Tamil films and acting falls into two categories – Before Sivaji Ganesan and after Sivaji Ganesan.
Who is the original Style Mannan? Rajinikanth himself attributed his popularity to trying to imitate Sivaji Ganesan’s swag, style and walk and even his style of smoking. In an interview, Rajinikanth spoke about how Sivaji Ganesan’s portrayal of SP Choudhry in Thanga Padhakkam greatly influenced his role in Nettri Kann.
Sivaji Ganesan was well known for his punctuality and humility on set. He would not question directors on what they wanted and often asked junior artists for their opinion on his acting.
Sivaji Ganesan’s excellence on screen took Tamil films and the Tamil language well beyond the geographical boundaries of India. His love for his language and his country were obvious in his films.
His friendship with CN AnnAdurai, Kamaraj, MG Ramachandran, Jayalalitha, SS Rajendran, Nagesh, Manorama, Cho and even Kamalhaasan Showed his genial personality. He taught the entire film fraternity that humility takes one further than anything else.
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 amd the First Indian actor to play nine roles. These 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 he was given a state funeral.
Today marks the 97th birth anniversary of this Legend in Indian cinema.
Below is the playlist published in Sigaram on 21 July 2025.
K. Bhagyaraj Special 4: Classic Film Review: “Darling Darling Darling”
Post Views: 9 K. Bhagyaraj’s ninth directorial was a marked move away from his previous films. While his earlier films focused on story and content,
TOP 20 Tamil Songs for the week ending 03 July 2026
Post Views: 10 We start off the second half of 2026 with three new entries and a new number 1. Don’t forget to vote for
K. Bhagyaraj Special 3: Classic Film Review: Thooral Ninnu Pochu
Post Views: 14 K. Bhagyaraj’s seventh directorial, Thooral Ninnu Pochu, sees him play the lead role opposite Sulakshana. The supporting cast includes M.N. Nambiar, Senthamarai,
History of Tamil Cinema – Episode 15
Post Views: 12 MGR as villain in Saalivaahanam This film released on 16 February 1945 and starred Ranjan opposite T.R. Rajakumari. Directed by B.N. Rao,
K. Bhagyaraj Special 2: Classic Film Review: Andha 7 Naatkal
Post Views: 13 Inspired by the life of J.P. Chandrababu, K. Bhagyaraj’s sixth directorial. Andha 7 Natkal, is a moving love story with lots of
K. Bhagyaraj Special 1: Classic Review: “Vidiyumvarai Kaathiru”
Post Views: 18 K. Bhagyaraj’s Vidiyumvarai Kathiru, released theatrically on 08 May 1981, was his fifth directorial and was a film that was decades ahead