Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On His Birth Anniversary

Known as ‘King of Romance ‘,Ramasamy Ganesan , later became famous as Gemini Ganesan, was one of the three “Big’ names of Tamil cinema-the other two being M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) & Sivaji Ganesan .MGR was popular as an action hero and Sivaji mostly did dramatic roles in films. Gemini married twice first with Alamelu, with whom he lived throughout and Savitri,one of the finest actresses down South. His third wife Pushpavalli, mother of actress Rekha, was not his legally wedded wife. Ganesan did two Hindi films viz “Miss Marry” ( 1957) opposite Meena Kumari with a hit number ‘O Raat Ke Musafir Chanda Zara Bata De’ and ” Raj Tilak” ( 1958) starring Vyjayanthimala, Padmini,Gemini Ganeshan & Pran. It was directed by S.S.Vasan. He appeared in a guest role in “Nazrana”(1961).

“Mahanati” (The great actress) , a biographical drama film written and directed by Nag Ashwin, was released in 2018 depicting the life of great actress Savitri whom Ganesan deprived of everything. Keerthy Suresh played the role of Savitri & Dulquer Salmaan portrayed Gemini Ganesan. Samantha Ruth & Vijay Deverakonda were also part of the film. The film won many accolades and was critically acclaimed.

Ganesan’s daughter was highly critical of the film as she believed that the character of her father had more negative shades while Savitri was highlighted in the film. Interestingly , this write up is about Gemini Ganesan. Savitri figures as she was one of his wives. The film produced with budget of 25 crore, grossed over 83 crore with the distributors receiving a sizeable profit. “Mahanati” won three National Film Awards & four Filmfare Awards (South). Keerthy Suresh won The Best Actress National Award.

Gemini Ganesan was Born this day in 1920 at Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu.