Gemini Ganesan

Gemini Ganesan was a renowned actor of South India. Fondly called “Kadhal Mannan” (King of Romance), he did more than 200 films in his career, which spanned over five decades. He commenced his film career in 1947, with a role in “Miss Malini”. He was noticed only after playing the villain in “Thai Ullam” in 1953. After playing the lead role in “Manam Pola Mangalyam” in 1954, he finally acquired star status. He was known for his romantic roles and his pairing with Savitri, with whom he also had a personal relationship. He also acted with other leading actresses of his time, such as Vyjayanthimala, Saroja Devi, Padmini, and Devika. He was one of the "three biggest names of Tamil cinema", along with M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan. He was also one of the few college graduates to enter the film industry then. He received the Padma Shri award in 1971 and several other honours for his contribution to cinema. Despite his celebrated film career, Ganesan's personal life, particularly his marriages to multiple women over the years, has often been a subject of criticism. He had eight children, including actress Rekha, who was born to his partner Pushpavalli. He also had a brief relationship with Juliana Andrew in his later years. After a prolonged illness due to kidney failure and multiple organ failure, Gemini Ganesan died surrounded by Bobji (Alamelu) and their daughters at his residence on 22 March 2005. He was cremated with full state honors.