 Gemini Ganesan stamp released
 Union Minister for Information Technology and Communications Dayanidhi Maran released in Chennai a commemoration stamp of Gemini Ganesan, fondly remembered as 'Kaadhal Mannan' (king of romance) for his roles in many films on romance.
DMK president and former chief minister M Karunanidhi presided over the star-studded function, marked by the presence of several heroines of yesteryears -- Anjali Devi, Padmini, Vyjyantimala, Saroja Devi and K R Vijaya.
 The stamp was brought out by the Department of Posts. A large number of Ganesan's relatives participated in the function at Anna Arivalayam in
Chennai.
Karunanidhi recalled the contribution of Gemini Ganesan to the celluloid world with his own distinctive style of acting.
Lyricist Vairamuthu said Gemini Ganesan established his individuality, standing on his own legs ulike MGR and Sivaji Ganesan who had support from political parties.
Poet Vali said Gemini Ganesan remained a simple soul right till the end.
 Comedian Nagesh and producer AVM Saravanan said Gemini Ganesan shone like a beacon despite being dwarfed by two top heroes, MGR and Sivaji
Ganesan.
Gemini Ganesan was the eternal romantic of the silver screen, a charmer, and an actor par excellence -- one of the most adored icons of the Indian film industry.
Ramaswami Ganesan as he was known earlier was born on 17th November 1920 in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. After initial studies at Ramakrishna Home, Chennai and Maharajah's College, Pudukottai, Ganesan graduated from Madras Christian College, Tambaram and started his career as a lecturer in this College. But soon he joined Gemini Studios as a Production Assistant.
 His career as a film actor began with Tamil films Miss Malini (1947), Chakradari (1948) and Nava Jeevanam. Then he moved from Gemini Studios to join Iyengar Company, although the prefix 'Gemini' continued. Producers Narayana Iyengar and W P Sarathy signed him up for the film 'Thai Ullam' in which he played the role of a villain. He then got the dual role in 'Manam Pola Mangalyam', which established him as a popular lead actor. This was followed by more hits including AVM's 'Penn', Kanavane Kankanda Deivam, and Nagi Reddy's 'Missiamma', which gave him star status.
Gemini Ganesan acted in the lead role in over two hundred films in all the southern languages besides Hindi. His acting career touched enviable heights in films like 'Kalyana Parisu', 'Sumaithangi', 'Meenda Sorgam', 'Karpagam', 'Chinnanchiru Ulagam', 'Kurathi Magan', 'Iru Kodugal', 'Punnagai' and 'Velli Vizha'. He gave one of his most memorable performances in Sowcar Janaki's "Kaviya Thalaivi". His last film was 'Avvai Shanmughi'. He even acted in a TV serial,
Krishnadasi.
 A stalwart of Tamil cinema, Gemini Ganesan was honoured with several awards and titles including the Padmashree, Nadippu Chelvam and Nadigar
Mannan.
Gemini Ganesan was a good orator besides being a good singer in the Carnatic style. He was also a keen sportsman and won several tournaments in Cricket, Tennis and Billiards in his early days. In 1973, he led the first Indian cultural performing troop delegation to South Africa.
He passed away in Chennai on 22nd March 2005 but he still lives as the King of Romance for his many admirers all over the world.
R Rangaraj |
