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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