The romantic hero of Tamil cinema Gemini Ganesan is no more. He passed away on 22nd March 2005 at the age of 84. His death marks the end of a chapter in South Indian cinema.
He was the last of the “thirumurthikaL” or “moovEndhargaL” who ruled Tamil film world for many decades. That was the golden era of Tamil cinema. Along with their films that was the golden period of TFM also – an era of true melody.
Randorguy describes him as suave, sophisticated and romantic.He will live for ever through his romantic roles in films and his songs by the honey dewed voices of A.M.Raja and P.B.Srinivas. PBS calls him kadhal mannAthi mannan.
No one would have imagined Ramswamy Ganesan will one day become “kAdhal mannan” in the silver screen. He was the first actor who did not come from the stage. He had to find his place between the two giants MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. MGR was establishing himself as an action king as “makkaL thilagam”.Sivaji was proving as Nadigar thilagam in each of his films.
Gemini Ganesan acted in all kinds of roles that suited him. There was freshness in his presence. He was extrodinarily handsome and beautiful. The tangled hair, the dreamy eyes and his demeanour made him the perfect romantic hero. Pesumpadam Tamil magazine, fittingly gave him the title kAdhal mannan-King of romance. (In his autobiography Gemini Ganesan describes his father as a very handsome man who took great care in his looks, hairstyle and dress.)
Gemini Ganesan was a director’s delight. Young directors like C.V.Sridhar, K.Balachander , K.S.Gopalakrishnan,Ragavaih, Bhimsingh, Bandhulu, A.P.Nagarajan utilised his acting potentials.From romantic hero to light-hearted comedy, Gemini Ganesan played all roles with great ease.He played a wide range of roles romance, comedy, tragedy, villainy,historical heroes, mythology,melodrama and so on.There was not a momemnt of exaggeration in his acting.There was no trace of theatrical overstressing. His acting was simple and subtle. He brought subdued acting and underplay to the Tamil screen.
A simple and subtle expression, gentle smile and a look of longing in the eyes made him the true romantic hero in his duets. With his famous pyjama and kurtha, love sick look and a mood of melancholy brought his own Gemini style of singing in sad songs of love tragedy.
The soft romantic duets and the solos of Gemini (the soft flowing tunes of A.M.Raja and the honey dipped PBS songs) stand the test of time.His songs earned him millions of fans.
His memorable movies include Manampol Mangalyam (1953, his debut as hero), Kanavane kan kanda Deivam (1955), Missiamma (1955), Maathar kula manickam (1956), Pennin perumai (1956) Kaalam maarip pOchchu (1956) Maayaa bazaar(1957) Manalane mangaiyin bagyam(1957) Kalyana Parisu (1959),Veerapaandiya kattabomman(1959) Kalathur Kannamma (1960, the debut of Kamal Hassan as a kid),Parthiban kanavu(1960) Meenda sorgam(1960) Thaen Nilavu(1961), Konjum Salangai (1962), Sumaithangi (1962), Karpagam (1963), Panamaa Paasamaa (1968), Iru Kodugal (1969), Poovaa Thalayaa (1969), Naan Avanillai(1974, his own production, perhaps his best film in which he plays many roles)...
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1971. He won other prestigious awards like Kalaimamani, MGR Gold Medal, Screen Life Time Achievement awards.He is one actor who has not used any of the titles conferred on him in publicity.
Who says kadhal mannan is dead? He will live for ever through his films.
His autobiography vAzhkkaip padagu was released in 2001.
EARLY DAYS.
Grandfather Narayanswami ,and aththai Dr.Muthulakshmi Reddy - great source of inspiration:
Ganesan was born in a middle class brahmin family on 17th November 1920 in Pudhukottai.His father Ramaswami.Mother Gangamma.In the first few chapters of his book he mentions in detail about his chinna thAththA Narayanaswami, a graduate from Chennai Presidency college. He was the one who established the Pudukottai mannar college and was the first principal of that college.The king of Pudukottai samasthanam studied under him.
Narayanaswami married a brahmin girl; but lost his wife and two children early in life. He married again-Chandramma, a girl from a backward caste. The relations and the community outcast him.He had four children. His eldest daughter Muthulakshmi became the first woman doctor in India.She married Dr.Sundar reddy. In 1929 Muthulakshmi reddy became a member of legislative council- first woman to become MLC in Tamilnadu. Her passion was in serving the poor and neglected. She was the founder of Avvai home in Adayar.(a home for the orphans and the destitute women).She became the vice president of the legislative council and brought out the act prohibiting Devadasis in temples.Her sister Sundaramma died of cancer at a young age. Muthulakshmi Reddy was determined to estblish a world class cancer hospital in Madras; thus was born Adayar cancer institute.
