| Sivaji Ganesan (சிவாஜி கணேசன்) | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Villupuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan |
| Born | October 1 1928 Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India |
| Died | July 21 2001 (aged 74) |
Sivaji Ganesan (October 1, 1927 - July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian actor. He is one among the Indian actors who redefined acting prowess in Film Industry. His real name was Villupuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan .
Contents |
Awards
- Best Actor Award, Afro-Asian Film Festival, Cairo, Egypt 1960
- Padma Shri Title, 1966
- Padma Bhushan Title, 1984
- Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France).
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award, 1996
- Kalaimamani
Film career
At the age of 9, Ganeshan 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 Paraasakthi 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 name 'Sivaji' was given to him after his excellent stage performance as Emperor Shivaji. He is also known as Nadigar Thilagam and Nadippu Chakravarthy (translated "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.1,00,000/- 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. In Hollywood, when he met Marlon Brando, Brando said - "Sivaji Ganesan, You can act like me but I cannot act like you" - considered the greatest tribute to Indian cinema.
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 . 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, unlike his highly successful acting career, was rather unsuccessful.
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 Apollo Hospital at 7:45pm (IST) on July 21, 2001 at the age of 74. In 2001, a function called "Parasakthi Muthal Padayappa" (English language: From Parasakthi to Padayappa meaning from his first film being Parasakthi to his last starred film Padayappa) to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's bravery.
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
Filmography
Fifties
- 1952 - Paraasakthi
- 1953 - Pempudu Koduku (Telugu)
- 1953 - Poongodhai
- 1953 - Pardesi (Telugu)
- 1953 - Anbu
- 1953 - Thirumbi Paar
- 1954 - Manohara
- 1954 - Edhirpaarthadhu
- 1954 - Andha Naal - first songless Tamil film
- 1954 - Thookku Thookki
- 1954 - Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari
- 1954 - Koondukkili- Only movie starred with M. G. Ramachandran (MGR)
- 1955 - Mudhal Thedhi
- 1955 - Mangayar Thilagam
- 1955 - Kalvanin Kadhali
- 1956 - Thenali Raman
- 1956 - Rangoon Radha
- 1956 - Pennin Perumai
- 1956 - Amaratheebam
- 1957 - Vanangaamudi
- 1957 - Tala Vanchani Veerudu (Telugu)
- 1957 - Thangamalai Ragasiyam
- 1957 - Makkalai Petra Magarasi
- 1957 - Ambigaabathi (ALS)
- 1957 - Pudhaiyal
- 1957 - Baagyavathi
- 1958 - Sabaash Meena
- 1958 - Saarangathaara
- 1958 - Uthamaputhiran
- 1958 - Kaathavaraayan
- 1959 - Veerapandiya Kattabomman
- 1959 - Veerapandya Kattabrahmanna
Sixties
- 1960 - Pillalu Techina Challani Rajyam (Telugu)
- 1960 - Padikkadha Medhai
- 1960 - Paavai Vilakku
- 1960 - Irumbu Thirai
- 1960 - Dheiva Piravi
- 1961 - Paavamannippu
- 1961 - Paasamalar
- 1961 - Papa Pariharam (Telugu)
- 1961 - Paalum Pazhamum
- 1961 - Kappal Ottiya Thamizhan
- 1961 - Punar Jenmam
- 1962 - Pavithra Prema (Telugu)
- 1962 - Paarthaal Pasi Theerum
- 1962 - Bale Pandiya
- 1962 - Aalayamani
- 1962 - Nichaya Thaamboolam
- 1962 - Padithaal Mattum Podhuma
- 1962 - Vadivukku Valaikaappu
- 1962 - Bandhapaasam
- 1963 - Ratha Thilagam
- 1963 - Paar Magale Paar
- 1963 - Iruvar Ullam
- 1963 - Arivaali
- 1963 - Kulamagal Raadhai
- 1963 - Kungumam
- 1963 - Annai Illam
- 1964 - Karnan
- 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
- 1965 - Thiruvilaiyadal
- 1965 - Santhi
- 1965 - Pazhani
- 1965 - Anbu Karangal
- 1966 - Motor Sundaram Pillai
- 1966 - Mahakavi Kalidas
- 1966 - Selvam
- 1967 - Thiruvarutchelvar
