CHENNAI: Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu conferred the Dr Sivaji Ganesan Memorial Awards on veteran personalities Vanisri, Vennira Aadai Nirmala, Y Gee Mahendra, music director Sankar Ganesh and cameraman Vishwanath Rai on the actor’s 88th birth anniversary on Saturday.
A compilation of clips from films including Aananda Kanneer, Thirudan and Bharatha Vilas, in which they had worked with Sivaji Ganesan, were also screened.
Hailing Ganesan as one of the best actors of those times, Naidu said that he became his ardent fan after watching the classic, Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
“Though the actor is not with us, he still lives with us through his films. Ganesan remained a regional star essentially because of the ethos of Tamil cinema. Had he been in politics, he would have been celebrated more. He was conferred with the Chevalier honour by the French Government and was the first Indian actor to receive the recognition. In fact, Tamil cinema can be divided into ‘Before Sivaji and after Sivaji eras’. He’s immortal. There was indeed, no one to beat him in acting and emoting,” he said.
Looking at the varied roels that the Nadigar Thilakam had so effortlessly handles, Naidu commented on how cinema was a powerful medium to influence people’s minds.
“That way, Ganesan did his part to act in movies, which inculcated patrotism, family values and culture in people. The man could perform any role of any shade with ingenuity, involvement and finesse, and that’s the hallmark of a true artiste. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest actors of modern India. His films were devoid of obscenity and vulgarity. He could balance artistic sensitivity with commercial savvy,” Naidu said.
Members of Sivaji family – G Ramkumar, G Prabhu, Vikram Prabhu and Dushyant – were among those present on the occasion. Senior members of All India Sivaji Ganesan Fans’ Association, were also honoured with awards.