Be it the dialogue, be it the action, all is very important and similarly is the different variations in movie and the challenging characters. All this can be commented on the work of great “Chevalier” Sivaji Ganesan. A veteran in the field of art.
The great actor Sivaji Ganesan, or V. Chinnaiya Manrayar Ganesamoorthy, was a star by himself, be it the way he took time to learn his character or the pronunciation of each word. He mastered every bit of it marking his presence in every frame.
October 1st i.e. toady is the 93rd birthday of this legendary person. Google has marked the same with a doodle. Thanks to this that I remembered this beautiful day and happy to type in my small tribute to the “Nadigar Thilagam” Sivaji Ganesan.
I happened to grow up seeing his movies, thanks to my dad. They did imbibe in me the amazing culture and the rich language. His ability to capture every single person in the audience worked on me too and I was stuck to the frame in many movies. My all time favorite bing “Thirumal Perumai“. A classic mythological movie, wherein he makes us emote to all the small reactions he gives.
He is an actor who happens to understand the audience and gives them what they need. He captured even the youngest kid, to the oldest citizen of the house. His energy triggered almost everyone. His expressions, when he moved every muscle of his face was classic. His eye was another spectacle where it touched various levels for various expressions.
He was a very intellectual person, he is also a very dedicated actor and apparently is a perfectionist. He also worries about the work of others and wanted the perfectionist. He never left a set even after his schedule was over. He wanted to sit back and watch the performance of co actors. He was so dedicated. Salute to that spirit.
Thanks to his effort and interest that we are able to see many classics and great movies. He always has etched his place in our hearts…
Getting back to my childhood, I happened to see the way he danced around, played and performed in films. He is a star among stars. Hence he was recognised in so many forums. He is :
- Kalaimamani (1962)
- Padma Shri (1966)
- Padma Bhushan (1984)
- Chevalier (1995)
- Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1996)
- NTR National Award (1998)
More than all he happened to steal the heart of millions of people and he is doing till date.
So coming down a list of my favorite Sivaji Ganesan Movies
- Later came many movies which always were his best as he is such a great actor. But the most memorable film to me is Veerapandiya Kattabomman – He lived in the role for few days, but we still remember him as Kattabomman. It is the story of a great leader and a wonderful king. All thanks to Sivaji sir, we know who is Kattabomman. I love the dialogue or “Kisti, vari, vaddi”.
- Sivaji sir did many solo hero films. But he also collaborated with many heroes to work together on projects. One such collaboration was Ooty Varai Uravu one of my early childhood favorites. The combination scenes of Nagesh and Sivaji sir were epic in this comedy classic.
- An all time favorite of mine is a Galata Kalyanam, amazing medley of actors, especially the scenes involving Sivaji sir and Nagesh is a lovely combination. They way manage the 4th son in law position is amazing. The way he brings together the whole wedding is beautiful. A must watch for comic film lovers.
- a classic that many lookup to “Bale Pandiya” a super movie with double action of Sivaji sir and M.R. Ratha sir. I would say the movie is a full packed complete movie.
- Coming into the 90’s Sivaji sir started to act with the leading heroes Rajinkanth, Kamal Hassan and in the late 90s with Vijay, 2 most important films of the 90s to me are –
- Devar Magan – A Kamal Hassan – Sivaji Ganesan classic. A movie which allows the audience to live through the movie. The scenes with Sivaji sir are so perfect and amazing.
- Padaiyappa – A school time classic of mine. I loved the happy going father Sivaji sir in the movie. His second last movie. The way he adores the house on his last glance is a memory I hold very close. I could connect to that situation a lot.
- Once More – A beautiful movie. A multi starrer. But Sivaji sir walks in and steals the stage, the flashback scenes from his earlier movie Iruvar Ullam made Once More a mega success.
- Coming back to the east man color films – Kappalotiya Tamizhan – A Classic film which showcases one of the forgotten freedom fighters, Va. U. Chidambaranar. A freedom fighter many people relate with Sivaji sir. Owing to him, many like me know the great freedom fighter.
- Starting with his first film – A handsome, young black and white Sivaji sir, working with veterans in movie AVM. This movie was supposedly a stage drama which later was made into a movie. He aced the role and won over hearts in this movie. Parasakthi.
- Deiva Magan – I would say was a movie made for Sivaji Ganesan. His ability to carry on 3 characters together was remarkable.
- Motor Sundaram Pillai – A movie known for the big family, the kids were the future leading heroines of Tamil cinema. Sivaji sir managed to do his job and every frame he was on screen marked his presence in a very beautiful way.
- His talent was showcased in a very beautiful way in an all time classic “Navarathri” – a special movie wherein he played 9 unique characters. My favorite being the stage actor. What a song and what a majestic performance.
- Sabash meena – One of the earliest movies of Sivaji sir, a comic classic. His pairing with Chandra Babu in this movie was really classic. Both made a wonderful movie together.
- Coming towards a recent movie – Bharatha Vilas – a movie which had theme to showcase various Indian cultures and how they could reside under the same roof. The movies most famous song “Indiya Naadu En Veedu” is etched in memory.
- Thillana Mohanabal – A classic movie, any art lover or dancer will really enjoy this film. It had great performances of Padmini, Nagesh, Balaiya and most importantly our very own Sivaji sir. My favorite is the train scene. Amidst the chaotic situation, sivaji sir and Padmini are lost with each other.
He is a legendary hero, who is always remembered and alive in our hearts. To know more about this great actor, watch the following clip. I am happy and amazed to learn about him, I am sure it will be a great watch. Enjoy!
Hence coming to a close with Sivaji sir’s quotes:
Know what people like to eat, prepare it with with love and serve them.
Chevalier sivaji ganesan
Remember him | Cherish him | Pass on his performances to the budding generations!
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