K Balachander, star maker passes away
Posted December 24th, 2014, 11:51 AM IST
He was battling prolonged illness over the last one week at Kaveri Hospital where he was admitted after he developed fever and some age-related ailments.
But hospital sources were issuing statements and updates on his health although he was in a critical condition.
KB began his illustrious career, spanning 45 years, as a scriptwriter for the legendary actor, the late MGR, for his film Deiva Thaai.
In 1965 he made his maiden directorial venture, Neer Kumizhi, which was based on his play of the same name in which he featured the late comedian Nagesh in a stellar role.
The film went on to become a huge hit besides earning him critical acclaim. Apparently, the story, set inside a hospital, is about how a terminally ill patient helps unite two lovers before he dies.
Having written scripts and directed over a 100 movies, KB discovered Sivaji Rao Gaekwad and rechristened him Rajinikanth, in his 1975 movie, Aboorva Raagangal.
He had the uncanny knack of picking up actors with promise in this manner and had said that Rajini would go on to become a phenomenon even before his debut film released.
Later, the relationship between the protégé and mentor continued in films, like Moondru Mudichu, Thillu Mullu and Avargal. His films are usually centred on unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes.
Balachander received his first National Award for Iru Kodugal, released in 1969. Aboorva Raagangal also fetched him an award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. Later in 1981,
Thaneer Thaneer that dealt with social issues, such as water scarcity and political corruption, fetched him the National Film Award for best screenplay and Best Regional Film. Many of his films, including Achamillai Achamillai and Sindhu Bhairavi got him critical acclaim and National Awards.
In 1987, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour. He was bestowed the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in cinema, in 2010.
- Aditi Rao Hydari misses ‘Heeramandi’ event after wedding
- Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui among 14 detained in Mumbai raid
- Mrunal Thakur follows ‘grandma diet,’ believes in not skipping meals
- Selena Gomez shares makeup-free selfies on Instagram
- Diljit collaborates with Saweetie for ‘Khutti’ Song, says ‘she just landed in Punjab’
- Malaika Arora, Arjun Kapoor, Richa, Ali Fazal, Farah, and more at KJo’s Bash
- Janhvi and Aditya Roy Kapur shine on the ramp for Kalki at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI
- I am fond of Kate Moss, says Diana Penty, about her fashion icon
- Kriti Kharbanda, Pulkit Samrat share pictures from dreamy wedding
- Actor Rajinikanth visits Hyderabad Metro Rail Project, applauds Operations Control Centre
- Mrunal Thakur to speak at UN panel on human cost of conflict-related sexual violence
- Hyderabad: Charminar’s Nimrah Café & Bakery goes 24/7 for Ramadan season
- Ileana D’Cruz drops adorable pictures with partner Michael Dolan
- Hyderabad edging towards drinking water crisis!
- Highest power supply registered in Telangana with 298.19 mu in one day
More News
- Aditi Rao Hydari misses ‘Heeramandi’ event after wedding
- Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui among 14 detained in Mumbai raid
- Mrunal Thakur follows ‘grandma diet,’ believes in not skipping meals
- Selena Gomez shares makeup-free selfies on Instagram
- Diljit collaborates with Saweetie for ‘Khutti’ Song, says ‘she just landed in Punjab’
- Malaika Arora, Arjun Kapoor, Richa, Ali Fazal, Farah, and more at KJo’s Bash
- Jamie Lever is ‘honoured’ to represent her heritage with Telugu debut film
- Janhvi and Aditya Roy Kapur shine on the ramp for Kalki at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI
- I am fond of Kate Moss, says Diana Penty, about her fashion icon
- Kriti Kharbanda, Pulkit Samrat share pictures from dreamy wedding
A PHP Error was encountered
Severity: Warning
Message: file_get_contents(): http:// wrapper is disabled in the server configuration by allow_url_fopen=0
Filename: views/newsdetails.php
Line Number: 29
Backtrace:
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/views/newsdetails.php
Line: 29
Function: file_get_contents
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/controllers/News.php
Line: 135
Function: view
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/controllers/News.php
Line: 95
Function: newsdetails
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/index.php
Line: 315
Function: require_once
A PHP Error was encountered
Severity: Warning
Message: file_get_contents(http://www.indiaaffiliates.in/ads.php?size=300X250): failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found
Filename: views/newsdetails.php
Line Number: 29
Backtrace:
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/views/newsdetails.php
Line: 29
Function: file_get_contents
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/controllers/News.php
Line: 135
Function: view
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/application/controllers/News.php
Line: 95
Function: newsdetails
File: /home5/am2pm/public_html/index.php
Line: 315
Function: require_once