Chennai: The 99th birth anniversary of Sivaji Ganesan, hailed as “Nadigar Thilagam,” was celebrated yesterday.
On this occasion, at the Sivaji Ganesan memorial in Adyar, the Tamil Nadu government garlanded Sivaji’s statue, and a photograph of him was decorated with flowers nearby.
On behalf of the government, Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar and Ministers A. Rajmohan, Venkataramanan, and Vanni Arasu paid floral tributes to Sivaji’s portrait.
In this event, Tamil Development and Information Department Secretary V. Rajaraman, Information and Public Relations Department Director Dr. A. Arun Thamburaj, Sivaji’s sons Ramkumar and Prabhu, along with family members, film artists, and government officials, took part.
On behalf of the Congress party, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Manickam Tagore and the party’s Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan paid tribute by placing garlands on Sivaji’s statue.
In this event, South Chennai East District Congress Committee President T. Vijayasekar, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee OBC Wing President T.A. Naveen, and Congress functionaries participated.
Chief Minister Vijay’s praise
In a post released by Chief Minister Vijay on social media yesterday, “On the birth anniversary of actor-legend, Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan, who, with his unmatched acting talent and commanding voice, brought life to the characters he portrayed, stood as the Himalayas of the film world, and secured an everlasting place in the hearts of Tamils across the world, I remember, honor, and pay tribute to his महान artistic contribution.”
With his extraordinary acting, he brought to life before our eyes all kinds of characters—historical heroes, legendary figures, and ordinary people of society—and through his films made the richness and pride of Tamil known to the world, standing as a model of acting.
He has said, “Sivaji Ganesan’s achievements in the world of art will endure across generations and remain forever a pride of Tamil soil.”
In a post released by DMK leader M.K. Stalin, he said, “It is the birthday of actor-legend, Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan, who ruled the film world with his majestic voice, refined Tamil pronunciation, and commanding presence! On this day, I remember and honor the beautiful moments spent with the actor-legend, as well as his unmatched acting talent.”
In a post released by AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, he said, “Whether it is a scene of valor, affection, anger, sorrow, love, sacrifice, or grandeur, I urge the Central Government to honor and recognize the artistry of the acting emperor, who set a new benchmark for acting through his body language and emotionally charged delivery, by conferring the nation’s highest award, the Bharat Ratna.”