Was Rajinikanth Really Paid 1 Crore for Padayappa?

There's a common belief that Rajinikanth paid Sivaji Ganesan 1 crore as remuneration for the film Padayappa. However, this statement is not entirely accurate. Let's delve into the true story and clear this misconception.

Truth Behind the Remuneration

It is widely believed that Sivaji Ganesan received 1 crore for his role in the film Padayappa. However, the actual story is a bit different. Sivaji Ganesan, a highly respected and acclaimed actor, received his first and only crore remuneration as an actor. This happened post the 1980s, when Sivaji seldom demanded or quoted a fee, famously saying, "Pay me whatever you feel like."

Post-1980s Scenario

Post the 1980s, Sivaji Ganesan's approach to remuneration became even more generous. He would often accept minimal amounts, such as Rs. 100 for an advance on a movie featuring Vijay, as mentioned by his son, Suryanarayanam Rajan. Sivaji was paid Rs. 10 lakhs in total for the movie, including his advance.

The film Thevar Magan in 1992 stands as a notable example where Sivaji received Rs. 20 lakhs from Kamal Haasan, inclusive of his profits and acting fees. Sivaji had requested the producers to pay him after all the business aspects were resolved.

Padayappa Scenario

When it came to the film Padayappa, Sivaji Ganesan made his own terms. He was offered between Rs. 10 to 20 lakhs for his role. Seeing the cheque for 1 crore, Sivaji mistook it for 10 lakhs and was initially happy before Ramkumar corrected him. Sivaji then tearfully thanked Rajinikanth, as it was Rajinikanth who had instructed the producers to pay him 1 crore.

Similar Situations in the Film Industry

Another interesting instance is when Suriya asked Udayanidhi Stalin to pay Rs. 1 crore to Saroja Devi for the film Aadhavan. Recognizing Sivaji Ganesan's generous attitude, Udayanidhi Stalin agreed to pay Saroja Devi 1 crore as a tribute, rather than deducting from Suriya's fees.

Conclusion

The story of Sivaji Ganesan in the film Padayappa is a testament to the actor's humility and generosity. His receipt of 1 crore was not a regular practice, but a one-off gesture, as he hardly ever demanded a fixed remuneration. This unique incident underscores the respect and admiration held by other acting legends for Sivaji Ganesan's professionalism and character.