Sivaji Ganesan

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Sivaji Ganesan
(சிவாஜி கணேசன்)
Born Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan
October 1, 1927(1927-10-01)
Flag of India Tamil Nadu, Sirkazhi, India
Died July 21, 2001 (aged 73)
Other name(s) Nadigar Thilagam

Sivaji Ganesan ( born Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan, (October 1, 1927 - July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian actor. Active during the latter half of the 20th century, he was famed for his versatility and expressive prowess in the Tamil film industry.

Contents

[edit] Film career

Ganesan in Thayaipola Pillai Noolaipola Selai, 1959
Ganesan in Thayaipola Pillai Noolaipola Selai, 1959

At the age of 9, Ganesan was so interested in stage plays that he ran away from home to pursue a career in theatre. His mother helped him get into a famous drama troupe.

Ganesan's first film was Parasakthi(1952 film) in the year 1952 opposite noted actress Pandari Bai. The script for the movie was written by Karunanidhi. He has acted in about 300 movies, including nine Telugu movies,one Kannada movie, two Malayalam movies and two Hindi movies.The movie Anda Naal released in 1954 directed by veena virtuoso S.Balachander was the first song less movie in Tamil cinema.Produced by AVM productions, the movie was made after AVM Chettiyar was impressed after watching Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon(1950)and asked a movie with similar story narration pattern to be employed.The movie set in the World War2 background is considered one of the best movies made and one of the greatest performances of Sivaji Ganesan.

The name 'Sivaji' was given to him by great rationalist Thanthai Periyar E.V.R. Ramasamy after his excellent stage performance as Emperor Shivaji. He made his reputation as an actor in C.N. Annadurai's Sivaji Kanda Indhu Rajyam, a historical on the Maratha Emperor Shivaji. He was asked to play the role at the last moment when the lead actor backed out. It is said he memorized the entire 95 pages of dialogues in a day! Such was his impact that the play also gave him his screen name.[citation needed]. He is also known as Nadigar Thilagam, meaning considered to be one the most influential and greatest actors of all time, and Nadippu Chakravarthy (translated as "the King of Kings of acting). He was a major actor of his period in South Indian cinema. He has been awarded the title of Chevalier, the Order of Arts and Literature by the Ministry of Culture, Government of France. This is one of the main decorations of the French Republic which is conferred to honour the most original and talented personalities, for their remarkable contributions in the field of Arts and Literature in France and all over the world.On 22nd April 1995, at a glittering ceremony held at the MCA stadium, Madras,Dr.Sivaji Ganesan was presented the Chevalier Title and Medallion by the French Ambassador to India Mr.Philip Petit. Ms.Jayalalitha, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the function.The entire Tamil film industry and representatives of all other Regional and National film industries were present at this function

At the function Dr.Sivaji Ganesan presented a cheque for Rs.100,000/- to the Tamilnadu Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and another Rupees One Hundred Thousands to the Film Employees Federation of South India.The balance of money after all expenses (which was collected from the film industry) was used to form the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Educational Trust. The money accruing from these Trust funds are being given towards education of children of poor film artistes.

[edit] Political career

Until 1955, Ganesan was a staunch sympathiser of the D.M.K. party. He was expelled from the party because of his visit to Tirupati temple which was not permitted by the rationalistic DMK.[citation needed]. In 1961, he become a strong supporter of Indian National Congress and particularly the veteran leader K. Kamaraj. When the congress split in 1969 he remained loyal to K Kamaraj and the Congress (O). Only after the death of Kamaraj in 1975, he switched his allegiance to Indira Gandhi. In 1982, Indira Gandhi made him a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. After 1987, he left Congress and floated his own political party (Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani). He became the president of the Tamil Nadu faction of the Janata Dal in 1989. His political career was unsuccessful.

[edit] Death

Suffering from respiratory problems, Ganesan was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Madras on July 12, 2001. He also had been suffering from a prolonged heart ailment for about 10 years.

He died at 7:45pm (IST) on July 21, 2001 at the age of 73.

Not long afterwards, a documentary was made called "Parasakthi Muthal Padayappa varai" (English language: From Parasakthi to Padayappa, i.e. from his very first film, being Parasakthi, to his last starred film, Padayappa), to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's legacy.

