Before Shah Rukh Khan, This Veteran Actor Was Called 'King Of Romance'

In the world of Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan might wear the crown of King of Romance today, but before him, there was another superstar who held that named Ramasamy Ganesan, lovingly known as Gemini Ganesan. The actor, whose charm lit up the silver screen in Tamil cinema, left an indelible mark as the ‘Kadal Mannan’ or ‘King of Romance’ before Bollywood’s heartthrob took over.

Gemini Ganesan’s cinematic journey was adorned with romantic tales that captivated audiences. His films weren’t just stories, they were love affairs on celluloid, earning him the endearing king.

However, the spotlight on Gemini Ganesan wasn’t confined to the reel world. His personal life, despite the cinematic success, became a captivating saga in itself. The actor, not only romancing on screen but also off it, had a colourful personal life that often made headlines.

At the age of 19, Gemini Ganesan tied the knot with Alamelu in 1940. Their love story was sweet, but as fate would have it, his heart wandered towards one of his co-stars, adding a twist to his real-life story. Despite the initial marriage, Gemini found himself drawn to the allure of the silver screen, where love bloomed again, this time with the talented actress Savitri.

While Alamelu was his first wife, Savitri became his second leading lady in life. The union with Alamelu brought four daughters into their world. In his autobiography Vazkai Padgu, Gemini Ganesan revealed, “I used to attract women whose lives were in crisis.” A confession that added a layer of complexity to his already intriguing personal narrative.

Beyond Savitri, Gemini Ganesan’s love story continued. His heart found comfort in the company of Pushpavalli, a renowned actress of South cinema. Fate, however, had a different ending for them, as Pushpavalli was already married, dashing any hopes of another wedding for Gemini. Nevertheless, their love bore fruit in the form of two daughters, one of whom would later become the iconic Bollywood actress Rekha, while the other was named Radha.

Today, as we celebrate Shah Rukh Khan’s reign as the ‘King of Romance,’ let’s not forget the original charmer, Gemini Ganesan.