Muthulakshmi’s youngest sister Nallamuthu was the first principal of Queen marys college.
Ramaswami Ganesan was born in this family as the darling child.He was the only male heir . His grandfather Narayanaswami and aunt Muthulakshmi were the source of inspiration for him in early days.Education was the most important priority for Narayanswami. Ganesan was sent to school on a horse with band music. The teacher made him write the alphabet “a” in Tamil on a silver plate with a gold coin.
Ganesen’s father Ramaswami was a handsome man with curly hair.He took great care of his looks, his hairstyle and dress.He was interested in arts and music. He was an expert in playing mrudangam and flute.He was looking after the farms. It was grandfather Narayanswami who took care of the family.
When he was in 6th class Ganesan lost his thAththA and later Ramaswami also died.Now Ganesan with his grandmother Bagirathi and mother Gangamma migrated to Madras to live under the care of aththai Muthulakshmi Reddy.But Ganesan’s mother Gangamma did not like the city life. She settled down in Pudukottai.
Dr.Reddy,a follower of Ramakrishna Paramahamsar, put Ganesan in Ramakrishna mission home in Mylapore .He learnt yoga, sanskrit, read about vedas, bagavadgita and upanishad.Life here taught him discipline .Ganesan became an expert in yoga.But the separation from his mother was too much for him.He went back to Pudukottai and joined high school there. He was very much intersted in sports especially cricket.
Gangamma wanted Ganesan to become an IAS officer. Having inspired by his aunt, Ganesan wanted to become a doctor. Muthulakshmi advised him to join medical college after becoming a graduate.Ganesan studied Chemistry in Madras Christian College.He enjoyed his college days. He taught yoga and pranayamam to his fellow students.He had trained under cricket geniuses like M.J.Gopalan and Rangachchari.He used to see English films with his friends;but he never imagined he will one day become a movie star himself.
Jaya Sreedhar,Gemini Ganesan's daughter recalls her memories of her father: "Once, I stumbled upon Appa's Madras Christian College calendar of 1942 and diary of 1943 with two newspaper clippings from The Hindu. From the pages spoke a young chemistry instructor of 22, who played cricket tennis, badminton and bridge, frequented the city's cinema houses and cafes and who followed politics on and off the campus."
(His diary entry during his days at MCC mention films like "A Chump at Oxford" Laurel and Hardy at Elphinstone."Pardon my sarong" at New Globe... Bud Abbot and Louis Costello "Great Dictator" "Dive Bomber" technicolour featuring Eroll Flynn at Plaza.)
MARRIAGE
In 1940 April he went to Trichi to see T.R.Alamelu(Bobji).Alamelu’s father promised him a medical seat after graduation.Ganesan immediately said yes.He got married in June.Ganesan’s dream was becoming a doctor.
Alamelu lost her father, elder sister and her husband within one month of her marriage. There was no choice for Ganesan. He was the only person to support the family. He got an interview from Indian air force. Much against Alamelu’s wishes Ganesan went to Delhi.In Delhi he met his uncle Narayanswami who advised him to become a teacher or a doctor.Ganesan decided to return to Madras.He was confused and decided to join as a teacher in a tutorial college run by his friend B.N.Raman. Fate decided otherwise.
GANESAN JOINS GEMINI STUDIOS
Ganesan got a job offer from Gemini studios.S.S.Vasan and the genius director K.Ramnoth interviewed him. There was a camera session also. It was Ramnoth who spotted the potentials of Ganesan; but Ganesan was offered the job of casting assistant in the production department.He learnt discipline from Vasan. That was the time Vasan was making the classic Chandraleka. Ganesan had the opportunity to interview the future stars like S.V.Rangarao, J.P.Chandrababu,K.Savithri and Balaji.
He met Sivaji there.This is how Gemini recalls his memories about Sivaji: “I think it was 1950. I was working as the casting director at Gemini Studios.Sivaji came to the studio one day with a recommendation letter from the late director A.S.A.Swamy. That was when I met him for the first time. I had remarked in my book that Sivaji had a very expressive face and that he could become a good actor. He did.
In 1952, I quit Gemini Studios and joined the Narayanan Company. That was when I got to see Parasakthi, Sivaji’s first film. I thought he acted very well in the film.
Our first film together was Pennin Perumai by P Pullaih. It ran so well that many filmmakers wanted to cast Savitri (the heroine), Sivaji and myself together in films. They felt our combination would work wonders at the box office.