[edit] Awards

[edit] Miscellaneous

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  • He was awarded the title of Chevalier, the Order of Arts and Literature by the Ministry of Culture, Government of France. This is one of the main decorations of the French Republic which is conferred to honour the most original and talented personalities, for their remarkable contributions in the field of Arts and Literature in France and all over the world.
  • In 1962, Ganesan toured the U.S., where he was given the honour of being the mayor of Niagara City for one day. He along with the former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru were the only two Indians to be honoured this way.
  • During a visit to the U.S. in June 1995, Sivaji Ganesan found himself in Columbus, Ohio. Mayor Greg Lashutka named him honorary citizen of Columbus at a special dinner.
  • The South Indian Film Artistes' Association President Vijaykanth declared that October 1, the birth day of Ganesan, would be observed as Actors' Day in Kollywood.
  • Ganesan erected the statue of Kattabomman at Kayatharu
  • Donated money and modelled for the erection of Shivaji Maharaj statue at Mumbai.
  • His statue was erected in Kamarajar Salai by the C.M. of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Fifties

  • 1952 - Paraasakthi( The first film with KALAIGNAR M.KARUNANIDHI)
  • 1953 - Pempudu Koduku (Telugu)
  • 1953 - Poongodhai
  • 1953 - Pardesi (Telugu)
  • 1953 - Anbu
  • 1953 - Thirumbi Paar(Acted as VILLAIN !)
  • 1954 - Manohara
  • 1954 - Edhirpaarthadhu
  • 1954 - Andha Naal - first songless Tamil film.
  • 1954 - Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari
  • 1954 - Koondukkili- Only movie starred with M. G. Ramachandran (MGR)
  • 1955 - Mudhal Thedhi
  • 1955 - Mangayar Thilagam
  • 1955 - Kalvanin Kadhali(KALKI's Story)
  • 1956 - Thenali Raman
  • 1956 - Rangoon Radha
  • 1956 - Pennin Perumai
  • 1956 - Amaratheebam(Sridhar's Direction)
  • 1957 - Vanangaamudi
  • 1957 - Tala Vanchani Veerudu (Telugu)
  • 1957 - Thangamalai Ragasiyam
  • 1957 - Makkalai Petra Magarasi
  • 1957 - Ambigaabathi (ALS)
  • 1957 - Pudhaiyal( KALAIGNAR M.KARUNANIDHI )
  • 1957 - Baagyavathi
  • 1958 - Sabaash Meena- Comedy
  • 1958 - Saarangathaara
  • 1958 - Uthamaputhiran(First Duel Roll)
  • 1958 - Kaathavaraayan
  • 1958 - Thanga Padumai
  • 1959 - Veerapandiya Kattabomman(The Great...)
  • 1959 - Veerapandya Kattabrahmanna

