Kalaivanar - Humanism personified
NSK has carved a niche in the hearts of people from his time, continuing upto the present generation because he touched the hearts of the people in films and in real life. He practiced what he preached in his movies. He proved by example that the principles espoused in his films can easily be followed in real life. There are many incidents to highlight his generosity.
Once the artistes had to journey from Chennai to Pune for the shooting of the film Menaka. Thirupur Talkies, the producer of the film was responsible for the food expenses during the journey but the 2 representatives of the company due to some argument with each other did not board the train and the artiste were left in the lurch. Krishnan, although just one among them took charge immediately. He used all the money he had and borrowed from Mathuram all her money and jewels to feed the entire troupe during the journey and their stay in Pune too. He did not hesitate to ask Mathuram with whom he had been associated just a few days back. He didn’t feel embarrassed because he gave more importance to the well being of the artistes rather than his ego. In fact Mathuram was very impressed by his humanism and leadership qualities.
In another incident, he organized a function to honor his car driver Dhinakar Raj in Chennai. He invited all his friends, relatives and well wishers. It was not a publicity gimmick, not a pretentious act but a heart felt gesture to pay tribute to a man who had been devoted to him all these years
He helped not only people he knew, but also people not known to him. Once when he was traveling by car he found a number of workers by the side of the road at about 4 ‘o clock in the morning. Upon enquiring he came to know that they had been called for work but sent away because the commitment was not kept up. The laborers were hungry and tired. N S K could not ignore the plight of the people standing pathetically in front of him. He sent his driver and bought food for all of them, served them and gave them all the money that he had and only then left. His nobility was like a natural spring, sprinkling freshness and happiness all around him.
It is amazing that he had organized 1800 cultural shows for philanthropic purposes.
One wonders if the artistic and philanthropic strains in NSK competed to out-do each other all his life. His fervor to help anyone in trouble be it an individual or and institution, is amazing.
When Pattukotai Azhagiri’s family was struggling to make both ends meet, it was NS Krishnan who organized a charity show to raise funds to be given to the family. He has also contributed to many building funds to name a few Thiyagarja college, Chennai, Meenakshi girls school, Mylapore, Srilankan Cricket club, Srilanka (Charity show was organized in Srilanka). He did not turn a blind eye when people suffered because of natural disaster, he collected a considerable amount for cyclone relief fund.
He was a man who was present whenever and wherever there was a cry for help – who showed the world it was natural to be unselfish.
He earned the nick name 'film-repairer' because whenever a movie wasn’t very successful, the NSK – TAM comedy track was incorporated which always worked wonders. But once when, as ill-luck would have it, it didn’t work for movie the 'Devadasi'. He returned the money to the producer so that the producer wouldn’t incur any loss because of him.
One wonders how this man found time to do so many things in life. A larger than life figure, whose memory is a vibrant force even today. N S Krishnan’s memory evokes in one's mind his warm, genuine smile with a twinkle in his eyes. The man who knew the art of turning pain into gain, surely.