It was director Bhim Singh who made the maximum number of films with the three of us, like Pathi Bhakti, Paasa Malar, Parthal Pasi Theerum, etc.
After a gap of about 15 years, in 1975, we worked together again in Unakkaha nann. It was produced by our good friend Balaji.”
Ganesan learnt many things in movie production in Gemini studios. He felt more like a family there.
GANESAN’S ENTRY AS AN ACTOR
Miss Malini – 1947.
Noted writer R.K.Narayan in his early days was working in “Merry magazine” run by S.S.Vasan.
In 1947 Vasan asked R.K.Narayan to write a story for his next film.R.K.Narayan wrote the story for Miss.Malini.The story was initially written for the film. There was a man... Sathashivayya in Mysore, who exploited young women singers and artistes under the guise of promoting them. This inspired the character 'Sampath' in the film. Some years later R.K.Narayan wrote the book Mr.Sampath-The Printer of Malgudi.
Koththamangalam Subbu played the role of Sampath. The character earned the nickname “bit notice” in the movie which became popular with the audience. Whenever Kothamangalam Subbu passed by the Kabali temple in Mylapore, children would shout out the nickname. The role brought him fame. Subbu who wrote the screenplay and directed the film, coined the name “bit notice”. R. K. Ramachandran, the younger brother of R. K. Narayan, who was working in Gemini studios made his entry in films.He did some editing for that film.
Miss Malini marked the film debut of R.Ganesan. His name appeared as R.G. in the credits. It was A.K.Ramnoth who gave him a small role in Miss Malini as an assistant to a movie director. The director role was by Javer Seetharaman.Miss Malini was a hit. Pushpavalli(mother of Hindi actress Reka) was the heroine, whom Ganesan married later.
Vasan later produced the film in Hindi as Mr.Sampath. It was in Mr.Sampath, music director Emana sastri introduced a new singer P.B.Sreenivos who sang a couplet in the Hindi film. S.S.Vasan told Emana sastri “Sastri!You have introduced a beautiful voice. Even stones will melt”.What a prediction!
Miss Malini
Banner:Gemini productions
Released on 24-9-1947.
Produced by K.Ramnoth.
Story:R.K.Narayan
Dialogues&Direction:Koththamangalam Subbu.
Music:S.Rajeswara rao& Barur Anantharaman.
Lyrics:Koththamangalam Subbu,Surabhi.
Art:A.K.Sekar.
Cinematogrphy:M.Natarajan
Starring: Koththamangalam subbu, Pushpavalli,Javar Seetharaman, R.G.(R.Ganesh), Suryapraba, Sundaribai, V.Gopalakrishnan, S.Varalakshmi.
After the interval , a cartoon film Cinema kadambam by cartoonist ThaaNu was shown.
T.V.Rathnam sang some songs in Miss Malini.
paadum radio buttonai thiruppi vittaa
sri saraswathi namOsthuthE
jagamE oru chithira saalai
Chakradhari-1948
The next year( 1948) Gemini studios produced the movie Chakradhari .This film was based on the story of Gorakumbar, a devotee of Pandurangan.V.Nagaiah played the role of gorakumbar and Pushpavalli was the heroine. Ganesan appeared as Pandurangan in the movie.
Banner:Gemini studios.
Released on 3-12-1948.
Produced by S.S.Vasan.
Direction:K.S.Gopalakrishnan.
Music:M.D.Parthasarathy.
Lyrics:Papanasam Sivan., Koththamangalam Subbu, Sangu Subramaniyam.
Art:A.K.Sekar.
Cinematography:Thambu.
Starring: V.Nagaiah,Pushpavalli, R.Ganesh,Suryapraba,Nagerkoyil Mahadevan, L.Narayanarao, K.N.Kamalam, S.Varalakshmi, Thulasi.
GANESAN JOINS NARAYANAN &COMPANY
Ganesan continued in Gemini studios. He had two daughters Revathy and Kamala. In the meantime Ganesan was offered a job as an actor with a monthly salary of 1000 rupees by Narayanan & comapany.He made an agreement that he can also act in other productions. Ganesan left Gemini studios (which later earned him the name as Gemini Ganesan) and joined Narayanan&co.
Thaay uLLam
Ramnoth had left Gemini Studios on August 15, 1947; worked for the Narayanan & Company. In 1952 , he directed "Thai Ullam", an adaptation of the popular novel `East Lynne' by the noted writer Mrs. Henry Wood. The hero of this film was R. S. Manohar who later became screen villain. Ramnoth wished to cast T. S. Balaiah as the villain but his `asking price' was more than half of the budget of the film. Ramaswami Ganesan was cast as villain, credited in the titles as `R. Ganesh'. Without any reluctance, he accepted the role. For the first time moviegoers took notice of this handsome man who had the potentials of a hero.He stole young hearts specially women not only by his looks but also by his acting.
