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Gemini Ganesan up close

An ardent fan of Kadhal Mannan Gemini Ganesan, Sridhar and his friends followed their icon like a shadow. Gemini, on his part, had great respect for his fans and treated them with love and affection.

When the picture ‘Sudarum Suravaliyum’ was released, all his fans accompanied Gemini in his car to the theatre to see the movie. Sridhar says if Gemini is tensed, then he will drive at an alarming speed.

Gemini is child-like with malice towards none, avows Sridhar. The star always felt that a person should do whatever one loves doing as it brings bliss.

Gemini advised his fans not to cheat the poor. Sridhar recounts another humorous incident where Gemini, after acting as hero in a movie, understood the story only when the movie was completed. The movie ‘Punnagai’, directed by K Balachander, had Gemini as its hero. When the last shot was completed, Gemini remarked that only now did he understand the story. Balalchander blurted, “Ada pavi,” in surprise.

A devout person, Gemini was adept at chanting Vedic mantras. When a homam was performed for his well-being, Gemini sat with the pundits and recited the mantras.

During his first daughter’s marriage in the sprawling, elegant Abbotsbury in Chennai, his fans worked closely with him. Shyam Sundar, Natarajan, Narasimham were passionately affectionate towards Gemini.

Sowcar Janaki, who produced and acted in ‘Kaviya Thalaivi’ with Gemini, once remarked that the name of the movie should be changed to ‘Kaviya Thalaivan’ as Gemini’s acting skills were extraordinary.

Gemini became close to Savithri, a leading heroine, during the film ‘Misiamma’. It was only after the hiccup scene that love blossomed between them. They were united in wedlock later.

Sridhar reminiscences about Gemini completing 50 years in the cinema world. They arranged for a get-together at Hotel Palmgrove which was attended by the bigwigs of Kollywood.

Gemini used to visit chief minster Karunanidhi’s house on January 1 to garland him.

He was close to everyone, declares Sridhar.

His fans used to gift him with a shirt purchased from Kings Corner in T Nagar on his birthday.

The fans of Gemini were involved with him and his family that they know each and every one of them. Gemini’s daughter, Dr Kamala Selvaraj, was particularly fond of the fans.

Gemini was our world, concludes Sridhar, who was deeply concerned about Gemini’s cine life, his domestic front and his health. His child-like innocence and naiveté attracted us towards him, he declares.

Jul 14, 2010
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Mira

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