Legendary Director Balachander Passes Away; Celebrities Condole his Death

Legendary director Balachander passesd away in a private hospital in Chennai on Tuesday evening. He was 84.

The director was admitted to the hospital a few days ago and was taking treatment for fever and urinary tract infection. "His infection had heightened and his weakness did not help. The fever was under control but there was very little that we could do given his age," a hospital spokesperson told The New Indian Express. He was declared dead at around 7 p.m.

Balachander, popularly known as "Iyakunar Sigaram," has worked in more than 100 films in his illustrious career. The director is popular for his distinct style of film making. He introduced Rajinikanth through his film "Aboorva Raagangal" and was also a mentor to Kamal Haasan. 

Born in 1930 at Nannilam in Tiruvarur district, Balachander was interested in theatre and drama at a very young age. He regularly took part in stage plays while doing his graduation in Annamalai University. After working as a school teacher and as an apprentice clerk, he formed his own acting troupe. He became popular after he re-wrote the famous play "Major Chandrakanth" in Tamil.

Later, the director helmed several films and tasted success with many of them. Some of his notable films include "Aboorva Raagangal," "Moondru Muduchu," "Aval Oru Thodar Kathai," "Manmadha Leelai," "Avargal," "Ek Duje Ke Liye" and "Varumaiyin Niram Sigappu" among many others.

Balachander has won several prestigious awards including the Padma Shri and Dada Saheb Phalke award. He is survived by his wife, son Prasanna and daughter Pushpa. Meanwhile, many celebrities have condoled the death of the director.

Vivek: "My mentor gone! My radical lion is gone! The peerless legend is gone! I have lost my dad again."

Khushbu: "U know few mean a lot to u but u realize how much only when they leave us..KB sir has left us completely heartbroken.."

Ram Gopal Varma: "Want to express my heartfelt grief for the passing away of K Balachander, the only true maverick and path breaking director of all time."

Neetu Chandra: "Sad to hear about @K.Balachander sir. We lost a legend few mins. Ago. RIP #TamilNadu #Chennai."

Asin: "RIP to the stalwart K.Balachander. Kollywood will never forget your contribution to Indian Cinema."

Varu Sarathkumar: "May his family find the strength to withstand this great loss.. RIP Balachander sir...u will indeed live on through ur amazing work.."

Nani: "Balachander sir is no more .. End of an era .. Bapu gaaru Balachander gaaru in the same year...We are so much more incomplete now :("

Vennela Kishore: "RIP K Balachander sir..1 of the finest directors of indian cinema who has nurtured many actors esp Kamal n Rajini sir"

Suresh Daggubati: "Its very saddening to hear that Legendary director K. Balachander Garu is no more. May his soul rest in peace."

Lakshmi Manchu: "K.Balachander sir RIP. You redefined cinema. You were one of the finest. A huge loss for the film industry."

Sriya Reddy: "Such a true legend! Saddened by the demise of Director K. Balachander sir. May his soul rest in peace..."