Tamil cinema is synonymous with Sivaji Ganesan.
Popularly known as Nadigar Thilagam, the actor glorified screens with his realistic acting skills and commitment to the profession. His passionate dialogue delivery and involvement with characters is a delight to watch.
His rise from Ganesan to Sivaji is history. From Parasakthi, his first film, this legendary actor captured the hearts of movie lovers and set a unique trend and a definite mode to acting. Manohara, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Pasamalar, Andha Naal, Ambigaabathi, Paalum Pazhamum, Navarathiri, Thiruvilaiyadal, Thillana Moganambal, Vaazhkai, Muthal Mariyathai, Thevar mAagan, Padayappa... The list is endless.
The great actor was conferred Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan and Kalaimamani awards. He was also conferred the title of 'Chevalier dans ordre des Arts et Letters' (Knight of Arts and Letters) by the Government of France in 1994. Sivaji was also honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award.
Sivaji died on July 12th 2001, a terrific loss to the world of cinema.
An event remembering the great actor was organised in Chennai on October 1st. Awards were presented to artistes such as S. Varalakshmi, M.N. Rajam and Y. Gee. Mahendra and to P.S. Natarajan, who designed costumes for Sivaji.
N. Ram, editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, released 'Autobiography of an Actor', the English translation of Sivaji's biography and handed over the first copy to Cho Ramaswamy, editor, Thuglak.
Click here to view event pictures.
