End of an iconic era: K. Balachander (1930 – 2014) Tribute
The entire Tamil film industry is shattered, grief-stricken and dumbstruck at the demise of maverick filmmaker, K. Balachander, a peerless legend who made radical films – highly ahead of its times – with avant-garde themes and profound women characters. Fondly called by everyone as Iyakkunar Sigaram, he breathed his last on Tuesday. Balachander was suffering from age-related ailments and admitted in Cauvery hospital in Chennai a week back. The Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee passed away at the age of 84.
He has helmed over 100 plus films and holds the credit for fostering Indian cinema’s two greatest contemporaries – Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. In fact, India’s double Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman was also introduced under his production banner Kavithaalaya Productions in Roja directed by Mani Ratnam. In his decades-long journey as a filmmaker, KB also introduced a horde of talents including Prakash Raj, Vivekh, Saritha, Sujatha and Sripriya to name a few. He also nurtured some great filmmakers including Vasanth, Samuthirakani, Selvaraghavan and Saran.
An enviable filmography. Illustrious filmmaking. A magical talent-spotter. A matchless legend. An irreplaceable and incomparable auteur.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Only Kollywood registers its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the film fraternity.
