Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last on Thursday at the age of 96 and in the midst of global mourning, millions of people across and beyond the borders are remembering the illustrious and influential legacy, that she has left along with the throne to her eldest son. She will be remembered in history as the longest-serving monarch, having reigned for seventy years. 

Though she had a towering tenure associated with world leaders, global issues, and the British political spectrum, she also left footprints on what had been unusual for the royals. Who wouldn't have a pile of interesting memories had they been on the throne for these many years? Elizabeth too had some interesting memories that can be ceaselessly recalled and rejoiced.  

From the store full of memories, there is one that can be more connected with the people of Tamil Nadu and is still cherished. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth came to India three times and the last time she came was in 1997. How many of us knew that she took part in the launch of Kamal Haasan's iconic 'Marudhanayagam' movie? Yes, Queen Elizabeth graced the occasion and probably, this would be her only such event in her entire lifetime. 

During her visit to India in 1997, Elizabeth toured Chennai on October 16. She visited MGR Film City where a battle scene from Marudhanayagam was screened for her. The film was based on the life of Marudhanayagam, India's freedom fighter. Kamal Haasan has spoken about his ambition to adopt Marudhanayagam's life into the movie. It was reported that he found a British investor and the movie's budget was Rs 85 crore. 

Kamal Haasan invited Queen Elizabeth II as the Chief Guest for the launch of Marudhanayagam, as during that time she was in India. She visited MGR film city and it was the first time that the Queen had participated in any of the movie shooting and ceremonies. Kamal Haasan was seen and dressed in his role and a battle scene, that was shot on a budget of Rs 1.5 crore, was screened to her.

She spent twenty minutes on the movie's sets and she attended the event of launching the movie during which Queen Elizabeth II shared the stage with the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Congress leader GK Moopanar, Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan, and Bollywood actor Amrish Puri. Her visit was still famous and remembered in the Kollywood town. 

It is pertinent to note that Marudhanayagam is an unfinished movie by Kamal Haasan as the Queen passed away on Thursday in Balmoral, Scotland at the age of 96, several social users are recalling her time in Chennai during the launch of Marudhanayagam. Several world leaders are expressing their condolences for her death and the state funeral will be held for ten days. The Indian government on Friday declared that it would observe one-day mourning on September 11 to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth. 

Recalling the interesting past, Kamal Haasan has also mourned the loss and extended his condolences to the people of the UK and the members of the royal family. The actor took to Twitter and shared his picture with the Queen and wrote, "I was saddened to hear the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Britain for seventy years. She was loved not only by the British but also by the entire world." 

"She took part in the launching event of Marudhanayagam 25 years ago by accepting our invitation and she extended her wishes. Probably, that would be the only event of movie shooting she participated in. I still vividly remember meeting her at the Palace five years ago at a cultural event in London. My deepest condolences to the people of the UK and the Royal Family on the loss of their beloved Queen", Kamal Haasan added. 

25 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்னர் எங்களது அழைப்பை ஏற்று மருதநாயகம் திரைப்படத்தின் தொடக்கவிழாவில் கலந்துகொண்டு வாழ்த்தினார். அனேகமாக அவர் கலந்து கொண்ட ஒரே திரைப்பட படப்பிடிப்பு அதுதான். (2/3)

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 9, 2022