Headline :Moving tribute to a celluloid legend

NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME
Date :01/08/2004
Page :04
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Entertainment

POPULAR old Tamil songs echoed inside the closed auditorium of Wisma Tun Sambantham in Kuala Lumpur as ardent fans silently paid their respects to a legendary star recently.
A garlanded portrait of the legendary Tamil film star, Sivaji Ganesan, was placed on the stage, as fans remembered his movies and his great acting prowess.
Sivaji may have died on July 21, 2001, but to many a fan, he is still alive, at least in their Memory.
It was a mournful moment for many fans as they watched with admiration and overflowing emotion the videoclips that were screened.
Some clapped, some cheered, some were saddened and some smiled, remembering the good old times of growing up watching his movies.
Born Villupuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan on Oct 1, 1927, he took his screen name "Sivaji" after the stage play about the Maratha emperor Shivaji.
Sivaji made his film debut in the unforgettable Parashakti in 1952 at the age of 25.
"He reflected a persona of a seasoned actor in his first movie attempt and it was a major success," said writer poet, C. Pandithurai.
Hit movies followed for almost five decades later, with movies like Veerapandiya Kattaboman (1960), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Vasantha Maligai (1972), Muthal Mariyathai (1985) up to his final role in Pooparikka Varigiroom (2000) with his grandson.
Some of those at the memorial said that thanks to Sivaji and his movies, people came to know of historical figures like warrior hero Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Kappalottiya Tamizhan after watching his movie. Sivaji brought life to history and colour to acting.

The Sivaji Ganesan Society of Malaysia (SGSM) formed after the actor died, organised a poetry contest titled Nadigar Thilagam (The Ultimate Actor) for those aged 18 to 30.
Ten best poems were selected at the event.
The contest was provided an opportunity for younger fans to express their appreciation of a grand old actor.
Big fan K. Divyarani, 27, said only Sivaji could converse through his eyes and facial expression "and you don't get them from actors today".
Pandithurai and producer/director V. Vijeyasingham shared the sentiment and relished the versatile star and Indian cinema for his genuine acting skills.
"Sivaji Ganesan will always shine as long as his fans appreciate the art of good acting with a good story and moral to be told."
(END)