Chennai: Mahatma Gandhi's statue on the Marina Beach now has company. On the death anniversary of thespian Sivaji Ganesan, a statue was unveiled on Friday evening near the Mahatma’s statue.
The function was attended by a galaxy of Tamil film stars and the late actor's family.
Speaking at the function, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi struck a personal note and recalled his long friendship with the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, which dates back to the 1950s.
"We had several political differences and testing occasions that challenged our friendship. But, our friendship stood the test of times and politics", he observed.
The statue, however, was mired in controversy. It is located in the centre of the Kamaraj Saalai or Beach Road and is diagonally opposite a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
A freedom fighter had moved the High Court, saying this is an insult to the Mahatma and is also a violation of the Highways Act.
However, the court refused to stop the unveiling ceremony.
The statue was one of Karunanidhi's election promises.
With Madras High Court declining to restrain the State Government from unveiling the statue at the proposed site, arrangements were on in full swing to make the ceremony one of the most memorable events in the history of Tamil cinema.
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