The first and the original lover boy of Tamil cinema, Gemini Ganesh aka Kadhal mannan passed away in Chennai yesterday at the age of 85. He had a long innings in tinsel town. GG was the third angle to filmdom in conjunction with MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. While MGR won over with action-packed, social themes, Sivaji reveled in histrionic excellence with thumping characterization.

In the company of such stalwarts, Gemini impressed with his portrayals of the romantic hero in memorable movies like Missiamma, Kalyanapparisu, Paava mannippu, Thennilavu and Vanjikkottai valiban. He was a method actor by his own admission. So he played the role of the suave guy who conquered the hand of the pretty maiden with ease. He was equally proficient in costume drama like Veerapandia kattabomman. His style of dialogue delivery had a naughty and chuckling expression. He did not prefer to roll up his sleeves and spar with the villains. But then only circumstances were the villains in his films and not individuals. He overcame the obstacles through intelligent maneuvers.


This approach was refreshing and ensured a good run for him. He also played character roles like in Shanthi nilayam and Poova thalaiya. At old age, he played the stately Bilahari Marthandam Pillai in Unnal mudiyum thambi and the clowny Iyer in Avvai shanmugi. His repertoire is enviable. We join the thousands of fans in paying our respects and consoling his bereaved family. The man who sang, “Nilave ennidam nerungadhe”, has left for his abode amongst the stars. Yet he will remain a shining star in the galaxy of Tamil cinema.