"Gemini Ganesan was a reformist in mind. He had always risen above caste and religion. Tamil Nadu should be proud of having had a talented son like him," Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has said.

He was speaking after releasing a biographical CD Gemini Ganesan and a book, at the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of the late actor in Chennai on Sunday.

"Gemini loved Tamil language and participated in the World Tamil Conference in Kuala Lumpur. He had developed such a reformer’s mind because he was groomed by Muthulakshmi Reddy," Karunanidhi said.

Appreciating the efforts taken by Gemini's daughter Kamala Selvaraj to commemorate her father's birth anniversary with a grand event, the Chief Minister, who is a popular script writer, spoke fondly about his relationship with the great actor.

Ace director K Balachander, lyricist Vaali and poet Vairamuthu also spoke. Kamala Selvaraj welcomed the audience to the function and also proposed a vote of thanks.