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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Sivaji Ganesan: The Tamil legend donated Rs 310 crore over four decades?- Read
Picture Credit: X Legendary Tamil actor and producer Sivaji Ganesan was not just a big star but also a humanitarian at heart. He was celebrated for his unmatched talent on screen and equally revered for the compassion he showed. Let's find out more about his philanthropy actions. According to a report by News18 Tamil, he donated an astonishing Rs 310 crore between 1953 and 1993. Sivaji Ganesan had a nearly fifty-year career in acting, and he starred in 288 films, from the first ground-breaking film 'Parasakthi' to the box-office blockbuster 'Padayappa'. Giving back to society In the decades from the 1950s to the 1990s, Ganesan gave away most of his wealth to social, political, and cultural causes. His contributions were made as he consistently believed wealth should circulate through society. Even decades after his passing, his charitable work remains evidence of the positive impact he made. Notable contributions Sivaji Ganesan provided financial support throughout his life to organizations, people and public efforts. He donated 1 lakh rupees to Jamal Mohammed College in Trichy in 1968, and 2 lakh rupees to a hospital in Vellore. He gave 5 lakh rupees towards the construction of the Thiruvalluvar statue in the World Tamil Conference and he supported Kamaraj with 3.5 lakh rupees for party funds. Sivaji Ganesan gave 50,000 rupees towards the installation of an Ambedkar statue in Kodambakkam in 1971, and he also financially supported the installation of the Veerapandiya Kattabomman statue, to help retain the cultural memory of the national hero he made famous. Sivaji Ganesan was among the first to provide relief and sustenance during natural disasters, such as floods and storms, helping everyone in distress receive some immediate help. His offer to support in a quiet and accounted for manner earned him respect well beyond movie theatre doors. A legacy of compassion He is believed to have contributed about Rs 310 crore, an astounding amount for the time. His acts of kindness impacted many lives in education, healthcare, preservation of culture, and disaster relief. "Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
News18
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Known As The 'God Of Acting', This Tamil Actor Donated Rs 310 Crore Over 40 Years
The spirit of generosity is often spoken of but rarely seen in action. For legendary Tamil actor and producer Sivaji Ganesan, however, generosity was not an act but a way of life. Remembered as the 'God Of Acting' in Indian cinema, he was a towering figure on screen and an equally remarkable humanitarian off it, donating vast portions of his wealth to causes and individuals in need. (News18 Tamil) Reports suggest that between 1953 and 1993, Sivaji Ganesan gave away nearly Rs 310 crore, an extraordinary sum at the time. More than two decades after his passing, his name continues to resonate not only for his unparalleled acting but also for the compassion and kindness that marked his life. (News18 Tamil) His cinematic journey spanned 49 years, with a record of 288 films, from Parasakthi to Padayappa. Known for his stirring portrayals of historic figures like freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Subhash Chandra Bose, Sivaji Ganesan brought such depth to his performances that audiences often felt the characters lived through him. Yet beyond his artistry, it was his philanthropy that defined his enduring legacy. (News18 Tamil) He extended his generosity across political, social, and cultural spectrums, contributing wholeheartedly and stepping in with financial aid where others hesitated. His reputation as a benefactor grew alongside his cinematic fame. (News18 Tamil) Notable contributions included Rs 1 lakh to Jamal Mohammed College in Trichy in 1968, Rs 2 lakh to a hospital in Vellore the same year, and Rs 5 lakh towards the Thiruvalluvar statue at the World Tamil Conference. He also donated Rs 3.5 lakh to Kamaraj for party funds and, in 1971, contributed Rs 50,000 to install the Ambedkar statue in Kodambakkam. Additionally, he supported the creation of the Veerapandiya Kattabomman statue, cementing his role in preserving cultural memory. (News18 Tamil) Sivaji Ganesan's donations were not confined to institutions and public projects. He was known to act swiftly in times of disaster, offering immediate relief during storms, floods, and other crises. His willingness to extend help to those suffering earned him admiration that went far beyond his cinematic achievements. (News18 Tamil) In total, Sivaji Ganesan is reported to have donated approximately Rs 310 crore (Rs 34,06,009 officially recorded) across his lifetime. His contributions spanned education, healthcare, disaster relief, and cultural heritage, reflecting his deep belief that wealth must circulate for the benefit of society. (News18 Tamil) Sivaji Ganesan is remembered not only as a master actor but as a symbol of generosity. His hands, often cited as a mark of his constant giving, remind the world that true greatness lies not just in talent and fame but also in kindness, humility, and the selfless desire to uplift others, a legacy that continues to inspire generations. (News18 Tamil)
India Today
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Rajinikanth's top 7 mass films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres
