Gemini Ganesan Birth Anniversary: 10 Lesser Known Facts About The King of Romance

Today is the birthday anniversary of one of the most celebrated names in Tamil cinema. Though he is no more,  Kaadhal Mannan lives on with his performances. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, we bring to you, 10 facts about Ramasamy Ganesan AKA Gemini Ganesan.

1) Rekha is Gemini Ganesan’s daughter

Remember the gorgeous diva that everyone looks up to as a symbol of grace and beauty? Rekha was born to Ganesan and Pushpavalli and she grew up to follow her parents’ footsteps winning hearts across India.

2) Gemini Ganesan was a Tamil Brahmin

Gemini Ganesan was born to two orthodox Tamil Brahmins, Ramasamy Iyer and Gangammal. In fact, Gangammal, his mother was also a part of the devadasi community.

3) If everything would go as planned, Gemini Ganesan would have been a doctor

It was his dream to be a doctor and not an actor. In 1940, T.R. Alamelu, promised him a medical seat in exchange for marrying his daughter. Unfortunately, T.R Alamelu’s demise within a month of Gansesan’s wedding shattered his dreams and he was forced to forget it.

4) Gemini Ganesan was also called ‘Sambar’ 

The legend was nicknamed Sambar by his contemporaries in the industry. Although he did act in a few action films, romantic films were his forte because which he was given the name ‘Sambar’.

5) Gemini Ganesan was a lecturer at Madras Christian College

Ganesan not only taught at the Madras Christian College, but he also graduated from there. Much to everyone’s surprise, he taught chemistry at the college. He had to take this job after his father-in-law’s demise.

6) Gemini Ganesan worked at the Gemini Studios before acting in films

After giving up his job as a lecturer in the Madras Christian College, he took up a job in the casting department of Gemini Studios. This is why he was called Gemini Ganesan.

7) Gemini Ganesan tied the knot with his fourth wife at the age of 78

Ganesan was 78 when he tied the knot with his fourth wife Juliana Andrew. At that time Julianna was 36 and the marriage had invoked a lot of controversy in those times.

8) Gemini Ganesan has more than 200 films to his credit 

The veteran actor starred in more than 200 films across various languages. He was a part of many hit films in Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. His Hindi films even went on to become huge hits.

9) Gemini Ganesan had 8 children with 3 of his wives

He had four daughters with his first wife Alamelu and two daughters with Pushpavalli, who was also an actor. He also had a son and a daughter with the veteran actress Savitri.

10) Ganesan died of multiple organ failures in 2005

In 2005, the actor suffered a multiple organ failure due to his prolonged illness. He breathed his last with his wife Alamelu by his side.

For more facts such as this, head to ZEE5!