Film stars have an endearing appeal and attract hundreds of fans who form a vital cog in their lives. The fan clubs are a part and parcel of an artiste’s career and one such ardent fan of Kadhal Mannan Gemini Ganesan is Sridhar (an employee of BSNL); who is passionate about sharing his experiences with the yesteryear matinee idol who has left an indelible imprint in the hearts of fans and Indian cinema.
Sridhar became interested in Gemini Ganesan when everyone told him that he resembled the hero. He was nicknamed ‘Gemini’ Sridhar. He was also overawed by Gemini’s acting and used to trek to Napier’s Park from Ponneri where the fans of Gemini used to assemble every evening to talk about their favourite star.
He was inducted into the Gemini coterie by West Mambalam Sridhar of Pesum Padam, a film magazine. Another diehard fan of Gemini, Vallabhan, helped Sridhar to get close to the hero.
Sridhar had a strong desire to be with Gemini, watching his favourite star in the sets. He used to visit Gemini’s house on Sundays to observe him closely. Gemini had an enviable modesty and used to connect with his fans amazingly, declares Sridhar.
We used to garland him every time and he used to accept it with humility, laughs Sridhar.
Sridhar’s colleagues envied him and challenged him to prove his closeness with the actor. To prove his familiarity with Gemini, Sridhar took them to a shooting spot and sent word about his presence. The gregarious Gemini did not want to disappoint Sridhar and cycled to the place where Sridhar was waiting with his colleagues leaving them awestruck and dazed. This kind gesture is a reflection of his person, quips Sridhar.
The flambouyant actor belonged to the city’s creative domain with eclectic interests.
According to Gemini’s daughter Jaya, he was an open book.
Sridhar reminiscences another incident to reveal the actor’s humility. When the film ‘Shanthi Nilayam’ was released, there were no banners for Gemini. Angered by this, the fans reported this to the actor who drove them to Chitra theatre where the film was released. He was not a wee bit perturbed and kept cool, declares Sridhar.
Gemini exuded an ineffable charm that made him close to the masses, praises Sridhar.
(To be contd)
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