Filmmaker K. Balachander Passes away

on Dec 23, 2014

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Well known Tamil filmmaker K. Balachander who was admitted to a private hospital following "fever" and some "age-related ailments" passed away this evening. Veteran director K. Balachander had developed certain age-related ailments over the past few days. He was being treated at Cauvery Hospital.

A multi-lingual filmmaker, Balachander debuted with his Tamil film 'Neerkumizhi' (by adapting his play of the same title) in 1965. He has directed films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi and has written, directed and produced more than 100 films.

He has launched more than 65 actors, actresses and technicians in the Tamil film industry. His blockbuster movies include 'Aval Oru Thodarkathai', (Tamil) which was remade as 'Anthulaney Katha' in Telugu, 'Maro Charitra' (Telugu), 'Ek Dhuje Ke Liye' (Hindi), and 'Thillu Mullu' (remake of Golmaal in Hindi).

He introduced several top stars including Rajinikanth ('Aboorva Ragangal'), Kamal Haasan ('Arangetram'), ace villain actor Prakash Raj ('Duet'), comedian Vivek ('Manadhil Urudhi Vendum') and character artist Nazar ('Kalyana Agathigal').

He has received several accolades including Dadasaheb Phalke award (2010), Padma Shri (1987), Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu) Nandi and Golden Nandi (Andhra Pradesh) besides many film awards like Filmfare among others.