Mugen Rao
{{Short description|Indian singer (born 1995)}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| background = solo singer
| image = Mugen_Rao.jpg
| caption = Rao in 2020
| birth_name = Mugen Rao
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|10|20|df=y}}
| occupation = Actor, singer
| years_active = 2009–present
| website = {{url|www.mugenrao.com}}
| other_names = MGR
}}
Mugen Rao (born in 20 October 1995) is a Malaysian singer and actor who predominately appears in Tamil films. In 2019, he participated in the reality show Bigg Boss 3 and later emerged as the winner.{{cite news |url=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 |title=Bigg Boss Tamil 3: From being influenced by gangster culture in Malaysia to a talented lyricist, lesser known facts of Mugen Rao |newspaper=Times of India |date=24 June 2019 |access-date=23 November 2022 |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author=Sriram Ranganath |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/bigg-boss-tamil-3-day-100-written-update-how-mugen-rao-made-the-100th-day-extra-special-2110848 |title=Bigg Boss Tamil 3, Day 100 Written Update: How Mugen Rao Made The 100th Day Extra Special |website=NDTV |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=23 November 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }} He is also known for playing lead roles in films such as Ghora (2018) and Velan (2021).
Personal life
Mugen was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, one of three children. His father, Prakash Rao, died in 2020.{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/mugen-rao-father-prakash-rao-passed-away-bigg-boss-3-title-winner-tamil-news-252210|title=Mugen Rao's father passes away|website=IndiaGlitz|date=28 January 2020|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}
Career
He began his singing career with his father, a stage singer, and performed in fifty stage shows.{{Cite web|url=https://varnam.my/51260/exclusive-velan-interview-with-malaysian-actor-mugen-rao/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Velan Interview With Malaysian Actor Mugen Rao - Varnam MY|date=31 December 2021|access-date=5 October 2023|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928153128/https://varnam.my/51260/exclusive-velan-interview-with-malaysian-actor-mugen-rao/|url-status=live}} 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.
Rao's career took off in 2016, when his music video "Kayalvizhi" went viral on YouTube.{{Cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/07/malaysian-mugen-rao-wins-indias-bigg-boss-3-reality-tv-show/1797830|title=Malaysian Mugen Rao wins India's 'Bigg Boss 3' reality TV show|website=Malay Mail|date=27 October 2019|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}} His later music videos include "Anbe Aruyire", "Pogiren", "Mayakkurriye", and "Oththa Thamarai", which was shot in 2022 using virtual production technology.{{Cite news |author=M Suganth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shoot-at-site-mugens-new-music-video-is-shot-using-virtual-production-technology/articleshow/90426376.cms |title=Shoot at Site: Mugen's new music video is shot using virtual production technology |website=Times Of India |date=25 March 2022 |access-date=20 November 2022 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}
In 2019, he was the first Malaysian contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil edition, and emerged as the winner.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/mugen-rao-wins-bigg-boss-tamil-season-3/article29612665.ece|title=Mugen Rao wins Bigg Boss Tamil season 3 MGR|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 October 2019|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120062807/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/mugen-rao-wins-bigg-boss-tamil-season-3/article29612665.ece|url-status=live}} While on Bigg Boss Tamil season 3, he sang the unreleased song "Sathiyama", which was only officially released in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://varnam.my/20982/watch-mugen-raos-infamous-tune-sathiyama-is-finally-out/|title=WATCH: Mugen Rao's Infamous