Gemini Ganesan’s Role In Mahanati Stirs A Hornet’s Nest

Reshmi AR

Gemini Ganesan was a larger than life figure in Tamil cinema. Mahanati, a biopic on yesteryear actress and one of Ganesan's three wives, Savitri had to focus a fair bit on the reigning star of Tamil cinema at that time who ruled the roost with Sivaji Ganesan and MGR. However, like most biopics and fictionalised versions of historical events, Mahanati has also blended fact with fiction. In the process, it has attracted criticism from certain quarters. While today's youngsters, who know little about the Gemini Ganesan-Savitri relationship, tend to accept what is portrayed in the film, others have their share of questions.

Among the skeptics is Gemini Ganesan's daughter from his first wife Alamelu, Dr Kamala who vehemently denies certain aspects of the film. A big question in the minds of those who have followed the course of Savitri's life and career is did Gemini Ganesan introduce alcohol to Savitri or didn't he?
Read: Did Gemini Ganesan Really Force Savitri To Booze?

While the truth lies buried with the principal figures no longer alive, Kamala insists that the portrayal of her father introducing alcohol to Savitri, is false. Others however, say that this was indeed the case. While it is impossible to unravel the truth today, what we do know is that Savitri sank into the quicksands of alcoholism never to recover from cirrhosis which claimed her in 1981.
Read: Documentary On Gemini Ganesan To Counter Mahanati