Film stars have fan clubs with a wide network. Yesteryear hero Gemini Ganesan had a mass appeal. He enraptured the public with his suaveness and striking face.
A diehard fan of Gemini, Sridhar, who calls himself ‘Gemini’ Sridhar, travels down memory lane talking about his favourite star.
Sridhar has an interesting tale about the immortal classic ‘Veerapandiya Kattabomman’. Famous actor S S Rajendran was supposed to act in the film along with Sivaji Ganesan who was the hero. For some unknown reasons, ‘Gemini’ Ganesan replaced S S Rajendran.
Initially, Gemini was reluctant to do the role but later on he agreed. He wanted S S Rajendran to make an official announcement so that there will be no confusion and misunderstanding.
Some scenes were shot at Jaipur. Gemini was asked to stay there for some time to complete his scenes. But Gemini was not keen to stay for a long time as his wife, renowned actress Savithri, was expecting. Gemini used to call her every day and enquire about her health.
After the shooting got over, Gemini, accompanied by Sivaji Ganesan, headed straight to the hospital to see the newborn.
During the peak of his career, in 1972-82, Gemini acted in many films and as many as five films a month were released. His fans did not like this because it would cause a setback to Gemini’s health and people might get bored watching his films. Gemini knew the problems faced by producers and always wanted to finish his films at the right time so that his films could be released without delay.
He was fond of conversing over the telephone that even during a minute’s break he was seen with a receiver in his hand.
We have never seen him angry, asserts Sridhar, who says that Gemini led a Bohemian lifestyle.
During the shooting of the film ‘Appa Tata’, his fans were with him suggesting he wear attractive apparels.
Director K Balachander was also a close friend of Gemini. There was a club at Madurai called Karpaga Kunjaram (fan club of Gemini) and we will be surprised to know that they are the ones who bestowed the title Iyakkunar Sigaram on K Balachander.
Gemini Ganesan was an icon whose fans followed him like a shadow enjoying his actions on and off the silverscreen.
(Concluded)
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