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SIVAJI
GANESAN
Marlon Brando spoke of him saying "He can act like me
but I can't act like him."
In over 300 films, most of them in Tamil, Sivaji
Ganesan has lived out the entire gamut of roles for the screen
- landlord or beggar, policeman or thief, prince or outcast, father
or son, friend or foe, heroic warrior or despicable coward.
Born on October 1st 1927, Villupuram Chiniah
Pillai Ganesan received little formal education. He dropped
out of school to join a boy's Drama Company.
Renowned social reformer E.V. Ramasamy Naickar
(fondly called Periyar) conferred on him the title 'Sivaji',
after watching his outstanding performance as the Maratha warrior
- Chatrapati Sivaji.
With his debut film Paraasakthi (1952),
he became an overnight sensation. Through a career spanning four
decades, Sivaji's histrionic brilliance and unmatched dialogue
delivery, offered viewers riveting performances in films like Veera
Paandia Kattabomman, Manohara, Utthama Puthiran, Kappalottiya Thamizhan,
Thiruvarutchelvar, Thiruvillayadal, Navaraathri (where he
plays nine characters!), Paasa Malar, Pudhiya Paravai, Mudhal
Mariadhai and Thevar Magan.
Sivaji's uncanny ability to portray his
characters is legendary. He gets across every shade of emotion with
fascinating ease. And yet, is the Director's slave.
Among the awards conferred on him are the 'Padmashri'
and the French government's 'Chevalier' award.
For more on Sivaji Ganesan - www.sivaji-prabhu.com
RAJINIKANTH
When
he appears in his opening scene, cinema-hall crowds throw money
at the screen in a delirium. His fan clubs are numerous. His every
gesture is part of youth body language. Distribution rights are
sold out in millions of rupees, even as he announces plans for his
new film. His every release is celebrated with the pomp of a festival.
The title 'Megastar' seems inadequate.
From being a bus conductor in Bangalore to reaching
super stardom in Tamil Nadu, Rajini's story is as fascinating as
that of the hero roles he portrays.
His real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. In
1975 he made his debut in a character role for K. Balachander's
Apoorva Raagangal. But it was his villainous portrayal,
of Parattai, in Bharathiraja's Padhinaaru Vayadhinile
that registered with the masses.
Rajinikanth's stylised hero can be best
understood in the swift gestures, the rapid-fire dialogue delivery
and the dramatic movements, that he has made his trademark.
Among his notable films are Moonru Mudichu,
Mullum Malarum, Priya, Murattu Kaalai, Thalapathi, Mannan, Annaamalai,
Baasha, Muthu, and Padayappa.
KAMAL
HASAN
Regarded
by most, as one of India's finest actors today, Kamal Hasan
began his love affair with cinema when he was hardly nine. This
was as child artist in Kalathoor Kannamma (1960).
In a career, spanning four decades and over 200
films, Kamal Hasan's passion for the medium has made his
work, a near unattainable benchmark, for the rest in the business.
He has given viewers unforgettable performances
- as a village idiot in Padhinaaru Vayadhinile, a
love-struck youth in Ek duje ke liye (Hindi), a Robin
Hood styled mafia boss in Naayagan, a midget in Apoorva
Sahodarargal, an obsessed lover in Guna, a
cross-dressed nanny in Avvai Shanmughi and an old
patriot in Indian. And his versatility has necessitated
path-breaking make-up.
His directorial work Hey Ram (centered
round Mahatma Gandhi's assassination) cost Rs 16 crore to make.
But his proposed magnum opus (launched by Queen Elizabeth
on her visit to Chennai in 1999) is the period film titled Marudanaayagam.
Kamal Hasan has won the National Award thrice
(for performances in Moondraam Pirai, Naayagan and
Indian). He has also been honoured with the
Padmashri.
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