Thaay ullam
Banner: Narayanan&co
Released on: 9-2-1952.
Produced by Pattanna
Direction: K.Ramnoth.
Story: Henrywood
Dialogues: S.D.Sundaram-Uma chandran.
Music: V.Nagaiah&A.Ramarao
Lyrics: Mahakavi Bharathiyar,Kavimani Desiya vinayagam pillai, Kanagasurabhi.
Art:Thaanu.
Cinematogrphy:N.Prakash.
Starring:R.S.Manohar,V.Nagaiah,R.Ganesh,Javar Seetharaman,J.P.Chandrababu,M.V.Rajamma,Mathuridevi,K.R.Chellam,G.Sakunthala,T.P.Muthulakshmi.
kathaiyai kELadA – kaNNE kathaiyai kELadA
Lyrics:Surabhi
Singer:M.L.Vasanthakumari.
This song describes how the peaceful life of heroine was disturbed by the villain.
kathaiyai kELadA – kaNNE
kathaiyai kELadA
veLLai niRap pasu onRu – kaNNE
veLLai niRap pasu onRu
thuLLum kanRodoru veettil
anbil thOynthu kidakkaiyilE
kuLLa nari vanthu kalaiththathadA
kuLLa nari vanthu kalaiththathadA
veLlai manamum kaRuththathadA
veLLai niRap pasu onRu
thuLLum kanRodu anbil
thOynthu kidakkum naaLil
kuLLa nari vanthu kalaiththathadA
veLLai manamum kaRuththathadA
pAsamellAm paRanthathadA
paLLaththil pasuvum paaynthathdA
aa..aa..aa
kathaiyai kELadA – kaNNE
kathaiyai kELadA
kaNgaL thiRanthu ezhunthathadA
kanRai ninainthu alainthathadA
manathu odiyum vELaiyilE
ammA ennum kural kEttathadA
thAvi Odi aNaiththathadA
aa….aa..aa..
kathaiyai kELadA – kaNNE
kathaiyai kELadA
kaNNum maNiyum kalanthathadA
kathaiyum mudinju pOchchuthadA
kaNNE kELadA maNiyum kELadA
kaNmaNiyE kELadA
Link for the song:
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170354
other good songs in the movie
konjum puRaavE nenjOdu nenjam – MLV.
maalai nilA vara vENdum-T.A.Mothy-MLV
Moondru Pillaigal
In the same year , director Nagendra rao offered him a role along with M.K.Radha and Sriram as one of the three sons in the film MoonRu piLLaigaL another Gemini production. The writer Ashokamitran tells that R.K.Narayan wrote the film treatment for R.Nagendra Rao's "Moondru Pillaigal"
Released on 11-7-1952.
Banner: Gemini Studios
Produced by S.S.Vasan.
Direction: R.Nagendra rao.
Music: B.S.Anantharaman.
Lyrics: Koththamangalam subbu, Seetharaman.
Art: M.S.Janakiram.
Cinematography: M.Natarajna.
Editing: N.R.Krishnasamy.
Starring: M.K.Radha, Sriram,R.Ganesh,R.Nagendra rao,J.P.Chandrababu, P.Kannamba, Suryapraba, Vanja, Sundaribai.
This film was made in Telugu as Mugguru kodugulu.
The year 1953 was a milestone in Ganesan's career.It was A.V.Meyyappa chettiar who made him the hero in the film PeN directed by M.V.Raman. But the film got released in June 1954.
Avvaiyaar- 1953.
In 1953 S.S.Vasan released the celluloid classic on Avvaiyaar.Years of hard work and research have gone in production of this film about Avvaiyaar.It is said R.K.Narayan was one among many who helped in the storyline.
Avvaiyaar
Released on 13-8-1953.
Banner:Gemini studios.
Produced by S.S.Vasan.
Screenplay-Direction:Koththamangalam Subbu.
Dialogues:Koththamangalam Subbu&Ki.Ra.
Music:Mayavaram Venu-M.D.Parthasarathy-Anantharaman.
Lyrics: Avvaiyar,Koththamangalam Subbu, Papanasam Sivan.
Cinematogrphy:Thambu
Art:A.K.Sekar
Editing:N.K.Gopal.
