<p>Tributes were paid to thespian Sivaji Ganesan, who dominated the Tamil film world for several decades, on his 88th birth anniversary today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Members of South Indian of Artist's Association, leaders of political parties, including TNCC President Su Thirunavukarasar and Naam Thamizhar founder Seeman, paid floral tributes to a statue of the late actor, born as Villupuram Chinnaiah Ganesan, here.<br /><br />In neighbouring Puducherry, Revenue and Industries Minister M O H F Shah Jahan and Welfare Minister M Kandasamy paid tributes at the statue of the noted actor, whose career spanned five decades since his debut in 1952.<br /><br />Puducherry, a former French colony, was perhaps the first to erect a statue for the legendary actor who was conferred with the title 'Chevalier' by the French government in recognition of his acting talents and also capability to perform in different roles.<br /><br />Fans associations of Ganesan held programmes in the union territory capital, a report from Puducherry said.<br /><br />After making his debut with a powerful portrayal in "Parasakthi", Ganesan shot to fame giving numerous hits like "Pasamalar", "Karnan", "Thiruvilaiyadal", and "Veerpandiya Kattabomman".<br /><br />He also later starred along with next generation actors such as Rajinikanth (Padayappa) and Kamal Haasan (Thevar Magan).<br /><br />Besides the prestigious "Chevalier" award, Ganesan, who passed away in 2001, had bagged several other awards. <br /></p>
<p>Tributes were paid to thespian Sivaji Ganesan, who dominated the Tamil film world for several decades, on his 88th birth anniversary today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Members of South Indian of Artist's Association, leaders of political parties, including TNCC President Su Thirunavukarasar and Naam Thamizhar founder Seeman, paid floral tributes to a statue of the late actor, born as Villupuram Chinnaiah Ganesan, here.<br /><br />In neighbouring Puducherry, Revenue and Industries Minister M O H F Shah Jahan and Welfare Minister M Kandasamy paid tributes at the statue of the noted actor, whose career spanned five decades since his debut in 1952.<br /><br />Puducherry, a former French colony, was perhaps the first to erect a statue for the legendary actor who was conferred with the title 'Chevalier' by the French government in recognition of his acting talents and also capability to perform in different roles.<br /><br />Fans associations of Ganesan held programmes in the union territory capital, a report from Puducherry said.<br /><br />After making his debut with a powerful portrayal in "Parasakthi", Ganesan shot to fame giving numerous hits like "Pasamalar", "Karnan", "Thiruvilaiyadal", and "Veerpandiya Kattabomman".<br /><br />He also later starred along with next generation actors such as Rajinikanth (Padayappa) and Kamal Haasan (Thevar Magan).<br /><br />Besides the prestigious "Chevalier" award, Ganesan, who passed away in 2001, had bagged several other awards. <br /></p>