Chennai: The birth anniversaries of Thespian ‘Sivaji’ Ganesan and backward classes icon S. S. Ramasami Padayatchi will be observed as official functions by the Tamil Nadu government.
Making an announcement under rule 110 in the State Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami informed that the legendary actor’s birth anniversary on October 1 every year will be celebrated as government function, as a tribute to him. Recalling various awards ‘Sivaji’ had received including the Kalaimamani, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Chevalier and the Dadha Saheb Phalke awards, Palaniswami said the initiative would honour his service to the entertainment industry.
Later, reacting to the announcement Ganesan’s son and veteran actor Prabhu thanked the state government for the gesture and said that it was the people’s wish that ‘Sivaji’s’ birth anniversary should be celebrated as a government function. “Though the announcement has come late, I am happy and proud that the government has finally come forward and honoured my father,” an excited Prabhu said.
Nadigar Sangam general secretary Vishal has also thanked the government. Sivaji had acted in over 300 films. ‘Parasakthi’ (1952), which was his debut catapulated him to star status overnight. He went on to dominate the big screen for more than three decades.
Meanwhile, the birth anniversary of S. S. Ramasamy Padayachiar on September 16 would be celebrated by the government as official function, Mr. Palaniswami said. This backward classes icon who fought for social justice, had founded the Tamil Nadu Toilers’ Party. He was with the Congress party as well and also served as Local Administration Minister during 1954-57, and was elected twice to the Lok Sabha.
