Filmmaker K Balachander dies

Eminent filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner K Balachander died here on Tuesday at a 

private hospital after prolonged illness.

Hailed as “Iyakunar Sigaram” (Peak among directors) in Tamil film industry Balachander, 84, was hospitalised following age related ailments on December 3. He breathed his last at 7.02 pm on Tuesday, Hospital authorities said. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter. His other son, Kailasam died on August 15 this year.

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.