Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan

Sivaji Ganesan ( born Villupuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan, (October 1, 1927 - July21, 2001) was a legendary Indian actor. Active during the latter half of the 20th century, he was famed for his versatility and expressive prowess, particularly in the South Indian (Tamil) film industry.

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 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 Sivaji Ganesan-Given by great Rationlist,Thanthai Periyar E.V.R.Ramasamy. 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 (an unknown MGR!) 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. 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.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.

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 which was not permitted by the rationalistic DMK. 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 Indra 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 never as successful as his acting career by any stretch of imagination.

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.

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).
• Kn Dadasaheb Phalke Award, 1996
• Kalaimamani.