'Institute award in Sivaji's name'

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JULY 23. Offering condolences to the departed actor, Sivaji Ganesan, members of the film industry today urged the Central Government to institute an award in his name, as a fitting tribute to his great talent.

At a meeting organised by the South India Film Chamber of Commerce, Mr. AVM Saravanan, producer, proposed that the Centre which had not conferred the best artist award on Sivaji, institute a national award in his name for the best actor.

Paying rich tributes to an artist he had worked closely with, Mr. Saravanan said Tamil Nadu was fortunate to have an illustrious son like Sivaji.

Outlining the plans that the actor's family had drawn up to celebrate his 50th year in movies, he added that though Sivaji was no longer alive, all efforts should be taken to conduct it in the grandest fashion.

Mr. DVS Raju, chairman, NFDC, said the day of his death was the ``blackest day in the history of Indian film industry.''

Sivaji was a trendsetter in the industry and there could be no replacement. His repertoire of 300 characters would forever inspire artists.

He recollected the efforts that Sivaji took to raise funds for building the South India Film Chamber of Commerce auditorium.

Mr. Muktha V. Srinivasan, a close associate of Sivaji and producer, spoke of their friendship of 50 years. The key characteristics of the actor while on work were observation, involvement and dedication.

In addition to the Government's honours, it was the duty of the industry to build a memorial which would be ``unmatched'' anywhere else in the country for the actor with ``unmatched skills.''

Mr. Sarma, Malayalam actor, said artists would be measured against the touchstone that Sivaji had left behind.

Mr. M.V. Ramu, exhibitor, Mr. A.S. Prakasam, scriptwriter, director and producer, Mr. Abaswaram Ramji, were among those who paid tributes on the occasion.

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