Tune, Sathiyama is Finally on YouTube! - Varnam MY|date=2 May 2020|access-date=5 October 2023|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928150409/https://varnam.my/20982/watch-mugen-raos-infamous-tune-sathiyama-is-finally-out/|url-status=live}} He then moved to Chennai and sought to break into Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |author=Gautam Sunder |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bigg-boss-tamil-winner-mugen-rao-cant-wait-to-conquer-the-world-beginning-with-kollywood-first/article29690101.ece |title=Mugen Rao can't wait to conquer the world, beginning with Kollywood first |website=The Hindu |date=15 October 2019 |access-date=23 November 2022 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://varnam.my/18940/mugen-rao-made-it-to-the-chennai-times-list-of-30-most-desirable-men-2019/|title=Mugen Rao Ranks 11th on the Chennai Times 30 Most Desirable Men 2019 - Varnam MY|date=16 March 2020|access-date=5 October 2023|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}
He signed a three-film deal in 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/09/23/malaysian-artiste-mugen-rao-signs-deal-to-star-in-3-kollywood-movies|title=Malaysian artiste Mugen Rao signs deal to star in 3 Kollywood movies|website=The Star|date=29 September 2020|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}} and was announced at the time to have a leading role in Vettri.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bigg-boss-winner-mugen-rao-miss-india-anukreethy-vas-to-debut-in-vettri/article32716000.ece|title='Bigg Boss' winner Mugen Rao, Miss India Anukreethy Vas to debut in 'Vettri'|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2020|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}} He played the lead in Velan, directed by Kavin Moorthy and released in December 2021.{{Cite news|url=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|title=Mugen looked perfect for the role of Pollachi native boy in Velan: Director Kavin|website=Times Of India|date=22 December 2021|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |author=Bhuvanesh Chandar |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/apr/26/velan-to-feature-mugen-rao-in-two-looks-first-look-out-24169.html |title=Velan to feature Mugen Rao in two looks; first look out |website=Cinema Express |date=26 April 2021 |access-date=23 November 2022 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mugen-raos-velan-cleared-with-a-clean-u-certificate/articleshow/88141926.cms|title=Mugen Rao's Velan cleared with a clean 'U' certificate|website=Times Of India|date=7 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2022|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}} In 2022, he began filming Mathil Mel Kadhal alongside Divya Bharathi.{{Cite news |author=Sharanya CR |url=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 |title=Mugen Rao & Divya Bharathi's Mathil Mel Kadhal is a love story set in Chennai |website=Times Of India |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=23 November 2022 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}
He later played the lead role in the film Jinn The Pet which was directed by TR Bala alongside actress Bhavaya Trikha. The film released on christmas day of 2024.{{Cite news|title=Mugen's Jinn—The Pet teaser to be out on this day|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Dec/24/mugens-jinnthe-pet-teaser-to-be-out-on-this-day}}{{Cite news|title=Teaser of Jinn- The Pet starring Mugen Rao to be released on Christmas|url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/teaser-of-jinn-the-pet-starring-mugen-rao-to-be-released-on-christmas-816470}}
Filmography
= Films =
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year
! Film ! Role(s) ! Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3" | 2018 | Ghora | Adhitya | rowspan="3" | Malaysian film |
| Haran | Abdu | ||
| Hey Coffeelopher | Ram | ||
| 2019 | Venpa | Yuvaraj Balakrishnan "YB" | Malaysian film (special appearance) |
| 2021 | Velan | Velan | Also singer and lyricist |
