Veteran Tamil film producer AVM Saravanan passed away on December 4, 2025, only a day after his 86th birthday. On January 4 (Sunday), superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan attended the unveiling ceremony of his portrait at AV Meiyappan Higher Secondary School, in Chennai.
Rajinikanth shared a special relationship with the iconic producer and while speaking about him during the ceremony, he became emotional. Reminiscing his long association with Saravanan, he said that he had done 11 films with him, according to a Hindustan Times report.
"Saravanan was someone who delivered many successes while sitting right there in his office. Beyond cinema, he was very close to me personally," he said.
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Going beyond cinema
Revealing that he still follows the advice given by AVM Saravanan, Rajinikanth said, "As my age increased after Sivaji in 2007, he told me that one should stay busy. He advised me to do one film each year. Even now, I follow this advice."
In a soul-stirring statement, the actor said that when "such people leave, you feel orphaned". He reflected on how quickly time takes away the people we love and like.
Money, fame can't make up for loss
"Even if you have a lot of money, a good family, name or fame, when such people leave, you feel orphaned. Saravanan sir was a great man, may his soul rest in peace," Rajinikanth added.
Kamal Haasan calls him master of many arts
Kamal Haasan acknowledged a sense of immense pride in being closely associated with the AVM family. He called him 'Sakalakala Vallavan' (master of many arts).
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In the post on X by ANI, Haasan remembered how the late producer never rebuked him on making mistakes but always lifted him up and celebrated him when he did something good. He also expressed his desire to have studied at the AVM Higher Secondary School if it was built back then.
Tribute
After paying his last respects to the legendary film producer after he passed away last year, Rajinikanth had said that it "marks the end of an era for the Indian film industry". Calling him a true example of gentleman, Rajinikanth remembered how he would always dress up in white attire and "his heart was likewise pure".
Rajinikanth said, "He loved me a lot and was a well wisher of mine. He has stood by me when I went through difficult times... It won't be an exaggeration if I said that the main reason for the films becoming hits was Saravanan sir."