[edit] Sixties

  • 1960 - Pillalu Techina Challani Rajyam (Telugu)
  • 1960 - Padikkadha Medhai
  • 1960 - Paavai Vilakku
  • 1960 - Irumbu Thirai
  • 1960 - Dheiva Piravi
  • 1961 - Paavamannippu ( beemsingh)
  • 1961 - Paasamalar ( beemsingh)
  • 1961 - Papa Pariharam (Telugu)
  • 1961 - Paalum Pazhamum
  • 1961 - Kappal Ottiya Thamizhan ( The Great )
  • 1961 - Punar Jenmam
  • 1962 - Pavithra Prema (Telugu)
  • 1962 - Paarthaal Pasi Theerum
  • 1962 - Bale Pandiya (donned triple roles)
  • 1962 - Aalayamani ( No comparision...)
  • 1962 - Nichaya Thaamboolam
  • 1962 - Padithaal Mattum Podhuma
  • 1962 - Vadivukku Valaikaappu
  • 1962 - Bandhapaasam
  • 1963 - Ratha Thilagam ( In the field of War between China )
  • 1963 - Paar Magale Paar
  • 1963 - Iruvar Ullam
  • 1963 - Arivaali
  • 1963 - Kulamagal Raadhai
  • 1963 - Kungumam
  • 1963 - Annai Illam
  • 1964 - Karnan ( Role from great Mahabharath)
  • 1964 - Karna (Telugu)
  • 1964 - Ramadasu (Telugu)
  • 1964 - Navarathiri - announced as Sivaji's 100th film. Also he acted in 9 different roles
  • 1964 - Kai Kodutha Dheivam
  • 1964 - Pachai Vilakku
  • 1964 - Pudhiya Paravai (From the banner 'Sivaji Films)
  • 1965 - Thiruvilaiyadal (mythical role of lord siva)
  • 1965 - Santhi
  • 1965 - Pazhani
  • 1965 - Anbu Karangal
  • 1966 - Motor Sundaram Pillai
  • 1966 - Mahakavi Kalidas
  • 1966 - Selvam
  • 1967 - Thiruvarutchelvar(mythical role of varios nayanmars)
  • 1967 - Thangai
  • 1967 - Kandhan Karunai(mythical role of veerabahu)
  • 1967 - Iru Malargal
  • 1967 - Ooty Varai Uravu
  • 1968 - Uyarndha Manidhan
  • 1968 - Thillana Moganambal (Story-kotha mangalam Subbu)
  • 1968 - Enga Oor Raja
  • 1968 - Thirumaal Perumai(mythical role of aazhvars)
  • 1968 - Galaatta Kalyanam (Comedy)
  • 1968 - En Thambi
  • 1969 - Kaaval Dheivam
  • 1969 - Dheiva Magan (TRIPLE ROLL)
  • 1969 - Sivandha Man (Sridhar)
  • 1969 - Thanga Surangam
  • 1969 - Gurudhatchanai

[edit] Seventies

  • 1970 - Vilaiyaattu Pillai
  • 1970 - Vietnam Veedu
  • 1970 - Enga Mama
  • 1970 - Paadhugaappu
  • 1971 - Savaale Samaali
  • 1971 - Moondru Dheivangal
  • 1971 - Sumadhi En Sundhari
  • 1971 - Babu
  • 1971 - Kulama Gunama
  • 1971 - Thangaikkaga
  • 1971 - Iru Thuruvam
  • 1972 - Vasandha Maaligai
  • 1972 - Gnana Oli
  • 1972 - Bangaru Babu (Telugu)
  • 1972 - Needhi
  • 1972 - Pattikkada Pattanama(182 Days)
  • 1973 - Gowravam (dual role)
  • 1973 - Bhakta Tukaram (Telugu)
  • 1973 - Rajapart Rangadurai
  • 1973 - Rajaraja Cholan (legendary role of raja raja chola-1)
  • 1973 - Bharatha Vilas
  • 1974 - Thanga Padhakkam
  • 1974 - Anbai Thedi
  • 1974 - En Magan
  • 1974 - Theerkka Sumangali
  • 1975 - Anbe Aaruyire
  • 1975 - Avan Thaan Manidhan
  • 1976 - Chanakya Chandragupta (Telugu)
  • 1976 - Uthaman
  • 1976 - Unakkaga Naan
  • 1976 - Sathiyam
  • 1976 - Rojavin Raja
  • 1976 - Grahapravesam
  • 1977 - Annan Oru Koyil
  • 1977 - Avan Oru Sarithiram
  • 1977 - Theebam
  • 1977 - Ilaya Thalaimurai
  • 1977 - Naam Pirandha Man
  • 1978 - Vaazhkai Alaigal
  • 1978 - Ennai Pol Oruvan (dual role)
  • 1978 - General Chakravarthi
  • 1978 - Justice Gopinath - Rajinikanth
  • 1978 - Pilot Premnath
  • 1978 - Punniya Boomi
  • 1978 - Thyagam
  • 1978 - Andhamaan Kadhali
  • 1979 - Vetrikku Oruvan
  • 1979 - Thirisoolam (triple roles)
  • 1979 - Pattaakathi Bairavan
  • 1979 - Nalladhoru Kudumbam
  • 1979 - Naan Vaazhavaippen
  • 1979 - Kavari Maan
  • 1979 - Imayam

