. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928161815/https://www.exlyrics.com/ring-eh-song-lyrics-in-english-mugen-rao/. live.
- Web site: Mugen's 'Yenggedi' Receives Praises From India's Popular Playback Singer Suchitra On Twitter! - Varnam MY. 14 October 2020. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928151557/https://varnam.my/31735/mugens-yenggedi-received-praises-from-indias-popular-playback-singer-suchitra-on-twitter/. live.
- Web site: Mugen Rao Joins Kamal Hassan and Other Big Names for the Track Arivum Anbum! - Varnam MY. 24 April 2020. 5 October 2023. 28 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230928151300/https://varnam.my/20601/kamal-haasan-mugen-rao-yuvan-and-other-kollywood-celebs-come-together-for-a-song-arivum-anbum/. live.
