 Marlon
Brando spoke of him saying "He can act like me but I can't
act like him."
In over 300 films, most of them in Tamil, Sivaji Ganesan has
lived out the entire gamut of roles for the screen - landlord or beggar,
policeman or thief, prince or outcast, father or son, friend or foe,
heroic warrior or despicable coward.
Born on October 1st 1927, Villupuram Chiniah Pillai Ganesan
received little formal education. He dropped out of school to join
a boy's Drama Company.
Renowned social reformer E.V. Ramasamy Naickar (fondly called
Periyar) conferred on him the title 'Sivaji', after watching
his outstanding performance as the Maratha warrior - Chatrapati
Sivaji.
With his debut film Paraasakthi (1952), he became an
overnight sensation. Through a career spanning four decades, Sivaji's
histrionic brilliance and unmatched dialogue delivery, offered viewers
riveting performances in films like Veera Paandia Kattabomman,
Manohara, Utthama Puthiran, Kappalottiya Thamizhan, Thiruvarutchelvar,
Thiruvillayadal, Navaraathri (where he plays nine characters!),
Paasa Malar, Pudhiya Paravai, Mudhal Mariadhai and Thevar
Magan.
Sivaji's uncanny ability to portray his characters is legendary.
He gets across every shade of emotion with fascinating ease. And yet,
is the Director's slave.
Among the awards conferred on him are the 'Padmashri' and the
French government's 'Chevalier' award.
For more on Sivaji Ganesan - www.sivaji-prabhu.com
RAJINIKANTH
 When
he appears in his opening scene, cinema-hall crowds throw money at
the screen in a delirium. His fan clubs are numerous. His every gesture
is part of youth body language. Distribution rights are sold out in
millions of rupees, even as he announces plans for his new film. His
every release is celebrated with the pomp of a festival.
The title 'Megastar' seems inadequate.
From being a bus conductor in Bangalore to reaching super stardom
in Tamil Nadu, Rajini's story is as fascinating as that of the hero
roles he portrays.
His real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. In 1975 he made his debut
in a character role for K. Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal.
But it was his villainous portrayal, of Parattai, in Bharathiraja's
Padhinaaru Vayadhinile that registered with the masses.
Rajinikanth's stylised hero can be best understood in the swift
gestures, the rapid-fire dialogue delivery and the dramatic movements,
that he has made his trademark.
Among his notable films are Moonru Mudichu, Mullum Malarum,
Priya, Murattu Kaalai, Thalapathi, Mannan, Annaamalai, Baasha, Muthu,
and Padayappa.
KAMAL HASAN
 Regarded
by most, as one of India's finest actors today, Kamal Hasan
began his love affair with cinema when he was hardly nine. This was
as child artist in Kalathoor Kannamma (1960).
In a career, spanning four decades and over 200 films, Kamal Hasan's
passion for the medium has made his work, a near unattainable benchmark,
for the rest in the business.
He has given viewers unforgettable performances - as a village idiot
in Padhinaaru Vayadhinile, a love-struck youth in Ek
duje ke liye (Hindi), a Robin Hood styled mafia boss in Naayagan,
a midget in Apoorva Sahodarargal, an obsessed lover
in Guna, a cross-dressed nanny in Avvai Shanmughi
and an old patriot in Indian. And his versatility has
necessitated path-breaking make-up.
His directorial work Hey Ram (centered round Mahatma
Gandhi's assassination) cost Rs 16 crore to make. But his proposed
magnum opus (launched by Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Chennai
in 1999) is the period film titled Marudanaayagam.
Kamal Hasan has won the National Award thrice (for performances
in Moondraam Pirai, Naayagan and Indian).
He has also been honoured with the Padmashri. |