Starring: K.B.Sundarambal, M.K.Radha, R.Ganesh,Koththamangalam Subbu, L.Narayana rao, G.Pattu iyer, Kuchala kumari
To the film's producer Mr. S.S. Vasan, Professor J.E. de La Harpe of the University of California, wrote, "Although I don't know one word of Tamil, I enjoyed the film immensely, being able to guess more or less the story from the scenes as it is acted out. This letter is not only to congratulate you on such a remarkable picture (the nature shots are particularly good), but to urge you to export it. Nothing could make India — at least Southern India — better understood abroad and liked than `Avvaiyar' with its rural scenes, temple processions, religious incidents, and scenes such as the one of elephants storming a city. These will send foreign audiences wild, in addition to the very interesting musical aspect; your actress has a lovely voice. Although a Frenchman, I have been living in America for 27 years. As I know the Americans, they would simply love such a picture, so different from the stuff usually fed to the public here by Hollywood. I am sure you could make a smashing success with "Avvaiyar." Only be sure to leave it just as it is, do not add a love story (such as Hollywood thinks is indispensable), and do not change the typical Indian scenes. English sub-titles will be quite sufficient to make the whole story understandable. I hope I shall be able to see `Avvaiyar' in the U.S.A. with English titles before too long."
(Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated the Festival of India on June 13, 1985 in Washington, D.C."Film-Utsav India," a festival of 49 classic and contemporary Indian films, featured the works of India's best known filmmakers like V. Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen. Chandraleka and Avvaiyaar were the two Tamil films shown during that festival. The film festival was organized by the Film, Television and Radio Archives of the University of California, Los Angeles, with special assistance from the Museum of Modern Art. )
Ganesan played the role of Thirukkovilur king Theyveegan who marries King Paari’s two daughters Angavai and Sangavai.
Paari’s daughters love Thirukovilur king. MooventhargaL Cheran,Chozhan,Pandiyan declare war on Pari. To avoid the war Pari goes and meet them.He is killed from behind.They also capture Thirukovilur king and put him in prison. The daughters of Pari Angavai and Sangavai go and live in a hut in the forest. During her travel Avvaiyaar meets Angavai and Sangavai and goes and pleads with mooventhargal to release Gemini Ganesh. They refuse. Avvaiyaar prays Lord Ganapathi for help. She sings the song “gaNanAthanE varuga”.
gaNanAthanE varuga!
gaNanAthanE varuga! Varuga!
pAriyin magaLir parithavippatho?
gaNanAthanE varuga!
EthumaRiyAp pEthaiyar mUvEntharin
sOthanaikkaaLaay thuyaramuRuvathO?
gaNanAthanE varuga!
nagarizhanthu naduk kAnagaththE
nangaiyar vAduthal neeyaRiyAyO?
neethi enbathillaiyo? neRiyum ingilaiyO?
neethi enbathillaiyo? aRa neRiyum ingu ilaiyO?
Aathi antham aRiyaa meyp poruLE
anAthaiyaraik karuNai puriya tharuNamithuvE
gaNanAthanE varuga!
Here is the link for the song:
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170357
Now comes the classic scene of hundreds of elephants running and attacking the kOttai where Gemini is prisoned.I will never forget this scene of elephants with vibhuthi in the forehead, running and there is one kutti yaanai also chasing! Real classic scene. An army of elephants storm the fortress.The walls shake and collapse under their attack, and the prince is freed.Gemini sits on a huge elephant with his characteristic smile.
Now mooventhargaL come with the a large army. Avaiyyar goes to meet them alone.Avvaiyaar paadavum bhoomi piLanthu niRkiRathu.
munnai naaL pArikku mUvEndhar seythathellAm
annai nilamE nee aRiyAyO?
nannayamAm poRumaikku aNigalanAm bhoomiyE
poRumaikku aNigalanAm bhoomiyE
mUvEndhar chiRumaikku saRRE siri!
pAriyudan mUvEndhar pagaiyudaiyOrAmAyin
seeRik kiLambuvathEn siRumiyar mEl
Oraamal seytha pizhai uNarnthu
thEr vEndhar serukkozhiya
vaiyagamE vaay thiRanthu sol!
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170362
Mooventhargal mannippu kEtka, Avvaiyaar pAdal kEttu bhoomi onRu sErnthu vazhi vidugiRathu.
Arththa sabai nURRoruvar aayiraththonRaap pulavar
vArththai pathinAyiraththoruvar
pooththa malar thaNdAmarath thiruvE!
Tha thaa kOdikkoruvar
uNdaayin uNdenRu eri!
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170363
mUvEndhargaL vAzhththa, Deyveegan, Angavai,Sangavai thirumaNam nadakkiRathu.
Aasai magan-1953
Released on 18-9-1953.
Banner:Associated productions
Produced by T.K.Vasudevan.
