Chennai: Sivaji Ganesan played different roles in life, the chief among them being that of a versatile actor and politician. On his 91st birth anniversary today, News Today recalls his stellar role in both fields by interviewing K Chandrasekaran, the president of Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Samooga Nala Peravai, Tamilnadu Congress Committee art wing president and one of the greatest fans of the actor.
Chandrasekaran has spent his entire life uplifting the image of the Nadigar Thilagam through his writings and his efforts in building the Sivaji Ganesan memorial, among many other activities. In one of his latest initiatives, he has published a book, Nenju Irukkum Varai – Nadigar Thilagathin Ninaivu, about the political life of Sivaji.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: How did you become a fan of Sivaji?
A: I am originally from Idumbavanam village, Tiruvarur district. I was the last son born on 26 August 1968 to Krishnamurthy, who was Idumbavanam’s village administrative officer, and Rajalakshmi. I got married to Sudha and have a son named Navin. During my childhood days, my father used to take me to theatres, especially Sivaji movies. In those days, there would only be re-releases but still I used to watch them, eventually becoming a great fan of the actor. His dialogue delivery and expressions are the highlights of his movies.
Q: How did your career also turn towards the actor?
A: After completing my school education in Idumbavanam, I moved to Chennai and pursued BA History. During my college days, I was a regular visitor to the newly-formed Sivaji Mandram at the time, becoming friends with everyone there. In the meantime, I also completed a typing course which helped me get a typist job in the mandram post completion of my studies. This humble beginning of my career has taken me where I am today. Being a hard worker in the mandram, I got recognised and got higher positions in all of Sivaji’s ventures, including politics. My career reached its peak when I was appointed as an in-charge for Sivaji’s film production. The actor’s affiliation with the Congress also helped me set my foot there, becoming an important party functionary under Congress leader Vazhappadi K Ramamurthy.
Q: Let’s know about your latest book.
A: I released a book, Nenju Irukkum Varai – Nadigar Thilagathin Ninaivu, on my 50th birthday recently about the political life of Sivaji. While my first book, Sivaji – Oru Varalatrin Varalaru, depicts the lifestyle of the actor, the new book brings to light his might as a politician. Many say Sivaji didn’t have the luck like his counterpart MGR in politics. They even say he wasn’t capable enough to handle a party. Above all, they say Sivaji was a miser. My book refutes these claims with adequate proof.
Q: Tell us about Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Samooga Nala Peravai.
A: Post the demise of the legendary actor, I had an inner urge to serve society in his name. So, I started the Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Samooga Nala Peravai in 2005. Through this, I have taken many steps to establish Sivaji in the minds of people like Sivaji’s statue on Kamarajar Salai, development of Sivaji Ganesan memorial and social service. It is to be noted that we were also associated with the State-wide fast organised in July last year. As of now, our peravai’s branch is in almost all districts of Tamilnadu.
Q: Your next set of actions?
A: As an ardent fan of Sivaji, my next initiative will be to bring all the photographs of Sivaji’s life into his memorial. The building still lacks some of the aspects needed to make it a proper one.
Chandrasekaran resides at Nanganallur, and can be contacted at 9840441427.