- 1967 - Thangai
- 1967 - Kandhan Karunai
- 1967 - Iru Malargal
- 1968 - Uyarndha Manidhan
- 1968 - Thillana Moganambal
- 1968 - Enga Oor Raja
- 1968 - Thirumaal Perumai
- 1968 - Galaatta Kalyanam
- 1968 - En Thambi
- 1969 - Kaaval Dheivam
- 1969 - Dheiva Magan
- 1969 - Sivandha Man
- 1969 - Thanga Surangam
- 1969 - Gurudhatchanai
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
- 1973 - Gowravam
- 1973 - Bhakta Tukaram (Telugu)
- 1973 - Rajapart Rangadurai
- 1973 - Rajaraja Cholan
- 1973 - Baaradha 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
- 1978 - General Chakravarthi
- 1978 - Justice Gopinath
- 1978 - Pilot Premnath
- 1978 - Punniya Boomi
- 1978 - Thyagam
- 1978 - Andhamaan Kadhali
- 1979 - Vetrikku Oruvan
- 1979 - Thirisoolam ssss
- 1979 - Pattaakathi Bairavan
- 1979 - Nalladhoru Kudumbam
- 1979 - Naan Vaazhavaippen
- 1979 - Kavari Maan
- 1979 - Imayam
Eighties
- 1980 - Rishi Moolam
- 1980 - Ratha Paasam
- 1980 - Visvaroobam
- 1980 - Emanukku Eman
- 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
- 1982 - Thunai - Saritha, Radha, suresh
- 1982 - Theerpu
- 1982 - Sangili - Prabhu, KR.Vijaya
- 1982 - Paritchaikku Neramaachu - Sujatha, Suhasini
- 1982 - Oorum Uravum
- 1982 - Oorukku Oru Pillai
- 1982 - Nenjangal
- 1982 - Hitler Umanath
- 1982 - Garuda Saukiyama
- 1983 - Sumangali
- 1983 - Sandhippu -KR.Vijaya, Sridevi,Prabhu,Radha
- 1983 - Unmaigal - Radhika
- 1983 - Miruthanga Chakravarthi - KR.Vijaya, Prabhu
- 1983 - Neethibathi - Sujatha
- 1983 - Vellai Roja - Prabhu, Ambika, [[Radha]
- 1983 - Kashmir Kadhali -
- 1983 - Uruvangal Maaralam - Y.G.Mahendran
- 1984 - Iru Medhaigal - Prabhu, Silksmitha
- 1984 - Ezhudhaadha Sattangal - Sivakumar, Sujatha
- 1984 - Vaazhkai - Ambika
- 1984 - Vamsa Vilakku - KR.vijaya, Prabhu
- 1984 - Sarithira Nayagan - Sripriya
- 1984 - Siranjeevi - Sripriya
- 1984 - Tharaasu - Prabhu, Sujatha
- 1984 - Thiruppam Prabhu, KR.Vijaya
- 1984 - Simma Soppanam - Prabhu, Sujatha
- 1984 - Dhaavani Kanavugal - Bhagyaraj, Radhika sarathkumar
- 1985 - Bandham - Shalinikumar
- 1985 - Needhiyin Nizhal - Radhika sarathkumar
- 1985 - Padikkadha Pannaiyar - KR.Vijaya
- 1985 - Raja Rishi - Prabhu, Nalini, Lakshmi
- 1985 - Muthal Mariyathai - Radha, Sathyaraj
- 1985 - Naam Iruvar - Prabhu, Urvasi
- 1985 - Nermai - Prabhu, Urvasi
- 1985 - Padikkadhavan - Rajinikanth, Ambika
- 1986 - Thaaiku Oru Thaalaattu panni - Padmini, Pandiyarajan
- 1986 - Saadhanai - Prabhu, Nalini, KR.Vijaya
- 1986 - Mannukkul Vairam - Murali
- 1986 - Lakshmi Vandhachu - Padmini, Revathi
- 1986 - Anandha Kanneer - Sujatha
- 1986 - Viduthalai - Rajinikanth, Madhavi
- 1986 - Marumagal - Revathi, Suresh
- 1987 - Raja Mariyadhai Karthik, Sulochana
- 1987 - Muthukkal Moondru - Sathyaraj, Pandiyarajan
- 1987 - Kudumbam Oru Koyil - Sumithra
- 1987 - Krishnan Vandhaan - Mohan, Rekha
- 1987 - Thaambathiyam - KR. Vijaya
- 1987 - Veerapandiyan - Vijayakanth, Radhika sarathkumar
- 1987 - Jallikkattu - Sathyaraj, Radha
- 1987 - Anbulla Appa = Nathiya
- 1988 - En Thamizh En Makkal - Prabhu
- 1988 - Pudhiya Vaanam - Sathyaraj, Gouthami
Nineties
- 1990 - Kaavalukku Gettikkaaran - Prabhu, Nirosha
- 1991 - Gnana Paravai - Manorama
- 1992 - Thevar Magan - Kamal,Revathi, Gouthami
- 1992 - Naangal - Prabhu, Deepika
- 1992 - Mudhal Kural - Arjun, Kanaka
- 1992 - Sinna Marumagal - Vadivukarasi, Mohini
- 1993 - Paarambariyam - B.Sarojadevi, Nirosha
- 1995 - Engirundho Vandhaan - Sathyaraj Roja
- 1995 - Pasumpon - Prabhu, Radhika sarathkumar
- 1997 - Once More - Vijay,B.Sarojadevi, Simran
- 1997 - Gopura Theebam - Ramarajan, Sukanya
- 1997 - Oru Yathra Mozhi (Malayalam)- Mohanlal
- 1998 - En Aasai Rasave - Murali, Radhika sarathkumar
- 1999 - Mannavaru Sinnavaru - Arjun, Soundarya
- 1999 - Padayappa - Rajinikanth,Ramyakrishnan, Soundarya
- 1999 - Poo Parikka Varugirom - Ajay, Malavika
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.
