Sivaji classics revisited
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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Bharat Kalachar and Piriyamana Thozhi, observed the fourth death anniversary of Sivaji Ganesan.
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PHOTOS: M. SRINATH.
SIGNIFICANT HONOUR: Sujatha and Vietnam Veedu Sundaram with Mrs. YGP.
It was a revelation for Y. Gee. Mahendra when he went to Sivaji Ganesan's house on the morning of July 21 — the day that marked the fourth death anniversary of the great actor. Fans from all over the State had gathered at `Annai Illam,' to pay homage to their beloved actor, though it is four years since he passed away. "What surprised me was many among them were youngsters who were not even around when Sivaji was active in cinema," YGM informed the modest gathering at the YGP Auditorium. Bharat Kalachar and Piriyamana Thozhi had joined hands to present Sivaji Ninaivanjali, a two-day programme in memory of the legend. Besides honouring veterans who had been associated with Ganesan, a video projection of two of the actor's classics `Paritshaikku Naeramaachu' and `Gauravam' had been organised.
Seated among the audience was Sivaji Ganesan's daughter-in-law, Kannamma Ramkumar. "Though four years have gone by, we are still not able to watch appa on screen without tears in our eyes. The void at home is almost tangible. It's incredible that even now hundreds of visitors pour in on May 1 [his wedding day], July 21, and October1 [Ganesan's birthday] ," she tells you. You understand the sentiment and empathise with the family because that's how every fan who has grown watching the actor on screen, feels to this day.
It was not an exaggeration when Mrs. YGP while lionising Ganesan, said that not a day passes without TV channels featuring sequences from one or the other of his films. Sivaji Ganesan remains ubiquitous still , she noted.
Writer `Vietnam Veedu' Sundaram and actor Sujatha who had worked with Ganesan in quite a few memorable ventures, were honoured with the Sivaji Award of Excellence, on July 21. Ramkumar and Prabhu came in later. Those present were floored by the youthfulness and charm of a well-preserved Sujatha. YGM rightly observed that if K. Balachander saw her now he may even think of making `Aval Oru Thodarkathai — Part II' and the rather reclusive Sujatha responded with a self-conscious smile. You were quite disappointed when neither of the recipients came to the mike. But when Mrs. YGP requested that Sundaram write another play for UAA and Sujatha act in it, the latter came out with a loud, enthusiastic, "Sure." And that was the only word you heard her utter!
Srikanth, another recipient, with YGM.
However, the next evening, Srikanth, the actor who was similarly honoured, shared his thoughts about Sivaji Ganesan, with whom he had acted in 40 films. Radhu and Mrs. YGP spoke of Srikanth's roots in theatre.
It was curtains on a worthy two-day remembrance after the screening of `Gauravam.' Totally smitten by Ganesan's performance, probably for the nth time, YGM's brother Rajendra exclaimed with a Shakespearean touch: "Here was an actor! When comes another!"
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Chennai and Tamil Nadu
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