[edit] Eighties

  • 1980 - Rishi Moolam
  • 1980 - Ratha Paasam
  • 1980 - Visvaroobam
  • 1980 - Emanukku Eman (dual role- one of yama and other of normal man)
  • 1980 - Dharma Raja
  • 1981 - Mogana Punnagai
  • 1981 - Maadi Veettu Ezhai
  • 1981 - Lorry Driver Rajakannu
  • 1981 - Keezhvaanam Sivakkum
  • 1981 - Kalthoon
  • 1981 - Amarakaaviyam
  • 1981 - Sathya Sundharam
  • 1982 - Vasandhathil Oru Naal
  • 1982 - Vaa Kanna Vaa
  • 1982 - Thyagi (dual role of hero and villain)
  • 1982 - Thunai - Saritha, Radha
  • 1982 - Theerpu
  • 1982 - Sangili - Prabhu(dual role)
  • 1982 - Paritchaikku Neramaachu - Sujatha, Suhasini
  • 1982 - Oorum Uravum
  • 1982 - Oorukku Oru Pillai
  • 1982 - Nenjangal
  • 1982 - Hitler Umanath
  • 1982 - Garuda Saukiyama
  • 1983 - Sumangali
  • 1983 - Sandhippu - Sridevi,Prabhu,Radha,(dual role father and son)
  • 1983 - Unmaigal - Radhika
  • 1983 - Miruthanga Chakravarthi - Prabhu
  • 1983 - Neethibathi - Sujatha
  • 1983 - Vellai Roja - Prabhu, Ambika, Radha(dual role of twins)
  • 1983 - Kashmir Kadhali -
  • 1983 - Uruvangal Maaralam - Y.G.Mahendran,rajinikant,kamal
  • 1984 - Iru Medhaigal - Prabhu, Silksmitha
  • 1984 - Ezhudhaadha Sattangal - Sivakumar, Sujatha
  • 1984 - Vaazhkai - Ambika
  • 1984 - Vamsa Vilakku - Prabhu
  • 1984 - Sarithira Nayagan - Sripriya
  • 1984 - Siranjeevi - Sripriya
  • 1984 - Tharaasu - Prabhu, Sujatha
  • 1984 - Thiruppam Prabhu,
  • 1984 - Simma Soppanam - Prabhu, Sujatha
  • 1984 - Dhaavani Kanavugal - Bhagyaraj, Radhika
  • 1985 - Bandham - Shalinikumar
  • 1985 - Needhiyin Nizhal - Radhika
  • 1985 - Padikkadha Pannaiyar -
  • 1985 - Raja Rishi - Prabhu(mythical role of sage visvamitra)
  • 1985 - Muthal Mariyathai - Radha, Sathyaraj
  • 1985 - Naam Iruvar - Prabhu, Urvasi
  • 1985 - Nermai - Prabhu, Urvasi
  • 1985 - Padikkadhavan - Rajinikanth, Ambika
  • 1986 - Thaaiku Oru Thaalaattu panni - Pandiyarajan
  • 1986 - Saadhanai - Prabhu, Nalini
  • 1986 - Mannukkul Vairam - Murali
  • 1986 - Lakshmi Vandhachu - Padmini, Revathi
  • 1986 - Anandha Kanneer - Sujatha
  • 1986 - Viduthalai - Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan , Madhavi
  • 1986 - Marumagal - Revathi
  • 1987 - Raja Mariyadhai Karthik, Sulochana
  • 1987 - Muthukkal Moondru - Sathyaraj, Pandiyarajan
  • 1987 - Kudumbam Oru Koyil - Sumithra
  • 1987 - Krishnan Vandhaan - Mohan, Rekha
  • 1987 - Thaambathiyam -
  • 1987 - Veerapandiyan - Vijayakanth, Radhika sarathkumar
  • 1987 - Jallikkattu - Sathyaraj, Radha
  • 1987 - Anbulla Appa = Nathiya
  • 1988 - En Thamizh En Makkal - Prabhu
  • 1988 - Pudhiya Vaanam - Sathyaraj, Gouthami

[edit] Nineties

[edit] Statue

A statue was erected in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to honour this legendary actor in 2006. It was unveiled by the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who was Sivaji Ganesan's best friend for more than half-a-century.

[edit] External links