E-Paper
Dadasaheb Phalke awardee K Balachander passes away after battling for life
The veteran film director passed away on December 23 evening after battling for life at a private hospital for over a week. Revered by scores of film stars and musicians from the film fraternity, Balachander was admitted on December 15 with high fever and age-related ailments.
Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, veteran film director K Balachander passed away on Dec 23 evening after battling for life at a private hospital for over a week.
Revered by scores of film stars, technicians and musicians from the film fraternity, Balachander was admitted to a private hospital Dec 15 with high fever and age-related ailments.
He was 84.
Doctors attending on him had given hope as the veteran film maker was responding to the treatment, but on Dec 23 evening he breathed his last after battling a prolonged illness.
The two superstars of the Tamil film industry- Rajinikanth and Kamal Hasan - both owe their growth as actors to him, just like countless others. These two were among the scores of talented people introduced by Balachander in his film career spanning some 45 years. He has more than 100 film to his credit.
Balachander also had his own production house - Kavithalaya Productions - and produced several films under its banner.
Balachander made his directorial debut with Neer Kumizhi in 1965 and was known for his unconventional stories told in a realistic fashion. He held some of the most prestigious awards in his name - Kalaimamani (state government), Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke award and ANR national award.
