Gemini Ganesan passes away

Actress Rekha’s father and noted South star Gemini Ganesan, 84, passed away early this morning in Chennai.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Tuesday condoled the death of Tamil film star Gemini Ganesan.

In a message to Ganesan’s family, Kalam said: “Gemini Ganesan was one of the most famous actors who strode across the stage of South Indian cinema. In a career spanning more than half a century, he brought joy and happiness to thousands of fans and cinema goers through his roles, which were full of passion and emotion.”

Gemini Ganesan was a legend who could make even southern superstar Kamal Haasan starry-eyed. Gemini Ganesan was one of the three pillars of the Tamil film industry since the 1950s, the other two being Sivaji Ganesan and M.G. Ramachandran.

Gemini Ganesan acted in more than 200 films and was popularly known as the ‘King of Romance’ (kaadhal manan).

He won the Padmashree award in 1971 and other prestigious awards such as Kalaimamani, MGR Gold Medal and Screen Life Time Achievement award.

He married at the age of 19 with his first wife Bobji and became a father at the age of 22. He had four more marriages subsequently with the latest one being at age 70 with Juliana. Rekha, his daughter was born to his third wife Pushpavalli.