Direction:G.R.Rao.
Dialogues:Nagerkoyil Padmanaban.
Music:V.Dakshinamoorthy.
Lyrics:Kuyilan.
Cinematography:M.Irani.-R.Rajagopal.
Art:Ganga.
Editing:M.S.Mani.
Starring:R.Ganesh,Sathyan,T.S.Balaiah,B.R.Banthulu,Padmini,B.S.Saroja,Girija,Adur Pankajam.
Odam Eri senRe kAdhal kanAvilE
Singers: A.M.Raja, P.Leela
Lyrics:Kuyilan.
AMR: Odam Eri senRe kAdhal kanAvilE
jOdiyaay irunthE magizhnthE
naamE ulAvuvOm
PL: Odam Eri senRe kAdhal kanAvilE
jOdiyaay irunthE magizhnthE
naamE ulAvuvOm
naamE ulAvuvOm
AMR: alaiyOdu aazhi sErnthE
ananthamAvathE pOl
alaiyOdu aazhi sErnthE
ananthamAvathE pOl
PL: nalamAga naamum sErnthE
pErinbam kANuvOmE
nalamAga naamum sErnthE
pErinbam kANuvOmE
AMR: uLLangaL onRu sErnthaal yugamE vinaadiyaagum
PL: kavalai paRanthu pOgum
kaalam ponnAnathAgum
Iruvarum: kuRaiyE illAthu inbam kaaNbOm
vaazhvE kuthUkalamthaan
vaazhvE kuthUkalamthaan
Odam Eri senRe kAdhal kanAvilE
jOdiyaay irunthE magizhnthE
naamE ulAvuvOm
naamE ulAvuvOm
PL: maang kuyil paadum mayil aadum
iLa maangaLOdum
AMR: maamalai Oram intha nEram
vegu vEgam selvOm
iruvarum: naam inba vaanambAdi nam pOl vERuNdO
naam inba vaanambAdi nam pOl vERuNdO
kuRaiyE illAthu inbam kaaNbOm
vaazhvE kuthUkalamthaan
vaazhvE kuthUkalamthaan
Odam Eri senRe kAdhal kanAvilE
jOdiyaay irunthE magizhnthE
naamE ulAvuvOm
naamE ulAvuvOm
naamE ulAvuvOm
http://music.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170461
This film was made as Aasaa dheepam in Malayalam.
Manam pOl mAngalyam
Narayanan & co Pattanna offered him double role in their next production “Manam pOl mAngalyam” directed by Pulliah. The original script was by Telugu screen writer Vempati Sadhasivabramham. Tamil script was written by Tamil writer Uma chandran and film maker K.V.Srinivasan. All three received credits for story and screenplay. The film had two heroines Telugu actress Surahi Balasaraswathi and the talented Savithri. This was the first film Gemini Ganesh and Savithri acted together. The film was a huge success.R.Ganesh became a star He was 33 then.
Released on 1-11-1953.
Banner:Narayanan&coLtd
Produced by Narayana Iyengar.
Direction:Pullaiya.
Story:Sadasiva brammam.
Dialogues:Uma chandran-K.V.Seenivasan.
Music:A.Ramarao.
Lyrics:Kanaga surabhi.
R.Ganesh (double role), Savithri,T.N.Sivathanu,K.Sarangapani,Friend Ramasamy, M.R.Santhanalakshmi, Bala saraswathi.
mAppiLLai dOy mAppiLLai dOy maNiyaana matharaasu mAppiLLai dOy
Singers:A.M.Raja,P.Leela.
Lyrics:Kanagasurabhi
PL: mappiLLai dOy mAppiLLai dOy
maNiyAna matharAsu mAppiLLai dOy
AMR: my lady dOy my lady dOy
manam pOlE vanthu vAychcha peN jOdi dOy
PL: kAppiyilE pal thEykkiRaar mAppiLLai dOy
kOppaiyilE theeni thingiRaar mAppiLlai dOy
kAppiyilE pal thEykkiRaar mAppiLLai dOy
kOppaiyilE theeni thingiRaar mAppiLlai dOy
mappiLLai dOy mAppiLLai dOy
maNiyAna matharAsu mAppiLLai dOy
AMR: sOppAlE moonji thOykkiRaa sundhari dOy
suNNaambai kuzaichchu poosuRaa sundhari dOy
sOppAlE moonji thOykkiRaa sundhari dOy
suNNaambai kuzaichchu poosuRaa sundhari dOy
my lady dOy my lady dOy
manam pOlE vanthu vAychcha peN jOdi dOy
PL: sonnAlum puriyAthu suyamaavum theriyaathu
sonnAlum puriyAthu suyamaavum theriyaathu
mannAthi mannanunnu
mannAthi mannanunnu manasukkuLLE nenachchiduvAr
mappiLLai dOy mAppiLLai dOy
maNiyAna matharAsu mAppiLLai dOy
AMR:pEyaaNdi thanaik kaNdu neeyENdi maiyal koNdaay?
pEyaaNdi thanaik kaNdu neeyENdi maiyal koNdaay?
peNgaLuk kazhagAgumO?
