Article: “The life and legacy of Dr. Sivaji Ganesan”
“The life and legacy of Dr. Sivaji Ganesan”
by jsmags.net, August 2001
Sivaji Ganesan with Marlon Brando during the filming of “The Ugly American”, 1962; Sivaji is often compared to Marlon Brando.
The past 2 years have been too harsh on the Film industry. We have lost legendary actors like Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Anthony Quinn and now Dr. Sivaji Ganesan. Sivaji (born Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan) is undeniably one of the greatest Actors and certainly the greatest from India. His outstanding portrayal of the character of Shivaji Chhatrapathi gave him the title of Sivaji/Shivaji. This is a great loss to the movie industry and especially to the people of India. Sivaji Ganesan is my second favorite actor – sometimes it is hard for me to say that because of Sivaji’s tremendous talent and legend – he is simply unrivaled! I cannot think of anyone in the world who has played as many diverse roles as successfully and precisely as Dr. Sivaji Ganesan. Sivaji was in the Film Industry for almost 5 decades (since 1952) – not to mention his phenomenal stage career! Recognizing his acting genius his fans awarded him the title – “Nadikar Thilakam” (which means – the greatest actor of them all).
Sivaji Ganesan receiving the Padmashri award from the, then,
Indian President Dr. Radhakrishnan.
Sivaji Ganesan with, another great Tamil actor, M.G.Ramachandran.
Just like Marlon Brando broke the ice with his amazing performance in “Streetcar” – Sivaji stunned the audience with his maiden performance in “Parasakthi”. It’s been a while since I saw this movie – but, the climactic court scene (at the very end of the movie) is mesmerizing and unforgettable – even after 5 decades! Sivaji went on to act in 300+ movies – his talent and genius interspersed throughout his career. Sivaji Ganesan won numerous awards highlighted by the “Chevalier” award (which is equivalent to an Oscar’s lifetime achievement award), National Award, Padmashree and Padmabhushan (the highest honors that any Indian can get). Most recently, in 1997, Sivaji Ganesan was awarded the Dadasaheb Palke Award (the Nation’s highest honor).
Sivaji Ganesan with Marlon Brando during the filming of “The Ugly American”.
Sivaji has won honors and admiration around the world including Hollywood. During his visit to the USA in 1962 he visited Hollywood greats like Marlon Brando, Charlton Heston, Jack Lemmon and many more. During his visit to the USA in June 1995, he visited Columbus, Ohio. Participating in the dinner hosted to honor Dr.Sivaji Ganesan, the Mayor of the city, Mr.Greg Lashutka, honored him by announcing him as an “Honorary Citizen” of Columbus City. On the same occasion the Mayor of Mount Vernon, another city in the USA, read out and gave him a Special Welcome Citation. The “Columbus Tamil Sangam” was formulated on that day, and Dr.Sivaji Ganesan was made the Honourary President of that association. Dr. Sivaji also served as Member of the Indian Parliament (Rajya sabha).
Sivaji Ganesan (seated in the center) with James Garner, Jack Lemon,
Charlton Heston, Waltar Pidgon.
Sivaji was acknowledged as a consummate actor, vastly imitated but never equalled. His eyes had fire and he was cheered for his resounding voice, which the audience called “Simmakural” (a Lion’s roar). At the same time however, there has been constant criticism that he ‘overacts.’ But Sivaji always retorted…
“What is acting? It means doing something that is not natural. So then where is the question of overacting? When your mother dies, what do you do? You shout Amma (mother) and cry, don’t you? Your instant reaction is to cry out loud. Not sit quietly covering your eyes with your hands. That’s exactly what I do in my films.”
Sivaji Ganesan (left) from a scene in the movie ‘Anthanaal’ (1953).
Sivaji Ganesan is well known for his outstanding modulation of dialogue delivery, facial expressions and his presence in front of the camera. If I remember right, it was Marlon Brando who once said about Sivaji (and I paraphrase):
“Sivaji can act like me, but I cannot act like Sivaji!”
From “Parasakthi” (1952) to, the highly acclaimed, “Thevar Magan” (1992) Sivaji Ganesan’s talent is legendary and incontestable. It’s very hard for me to believe that this great legend has passed away, but, he will be an institute/vocabulary for acting, today, tomorrow and forever –
Dr. Sivaji Ganesan’s legend will live on!
Copyright jsmags.net, 2001
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