Sivaji Ganesan, the Master Actor of Tamil Cinema
Sivaji Ganesan holds a special place in Tamil cinema, who is considered to be the greatest Tamil actor of all times.
Sivaji Ganesan was a drama artist who turned into a film actor. He started acting in drama theatres in 1936. Sivaji Ganesan’s original name is Ganesamurthy. He was given the name ‘Sivaji’ after appreciating his acting in the drama Sivaji Kanda Samrajyam written by Anna.
Sivaji GanesanRoja Muthiah Research Library
He was introduced to the cinema in the year 1952 through the movie Parasakthi, which became a blockbuster, especially, because of its dialogues, penned by Karunanidhi and also the way Sivaji Ganesan rendered it.
After the success of Parasakthi, Karunanidhi and Sivaji Ganesan worked in many successful films such as Thirumbi Paar, Manogara, Kuravanji, Iruvar Ullam.
He continued to act in dramas even after he became a successful film actor. He acted in more than 300 Tamil movies, 9 Telugu movies and 2 Hindi movies. Sivaji Ganesan and MGR, the two acclaimed actors of their time, acted together only in one movie, namely, Koondu Kizhi. His last movie is Pooparikka Varukirom which was released in 1999.
His punctuality to enter the cinema sets, his capacity to memorise and render dialogues and his sincerity towards acting are greatly appreciated by the people in the cine industry.
In 1995, he was conferred the award Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and in 1997, Ganesan was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour for films in India.
Some important movies in his acting career are as follows
Sivaji GanesanRoja Muthiah Research Library
Parasakthi (1952)
This is one of the critically appreciated movies of Sivaji Ganesan. It was based on the stage play of the same name and based on Dravidian ideologies. The final court scene is still in the collective consciousness of the people for its powerful dialogues.
ParasakthiRoja Muthiah Research Library
Poster created for re-release of the movie Parasakthi.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman PosterRoja Muthiah Research Library
Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959)
This movie took Sivaji Ganesan to the pinnacle of the Tamil Cinema. Based on the life history of Veerapandiya Kattabomman who was a local chieftain who rebelled against the British East India company, the movie became a trendsetter for the freedom fighter movie series in Tamil.
கர்ணன்Roja Muthiah Research Library
Karnan (1964)
In this movie, based on the Karnan of Hindu epic Mahabharatha, Sivaji Ganesan acted along with NT Rama Rao, R. Muthuraman, Savitri and Devika. The movie was received in a very grand manner; it was one of the most expensive movies of Sivaji and he was praised for his acting.
KarnanRoja Muthiah Research Library
Cinema Song book of the movie Karnan
Thiruvilayadal (1965)Roja Muthiah Research Library
Thiruvilaiyadal (1965)
Thiruvilaiyadal (1965) is a mythical devotional movie where Sivaji acted as lord Shiva.
It is considered to be one of the most entertaining movies of Sivaji Ganesan. This movie received the National Award (Best Tamil Film) certificate in 1965.
Mudhal Mariyadhai (1985)
This movie, starring Sivaji and Radha was a silver jubilee hit. It is a story about a middle aged married village chief and a young boat woman, intertwined with social issues. Sivaji exhibited a subtle and intense acting.
Thevar MaganRoja Muthiah Research Library
Thevar Magan (1992)
In Thevar Magan (1992), Sivaji acted as the father to Kamalhassan. Though his presence is brief, he exhibited brilliant performance and underplayed his character.
He received a Special Jury for Best Actor in National Awards for 1992.
Sivaji's last movie is Pooparikka Varugirom (1999) where he acted along with Ajay and Malavika. In his nearly half century of acting career he donned multiple versatile roles and exhibited perfectness in all of them. In his obituary, he was described as Marlon Brando of South India by Los Angeles Times.
In addition to acting, he was also involved in politics. Initially, as a supporter of DMK, later he became an ardent supporter of Indian National Congress. He also started his own political party. However, his political stint was not successful. In his later years, he was completely relieved from political activities.
He died on 21 July 2001 in Chennai due to respiratory issues.
Images from the collection of Roja Muthiah Research Library
Consulted Magazines - Pesum Padam, Gundoosi
