Chennai: Veteran filmmaker R.C. Sakthi who had worked with the likes of Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth , Sridevi and Vijayakanth died on Monday at a private hospital in Vadapalani after a prolonged illness for the last few months. He was 75.

His association with Kamal Haasan started when they both worked together as assistant directors to dance master Thangappan in a film Annai Velankkani. Though Kamal Haasan started his film innings as a child artiste, it was Sakthi who introduced Kamal Haasan as the lead hero in a film titled Unarchigal in 1972. A new age film with a bold theme, after several delays, was released eventually in 1976. Sakthi who sensed the spark in Kamal predicted many years ago that the latter would become a big hero one day in Tamil cinema. Later in 1978 they both collaborated for Manitharil Itthanai Nirangala and since then they shared a great bond. Sakthi has said in an earlier interview that they have always remained good friends. ‘Kamal keeps telling me that it was I who inspired him to take up screen-writing and direction.” he said.

A year back Kamal also penned the lyrics and crooned the title track of a short film Aindhu Rojakkal which marked the return of Sakthi after two decades.

Later he made Rajinikanth’s Dharma Yuddham which was a huge hit and Vijaykanth films Santhosha Kanavugal and Manakanakku. It was Sirai, which again had a bold and sensitive theme which gave him critical acclaim. Later he won state award for a film Pathini Pen.

He always wore a khaki pant and khaki shirt uniform during the film’s shoot, an industry veteran recalls. Sakthi is survived by a son and two daughters.