Who Is Gemini Ganesan? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gemini Ganesan, born on November 17, 1920, was one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema. With a film career spanning over five decades, Ganesan became known for his versatility and charisma on screen. He made his debut in Tamil cinema during the 1940s and quickly rose to prominence. He acted in over 200 films and is celebrated for his romantic roles, making him a beloved figure in Indian film history. Ganesan's influence stretches beyond his filmography; he is also remembered for his deep impact on family-oriented narratives in cinema. Ganesan passed away in 2005 but his legacy continues to influence aspiring actors today.
| Occupation | Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1920 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Pudukottai, Pudukkottai State, British India (present day: Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 22 March, 2005 |
| Died Place | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Popularity
Gemini Ganesan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures for Gemini Ganesan's height and weight aren't readily available, he was known for his charming persona and fit physique throughout his acting career. Typically, he was admired for his tall stature, good looks, and style, which contributed to his on-screen presence.
- Height: Approximately 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Body Metrics: Well-maintained physique typical of a leading man in Indian cinema.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gemini Ganesan’s personal life was just as fascinating as his on-screen roles. He was married to actress Savitri, a talented figure in her own right, and the couple became one of the most celebrated pairs in Tamil cinema. Together, they had a daughter, who has continued to contribute to the film industry.
Ganesan was known to have been linked with several co-stars throughout his illustrious career, further fueling the media interest in his dating life. Despite his relationships, he maintained a close-knit family, often credited for his grounded lifestyle.
Ganesan's grandfather, Narayanaswami Iyer, was the principal of the Maharajah's College, Pudukkottai. Later in life, after losing his first wife, Narayanaswami lived with a Devadasi girl, Chandramma, who served as a musician and dancer in a Temple. Notable among Narayanaswami Iyer's children with Chandramma were Muthulakshmi and Ramaswamy Iyer, father of Gemini Ganesan.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2005, Gemini Ganesan had amassed considerable wealth through his prolific film career. Although exact figures from 2025 are speculative, it is estimated that his net worth reached several millions during his lifetime. Given his extensive body of work, he not only earned a notable salary for his acting roles but also participated in various endorsements, contributing to his financial stability.
- Estimated Net Worth (at passing): Several million INR
- Primary Income Sources: Film salary, endorsements
Career, Business and Investments
Gemini Ganesan’s career began with his entry into Tamil films, and he quickly became a staple of the industry, especially in romantic dramas. His films often focused on social issues and family dynamics, which resonated deeply with audiences.
In addition to acting, Ganesan ventured into production, and some of his projects reflected his keen sense of storytelling. His investments were primarily in real estate and a few film-related ventures, reflecting his foresight in managing wealth.
Ramasamy Ganesan (17 November 1920 – 22 March 2005), better known by his stage name Gemini Ganesan, was an Indian actor who worked mainly in Tamil cinema. He was referred as Kaadhal Mannan (King of Romance) for his romantic roles in films. Ganesan was one of the "three biggest names of Tamil cinema", the other two being M. G.
Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan. While Sivaji Ganesan excelled in dramatic films and M. G. Ramachandran was popular as an action hero, Gemini Ganesan was known for his romantic films. A recipient of the Padma Shri in 1971, he had also won several other awards including the Kalaimamani, the MGR Gold Medal, and the Screen Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was one of the few college graduates to enter the film industry then.
Social Network
Though social media as we know it today did not exist during Gemini Ganesan’s lifetime, his family and fans have kept his legacy alive through various online platforms. Official fan pages continue to share memories, trivia, and film clips reminiscing his contributions to cinema.
- Social Media Presence: Active fan pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, sharing past moments and celebrating his cinematic achievements.
Ganesan's 1961 film Then Nilavu, was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively in Jammu and Kashmir, and became a major box-office success. He co-starred with rival actor M. G. Ramachandran in Mugarasi (1966), which was their only film together.
Konjum Salangai (1962), which featured Ganesan alongside Savithri was released in various countries outside India, having subtitles in over 22 languages, and it was also the first Tamil film to be released in Poland, in a dubbed version. Ganesan produced Naan Avan Illai (1974), in which he played a womaniser. Directed by K.
Balachander, this film won critical praise for Ganesan's performance, but according to Ganesan, the film did not succeed commercially. His other known works include Missiamma, School Master, Kanavane Kankanda Deivam, Meenda Sorgam, Shanti Nilayam, Vaazhkai Padagu, Karpagam, Ramu, Thamarai Nenjam and Punnagai.
Ganesan had paired with several leading actresses like Anjali Devi, Pushpavalli, Padmini, Vyjayanthimala, Savitri, Devika, Vijayakumari, Saroja Devi, Rajasree, Kanchana, Jayanthi, K. R. Vijaya, Bharathi and Jayalalithaa.
Education
Gemini Ganesan pursued his education in Tamil Nadu, where he graduated with a degree in arts before entering the world of cinema. His academic background helped him in understanding the nuances of acting and storytelling, allowing him to deliver powerful performances on-screen.
- Educational Background: Degree in Arts from a Chennai-based university
- Influence of Education: Enriched his acting skills and career choices