PL: sa ..ri ..sa….sarisathabamapa…...
naayaay alainthu thEdi thaay maaman pidiththu vanthaar
naayaay alainthu thEdi thaay maaman pidiththu vanthaar
Oyaatha kodumai kaNdu theeraatha kAdhal koNdEn
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170368
PeN-1954
In 1954 A.V.M.Productions peN got released. This is the story of two friends Anjalidevi and Vyjayanthimala.Anjalidevi is the daughter of V.Nagaiah born out of intercaste marriage. Nagaiah finds it difficult to arrange a suitable boy for Anjali. Vyjayanthi is born in a rich family brought up with freedom.Gemini Ganesh sees Anjali and wants to marry her.His father K.Sarangapani is against the marriage. Veenai S.Balachander played the role as Gemini’s friend. Gemini marries Anjali with the help of Vyjayanthi and Balachander. Now Anjali’s muRai mAppiLLai Sahasranamam returns and Gemini mistakes Anjali and leaves. Sarangapani arranges Gemini’s marriage with Vyjayanthi. On the marriage pandhal Vyjayanthi reveals the truth and Vyjayanthi and Balachander get married.
This film had music by R.Sudarsanam-aasthAna MD for AVM. Meyyappa chettiar’s favorite singers T.S.Bagavathy and M.S.Rajeswari sang most of the songs. P.Susila sang one song with MSR and Bagavathy- a dance drama by Vyjayanthimala.
peN
Released on 21-6-1954.
Banner: A.V.M.Productions.
Story,Dialogues: R.Venkatachalam.
Lyrics: Papanasam sivan, Udumalai narayanakavi,K.P.Kamatchi,Ku.Sa.Krishnamurthy,V.Seetharaman.
Music:R.Sudarsanam.
Cinematography:T.Muthusamy.
Editing:M.V.Raman-K.Sankar.
Produced by A.V.Meyyappan.
Direction: M.V.Raman.
Starring: R.Ganesh ,Anjalidevi,S.Balachander,Vyjayanthimala,V.Nagaiah,K.Sarngapani,K.N.Kamalam,K.R.Chellam.
Music:R.Sudarsanam.
songs:
jAthi bEtham pEsum pollA samUkam maaRaathaa?-V.Nagaiah.
sonna sollai maRanthidalaamO vaa vaa vaa-T.S.Bagavathy,M.S.Rajeswari.
eLiyOr manam pAdum paattilE…aaNdavan aagAsamathil thoongukinRaaRE-C.S.Jayaraman.
vaaL munaiyin sakthiyinaal ulagai aaLuvOm –T.S.Bagavathy,M.S.Rajeswari,P.Susila.
bAratha naattukkiNai bAratha naadfE – M.S.Rajeswari.
ullAsamAgavE ulagaththil vAzhavE-Chandrababu
pollaath thanathai enna solvEn – T.S.Bagavathy.
peNNai nambAthE manithA-K.Sarangapani kathAkAlEtchabam.
ettAtha kiLaiyil kittAtha kani pOl – M.S.Rajeswari.
kAthal inba vAzhvilE minnAmalE idi veezhnthathE – T.S.Bagavathy.
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum madamaiyai koLuththuvOm
Singer:T.A.Mothi.
Lyrics:Bharathiyar.
Gemini sings this song with S.Balachander accompanying him.
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum
madamaiyai koLuththuvOm
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum
madamaiyai koLuththuvOm
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum
madamaiyai koLuththuvOm
vaiya vAzhvu thannil entha
vaiya vAzhvu thannil entha
vagaiyinum namakkuLE
vagaiyinum namakkuLE
vagaiyinum namakkuLE
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum
madamaiyai koLuththuvOm
thAthar enRa nilamai maaRi
aa..
thAthar enRa nilamai maaRi
thAthar enRa nilamai maaRi
aaNgaLOdu peNgaLum
thAthar enRa nilamai maaRi
aaNgaLOdu peNgaLum
sari nikar samAnamaaga
sari nikar samAnamaaga
vaazhvOm intha naattilE
vaazhvOm intha naattilE
vaazhvOm intha naattilE
mAthar thammai izhivu seyyum
madamaiyai koLuththuvOm.