| 2025 | Jinn The Pet | Thomas | {{cite news |author=Chandhini R |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/jan/18/mugen-raos-next-titled-jinn-film-commences-production-38930.html |title=Mugen Rao's next titled Jinn; Film commences production |website=Cinema Express |date=18 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }} |
| {{TBA}} | Vettri | {{TBA}} | |
| {{TBA}} | Madhil Mel Kaadhal | {{TBA}} | |
| {{TBA}} | Kaadhal Enbathu Saabama | {{TBA}} |
=Web series=
| class="wikitable"
|+{{Sronly|List of web series and roles}} |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Ref. |
|---|
| 2023
| MY3 | Adhitya Chandrasekhar | OTT Release |
= Short films =
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| Year
! Title ! class="unsortable" scope="col"|Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | I am Peter | |
| 2018 | Light Up Someone's Life |
= Television =
== Actor ==
| class="wikitable" | |||||
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Serial/Telemovie/Drama !! Role !! Channel !! Language !! Notes | |||||
| | 2009 | Senandung Malam | Paperboy | Malay | ||
| | 2010 | Da Bomba | Supporting | Malay | ||
| | 2011 | Gerak Khas | Supporting | TV2 | Malay | |
| | 2012 | Sindiket Fixie | Supporting | Malay | ||
| | 2012 | Rumah Kecil Itu | Supporting | Malay | ||
| | 2014 | Rembau Ada WiFi | Supporting | Malay | ||
| | 2016 | ASTRO Sitcom: Barber | Main Cast | Tamil | ||
| | 2016 | Veetuku Oru Paati | Main Cast | Tamil | ||
| | 2016 | Ippadiyum Pannalama | Main Cast | Tamil | ||
| | 2017 | Agam Puram | Tamil | |||
| | 2018 | Sekuriti | TV2 | Tamil | ||
| | 2018 | Sugamaana Sumaigal | Tamil | |||
| | 2019 | Nee Yaar | Main Cast | TV2 | Tamil | Best TV Drama Actor award |
== Reality shows (non fiction) ==
= Music videos =
;Actor
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year
! Song ! Music ! class="unsortable" scope="col"|Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="1"|2014 | "Anbe Aaruyirae" | Prashan Sean | |
| 2015 | "Aayiram Sorkal" | Emzzie Boi | Also co-lyricist |
| rowspan="2"|2016 | "Kadhal Enbathu Saabama" | Lawrence Soosai | |
| | "Nanba Vaa" | Jose Franklin | ||
| rowspan="2"|2022 | "Mayakirriye" | AniVee | |
| "Othai Thamarai" | Sandy Sandellow | ||
| rowspan="2"|2023 | "Single Aayiten Di" | Dharan Kumar | |
| "Makka Makka" | Harris Jayaraj |
Discography
= Singer =
- Note: When he is credited as the composer, he is credited as Mugen Rao MGR.
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||||
| Year
! Song ! Composer(s) ! Co-singer(s) ! Writer(s) ! Ref. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Kaadhaley Kannir" | Coruz Hooks | A'sha, Coruz Hooks
| rowspan="10"|Mugen Rao | ||
| 2015 | "Ring-Eh" | Razor Ray | A Sha | ||
| 2016 | "Kayalvizhi" | Coruz Hooks | Solo
| | ||
| rowspan="4"|2018 | "Pogiren" | Prashan Sean | Prashan Sean
| | ||
| "Abinaya" | Shane Extreme, Mugen Rao | Solo
| | |||
| "Kannu Rapulo" (Telugu) | rowspan="2"|{{Cite web|url=https://www.mugenrao.com/|title=MugenRao MGR}} | ||||
| "Zombie Kadhal" | |||||
| rowspan="3"|2019 | "Yenggedi" | Shane Extreme | Solo | ||
| "Maya" | Mugen Rao | Solo
| | |||
| "Sathiyama" | Mugen Rao, Shane Extreme | Priyashankari
| | |||
| rowspan="2"|2020 | "Arivum Anbum" | Ghibran | Kamal Haasan, Ghibran, Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Shankar Mahadevan, Bombay Jayashri, Sid Sriram, Devi Sri Prasad, Shruti Haasan, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddharth | Kamal Haasan | |
| "Thedinen" | Mugen Rao, Shane Extreme | Solo | rowspan="2"|Mugen Rao | ||
| rowspan="2"|2021 | "Sathiyama Sollurandi" | Gopi Sundar, Mugen Rao | Sivaangi Krishnakumar | ||
| "Kaanal Neer Aanathe" | Gopi Sundar | Solo | Lalithanand | ||
| 2022 | "Mudhal Kaathal" | Mugen Rao, Vivasvan | Solo | Mugen Rao, Vivasvan | |
| 2023 | "Murugan Cassette Vol.1" | Mugen Rao | Havoc Brothers | Mugen Rao |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|10992123}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box |
before= Riythvika|
title= Bigg Boss Tamil Winner |
years= (Series 3) 2019 |
after= Aari Arujunan
}}
{{s-end}}Category:Living people
Category:Malaysian male television actors
Category:Big Brother (franchise) winners
Category:21st-century Indian male actors