Chennai: Legendary Tamil movie and drama director, screen writer and producer K Balachander (pictured) — who was instrumental in bringing talents like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Prakash Raj to the film industry — passed away here yesterday. He was 84.
Balachander was ailing for some time and was admitted to the Kauvery Hospital here where he breathed his last. He was suffering from a urinary infection and other age-related ailments. The auteur’s manager confirmed the news. He said Balachander will be cremated tomorrow. “Balachander sir’s body will be kept for public homage for the next two days. The last rites will be performed on Thursday.”
Balachander is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. His eldest son Kailasam passed away recently. Balachander had over 150 films to his credit, including Aval Ora Thodar Kathai, Avargal, Varumayin Niram Sigappu and 47 Natkal. Balachander was a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1987.
Dubbed “Iyakunar Sigaram” — or director’s peak — Balachander was born in a Tamil Brahmin family in 1930 in Thanjavur district. At an early age, he was attracted to theatre and drama and took part in stage plays.
After graduating in zoology, Balachander joined the Accountant General’s office and pursued his theatre interest with the United Amateur Artistes, a drama company. Later, he started his own drama company and his play Major Chandrakanth became a hit.
After entering the tinsel world, Balachander made the play into a movie which was also a big hit. Many of his hit movies were earlier stage plays like Server Sundaram, Neerkumizhi and Mezhuguvarthi among others.
Another notable film by Balachander was Abborva Ragangal. It was in this movie that Balachander introduced Rajnikanth. Balachandar’s Hindi movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye was where Kamal Haasan and Rathi Agnihotri made their Bollywood debut.
IANS
