Tamil film industry can be classified into two eras, before and after Shivaji. Such was his powerful presence, which every newcomer to the industry referred to him when it came to the art of "acting". Shivaji is popular for his histrionics but also for his commitment. Right from the first day he applied Greece paint to his face up to now, Shivaji had the unique habit of reporting on time to the sets, a habit unheard of in this profession. He began his career as a sthrepot (female lead character in stage play) since those days the ladies considered acting a sin and Shivaji was lucky enough to bag these roles.

His association with the stage brought him into contact with the Dravidian Culture headed by C.N Annadurai and ably assisted by Mu. Karunanidhi. Stage plays were of great help to the growth of the party and the public identified the party's ideologies and helped the party on the financial front too. Shivaji played a great part in this process. Infact it was only in one such play that Shivaji was conferred the title "Shivaji" by none other than the grand old man of Dravidian parties E.V.R. His original name was V.C. Ganesan and after this episode he was called Shivaji Ganesan.

His association with Mu. Karunanidhi paved the way for the entry of the fire-brand Gunasekaran. The name of his character in the film"Parasakthi". Thanks to the fiery and tingling dialogues of Mu. Karunanidhi, Shivaji carved a place for himself in the hearts of the Tamil audience. There was nothing to hold him back after this.

Directors and scriptwriters had a challenge before them. They were forced to create characters for him. He brought the best out of the directors. Naturally it turned out to be a golden period for Tamil Cinema. The unsung hero's of the struggle for freedom 'Veerapandia Kattabomman' and V.O. Chidambaram were given a fresh lease of life. Shivaji's performance brought them to life again. There was no character Shivaji didn't play and awards and accolades became a regular feature of his life. In spite of his terrific presence on screen the national award for best acting somehow eluded him.

The Central Government revealed its appreciation of his talent by bestowing the Dada Sahib Palke Award on him. In between Shivaji had a brief stint in politics too but it turned out to be unsuccessful and his popularity eroded. Shivaji returned to the industry he loved most and the profession he would exchange even his breath for. The new breed of directors got the opportunity to work with the veteran actor.

Shivaji though a veteran, got accustomed to the ideas of the young directors and in fact found them challenging to work with. He matched even the younger heroes Vijay and Murali in dance movements. Though his hair has turned gray, the aging lion has not lost the fire or the grace inherent in him and remains ever young in heart.



The verterans awards and honours are:· He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the Annamalai University, Chidambaram in 1986.· Sivaji Ganesan was honoured with the National Award - The special Jury Award for his performance in his 280th Movie 'Devar Magan' in 1992.· On April 14, 1993, the Adithanar Muthamizh Perarai, pointing out his period to be the Golden Age of Tamil Cinema, honoured him with the Adithanar Gold Medal Award, for bringing honor and prestige to Tamilians in general.· On April 24, 1993, Mr. Sivaji Ganesan was honoured with Dinanth Mangeshkar Purashkar, for his outstanding contribution towards art and cultural upgradation of India.· On August 27, 1993, the Santhome special Award was given by the Santhome Communications Centre, to honor him for the great service he has rendered to Tamil Culture in his own inimitable way.· Sivaji Ganesan was presented with the "For the Sake of Honour" award by Rotary Clubs in Madras, Coimbatore and Trichy cities.· He was also awarded the title of "Chevalier". This is one of the main decorations of the French Republic that is conferred to honour the most original and talented personalities, for their remarkable contributions in the field of Art and Literature in France and all over the world. · Sivaji was honoured by being invited as the Chief Guest to inaugurate the 26th International Film Festival of India, which was held in Bombay in January 1995, the Centenary year of Cinema.· During his visit to the USA in 1995, the Mayor of Colombus City, Mr. Greg honoured him by making him an honorary citizen of the city.