Rajinikanth's top 7 mass films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres August 11, 2025 The ultimate Superstar of South Indian cinema, Rajinikanth, has delivered many blockbuster films filled with action, power, and iconic dialogues. Here are his 7 films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres. This action-packed film was about an orphan who was raised in slums and befriended a local don to fight for the rights of the poor. However, his life changed when he met his birth mother. Thalapathi (1991) This action film followed a humble auto driver who hid his past as an underworld don. However, his old self returned when his family faced troubles. The film was a massive hit and ran for nearly 15 months in theaters. Baashha (1995) This film was an intense family drama filled with powerful dialogue and emotions. The story revolved around a mechanical engineer who lost his home and family honour, but he rebuilt his life with struggles. Padayappa (1999) This film was about an NRI software engineer. He tried to establish a non-profit trust with a series of hospitals and schools; however, he faced corruption at every point. It was the highest-grossing Tamil film that year. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) This was a sci-fi film, starring Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth. The film follows a scientist who creates a unique robot, and both roles are played by Rajnikanth himself. Enthiran (2010) This story was about a hostel warden with a hidden dark past. His true identity was revealed when he became the target of a dreaded politician and his son. Petta (2019) This film was about a retired jailer who went back into the dangerous world of crime when his son went missing. Jailer (2023)
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Padayappa steals the show at a drawing competition in Munnar
Padayappa, Munnar's beloved wild tusker, has stolen the spotlight at a drawing competition held as part of Vana Mahotsavam, an annual one-week celebration held in July to create awareness about environmental protection. At the event held in the Government Anglo Tamil Primary School in Munnar on Friday, all the participants drew the picture of the tusker for the theme 'Beauty of Munnar,' say Munnar Forest Range officials, who organised the event. Munnar Range Officer Biju S. says that 50 students from the school participated in the competition. 'While sharing the theme, we expected the students to draw beautiful landscapes of Munnar, including the vast tea plantations. However, in a very surprising turn of events, all the participants drew the picture of Padayappa,' he says. A hero 'All the students in the school hail from Munnar's plantation sector. For these children living in the Layams (cluster homes), Padayappa is a regular visitor, and many of them are affectionate towards the tusker, with a few even considering him their hero,' says the official. ' 'Many of them want the elephant to be the icon of Munnar,' he adds. Students of Classes III and IV participated in the event, says Shanmukhavel, the school Principal. 'Normally, the authorities provide themes such as birds or gardens for such drawing competitions. However, this time they provided a different theme,' he says. A total of 170 students are studying in the school, established in 1918 mainly for the children of the nearby plantations. Prizes given First, second and third prize winners were rewarded, say Forest department officials. All students were also given participation prizes, they add. Named after actor Rajinikanth's well-known character Padayappa in the 1999 film of the same name, the tusker has a huge fan following in Munnar. Due to its unusually long tusks and a peculiarity on its left leg, the jumbo is very easy to spot. The tusker, who usually never harms anyone and is always found in human settlements, is a loner as if he wants to say the popular dialogue of the film,' En Vazhi, thani vazhi' ( My path is my own).
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Adithya Ashok, New Zealand leg-spinner with Vellore roots, hones skills at Super Kings academy
CHENNAI: Adithya Ashok, a young New Zealand leg-spinner with Tamil roots, has the words 'en vazhi thani vazhi' tattooed on his bowling arm. The epic punchline from Rajinikanth's Padayappa movie translates to 'my way is my own'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Staying true to it, the Vellore-born Adithya is carving his 'own path with love and passion' in professional cricket after turning out in the 2020 U-19 World Cup. He has represented the Black Caps in two ODIs and one T20I and has consistently been a member of the NZ 'A' set-up. The 22-year-old recently earned his maiden NZ central contract for the 2025-26 season. In his 'journey', Adithya has made a 'pit stop' in his homeland to expand his 'library of knowledge'. The leggie is one of four players part of a two-week New Zealand Cricket (NZC) training camp at the Super Kings Academy. 'My parents moved to Auckland when I was about four years old and I call NZ my home. In saying that, a part of me understands my heritage and where I am from. I am proud of my Tamil heritage; it is a part of who I am and the people I represent. It feels special to come back and visit the place that I have a deep connection with,' Adithya told TOI. 'We have had an amazing time at the academy so far. I cannot speak highly enough of the experience we have been having here. If I encounter similar conditions in the future, I can rely on the experience I am gaining here. I am now more well informed to have success.' Well aware that he is unlikely to get exposed to such spin-friendly conditions in NZ, Adithya is leaving no stone unturned to shape himself into a better slow bowler. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Having a familiar face in academy head coach Sriram Krishnamurthy – he worked with Adithya in NZ during his U-19 days – next to him has made the 'challenge' easier. 'I have an understanding of how the black and red-soil pitches work. I also understand the effectiveness of bounce and over-spin on surfaces in NZ. I cannot rely on turn and a massive amount of sideways movement off the pitch at all times. So I am learning to turn the ball the right amount… how to make little changes in technique, action or angle at the crease. In order to improve, I need to take these little things to NZ,' Adithya said. Adithya, who is mentored by former Black Caps spinner , is firmly focused on being the best version of himself rather than worrying about his national-team selection. 'My ambition is to play a lot of international cricket; everyone has the dream of winning matches for the country. In order to get to that place, I have to be the best player I can be,' added Adithya.
