A life-size bronze statue of ‘Nadigar Thilakam’ Sivaji Ganesan was unveiled by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers M K Alagiri in Madurai on Sunday in the presence of Kamal Haasan and other film stars.

Speaking on the occasion, Alagiri recalled the legendary actor’s close friendship with his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and cited a few incidents from the past.

“Sivaji was not the first choice for the film ‘Parasakthi’. But he got the chance with the support of Karunanidhi, who was the scriptwriter of the movie,” Alagiri said and added: “During the shooting of the film ‘Kuravanji’, Sivaji chose to wear a gunny sack instead of the woollen clothes to connect with reality of the character of a tribesman. Such was his commitment.”

Stating that he learnt time management from Sivaji, the DMK strongman said he was like the thespian’s elder son. In his presidential address, Kamal Haasan said that Sivaji lived a complete life and he was following in his footsteps. “My living room has two portraits — one is of Mahatma Gandhi and the other is Sivaji.”

The idea to install a wax statue of the actor at The Madame Tussad Wax Museum was mooted on the occasion by former Chairman, Board of Trustees of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, V.N. Chidambaram, a close friend and associate of the actor.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment D Napoleon, Tamil Nadu Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, Tamil Nadu Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare A Thamizharasi, actor Prabhu and others addressed the meeting.

The Statue, which has Sivaji striking a gentle pose, stands eight-and-a-half-feet. It is sharing the space just behind the statue of Congress leader P Kakkan.