Tamil cinema is synonymous with Sivaji Ganesan. Popularly known as Nadigar Thilagam, the actor glorified screens with his realistic acting skills and commitment to the profession. He is one of the first artist in India to follow method acting. The actor has acted in more that 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. In a career spanning close to five decades, he was honoured with the Chevalier award in 1995 by the National Order of the Legion of Honour in France. He is referred to as 'The Marlon Brando of Indian Cinema'. Sivaji made his on screen debut in the 1952 Tamil film Parasakthi and this film remains one of the best in his career, till date. Some of his memorable films include Bhaagapirivinai, Veerapaandiya Kattabomman, Thiruvilayadal, Thiruvarutselvar, Saraswati Sabatham, Harichandran, Thirumal Perumai, Karnan, Thillana Mohanambal, Vasantha Maligai, Gauravam, Raja Raja Chozhan, Thri Soolam, Thankappathakkam, Muthal Mariyathai, Thevar Magan and many more follows the list...
His last film was Padayappa, in which he played the role of Superstar Rajinikanth's father. Sivaji Ganesan passed away due to respiratory problems on July 21, 2001. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, politicians and film personalities.
A pride to Tamil cinema, he may have gone, but Kollywood fans can never forget this legendary actor.
