In Pics: From Muthuvel Karunanidhi To Kalaignar

(Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

The leader who was also popularly called Kalaingar, the Tamil word for an artist, for his contribution to cinema and literature was one of the favourites of DMK founder Annadurai. (Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

Born on June 3, 1924, as Dakshinamurthi, in Nagapattinam district, Karunanidhi never lost an election, having been elected to the state Assembly 13 times since 1957. (Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

He had the record of winning his seat in every election in which he has participated in a political career spanning more than 60 years. (Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

Karunanidhi's remarkable literary skills and success as a screenwriter and subsequent popularity played a big role in his rise in the DMK. (Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M. Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday in Kauvery hospital in Chennai. The hospital released a press statement announcing the death of the 94-year-old five-time DMK cheif. "Dr. M Karunanidhi passed away at 6.10 pm. (Image: Kalaignar89/ Facebook)

A masterful practitioner of modern-day politics, he wielded considerable influence beyond his own state, in the corridors of power in New Delhi, for a long time, sewing up alliances with both the Congress and the BJP, often drawing criticism from his rivals, who called him an opportunist. (Image: PTI)