Gemini Ganesan

Gemini Ganesan was an Indian actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. He is best recognized for his roles in popular films such as “Kaathiruntha Kangal,” “Saraswathi Sabatham,” and “Veerapandiyam Kattabomman.”

Personal and Family Life

Born Ramaswamy Ganesan on November 16, 1919, in Pudukottai, he came from a traditional Brahmin family. Ganesan began his career as a lecturer before entering the film industry, where he became known as Gemini Ganesan while working at Gemini Studios. He married Savithri, another famous actress of that time, and had one son and seven daughters, including Bollywood star Rekha.

Career Overview

Ganesan was affectionately called the “King of Romance” and starred alongside many leading actresses of his era, such as Vyjantimala and Saroja Devi. He had a successful career from the 1950s to the late 1990s, featuring in around 200 films across multiple languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Although he was a celebrated actor, some critics pointed out a lack of variety in his roles, often depicting typical romantic plots.

Death and Legacy

After suffering from health issues for several months, Gemini Ganesan passed away on March 22, 2005, at the age of 84. He is remembered for his contributions to Tamil cinema and received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1971. Despite a troubled relationship with his daughter Rekha, he remains a beloved figure in Indian film history.

Filmography