Here is the link:
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170370
J.P.Chandrababu in a rare gesture rendered playback for S.Balachander.
“kalyaaNam….ullAsamaagavE ulagaththil vAzhavE”.
kalyaaNam….
kalyaaNam vENum vAzhvil.. kalyaaNam
ullAsamAgavE ulagaththil vAzhavE
ullAsamAgavE ulagaththil vAzhavE
mAppiLLaiyAgi AnadhamAga maNamAlai soodidum
kalyaaNam ahahhaa kalyaaNam…ahhahhaa kalyaaNam
mangAtha inbamE manaiviyinAlE
maamiyaar veedu sorgaththai pOlE
maamiyaar veedu sorgaththai pOlE
mangAtha inbamE manaiviyinAlE
maamiyaar veedu sorgaththai pOlE
aaNukkup peNNum peNNukku aaNum
aaNukkup peNNum peNNukku aaNum
vENum kattaayam vAzhvilE kalyaaNam
vENum kattaayam vAzhvilE
kalyaaNa vaibavam
mAppiLLaiyAgi AnadhamAga maNa mAlai soodidum
kalyaaNam haha kalyaaNam ahahhaa.. kalyaaNam
kaathalukku jAthiyillE bEthamillE EthumillE
karuppillE segappillE kattu thAli kazhuththilE
kalyaaNam hahhaa kalyaaNam.. hahhaa kalyaaNam
aaNdavan enakkE aruL purinthAlE
aagumen maNamE anRaiya thinamE
anRaiya thinamE
aaNdavan enakkE aruL purinthAlE
aagumen maNamE anRaiya thinamE
saroja girija jalaja vanaja
malini lochani manjuLa bAshini
yArO oru peNmaNi
avaLE un kaNmaNi
pattaNap peNNO pattikkAdO
kattina raja honeymoon pOdA
..janakku janakku hey
theeththinguLakku vaay thaaL unakku
vithi kootti vaiththa kalyaaNam..kalyaaNam
thathinginaththOm kalyaaNam
ullAsamAgavE ulagaththil vAzhavE
ullAsamAgavE ulagaththil vAzhavE
mAppiLLaiyAgi AnadhamAga maNamAlai soodidum
kalyaaNam ahahhaa kalyaaNam…hehehe.. kalyaaNam
The link for the song:
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170374
pollAth thanaththai enna solvEn kannaa
Singer:T.S.Bagavathy.
Anjali sings the song while Gemini Ganesh plays the veeNai.
pollAth thanaththai enna solvEn kaNNA
ini pOthum malark kannanE-unathu
pollAth thanaththai enna solvEn kaNNA
ini pOthum malark kannanE
pullaang kuzhalil uLLam ellAm mayakkiyE
pullaang kuzhalil uLLam ellAm mayakkiyE
ee….
pullaang kuzhalil uLLam ellAm mayakki
kaNNai poththi mella azha vaikkAthadA
kaNNai poththi mella azha vaikkAthadA
unathu pollAth thanaththai enna solvEn kaNNA
ini pOthum malark kannanE
paththu janangaL naduvilE
unnai balanenRu thookki eduththAl
aa..aa..
paththu janangaL naduvilE
unnai balanenRu thookki eduththAl
katti muththamittu vambugaL seyvaay
vetkkak kEdithai evaridam solvEn
katti muththamittu vambugaL seyvaay
vetkkak kEdithai evaridam solvEn
unnai kANaathirunthaal kaNamO yugamaaguthE
kANaathirunthaal kaNamO yugamaaguthE
katti pOduvEn enthan arugil viraivil varuvaay
unnai katti pOduvEn enthan arugil viraivil varuvaay
unathu pollAth thanaththai enna solvEn kaNNA
ini pOthum malark kannanE
paththu janangaL naduvilE…
ni dha,,pa,,ma,..
paththu janangaL naduvilE
ni..dha..
paththu janangaL naduvilE
dha..dha..pa..ma
paththu janangaL naduvilE
pa dha..ni…..
Link for this song:
http://www.coolgoose.com/music/song.php?id=170375
The year 1955 made Gemini Ganesh as one of the frontline heroes alongwith MGR and Sivaji . He acted in 7 films produced by major production houses like Vijaya Vauhini, Modern Theaters,Narayanan&co and others.MGR had a suceess with Gulebagavali.Sivaji acted in 6 films.By now Gemini Ganesan who never had ambitions of entering the tinsel world has estblished himself as a hero alongwith MGR and Sivaji.
To be continued….