Remembering Indian Cinema’s Irreplaceable Gem: Sivaji Ganesan

Today (21 July 2025) marks the 24^th death anniversary of Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan.

To truly appreciate Sivaji Ganesan’s spectacular acting range, one must look more to his later films. His earlier films saw him greatly influenced by the stage and the film sensibilities of that time which were largely determined by film directors who also transitioned from stage to screen.

This is not to say that the great actor did not have subdued performances in his earlier films. One needs to look at Paar Magale Paar, Paarthaal Pasi Theerum, Deiva Magan, Andha Naal or Paava Maniipu to see his incredible acting range, or one can look at his roles in Bale Pandiya, Sbash Meena, Galatta Kalyanam, Moondru Deivangal or ootyvarai Uravu to look at his fabulous comedic timing, or one can see his changed body language in films like Sivandha Mann and Vaira Nenjam.

However, towards the end of his career, he transformed his style of acting completely in films like Muthal Mariyathai and Thevar Magan.

There were many lessons the film industry could have learned from him: In his 47 years in the industry, he was never late for shooting. In addition, he would wait on set after his scenes were filmed to support the rest of the cast, leaving the set only when shooting was wrapped up at the end of the day. He never tried to teach a director his craft and showed the upmost respect to all on set. Despite starring in numerous romances with many actresses, there was never even a hint of a scandal about him.

Tamil films and acting falls into two categories – Before Sivaji Ganesan and after Sivaji Ganesan.

A stage actor who successfully transitioned to the big screen and ruled the industry for almost five decades and acting under four generations of director, Sivaji Ganesan is an institution – the pride of Indian cinema.

His accolades are numerous but include the first Indian actor to win the Best Actor award at an International Film Festival, the First Indian actor to be awarded the Chevalier title by the Government of France, the First Indian actor to play nine roles are just some of the accolades in a career that enjoyed many firsts, many highlights and many records.

On his death on 21 July 2001 at the age of 73, he was given a state funeral, leaving behind a void that can never be filled,