Online edition of India's National Newspaper Sunday, July 22, 2001
Sivaji, an actor nonpareil By Our Tamil Nadu Bureau
CHENNAI, JULY 21. The news of the demise of Sivaji Ganesan plunged the State in grief. Besides members of the Celluloid world, politicians cutting across party lines and ardent fans expressed shock and distress over the death of the veteran actor. A number of cine personalities hurried over to the hospital to pay their last respects to the departed actor, including top stars Kamal Hassan,
Rajnikant and Mrs. Latha Rajnikant, Vijayakanth, Radhika Sarathkumar, Bharathiraja and Ibrahim Rowther.
The DMK president and former Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, said the death had caused unbearable grief to him. Recalling his long friendship with Sivaji Ganesan, Mr. Karunanidhi said the actor ushered in a revolution in the Tamil art world. He won the acclaim of artistes world-wide. Mr. Karunanidhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. The CPI State Secretary, Mr. R. Nallakannu, said Sivaji Ganesan fetched honours for Tamil Nadu by his excellent acting. Mr. G. A. Vadivelu, president of the Janata Dal (secular), said the death was a loss not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation.