AIAMDK supremo J Jayalalithaa, DMK President M Karunanidhi led a host of leaders and actors in condoling the death of veteran filmmaker K Balachander today as the Tamil film industry cancelled shoots tomorrow as a mark of respect.
Jayalalithaa paid rich tributes to the late director, and said he had dwelt on subjects concerning women and their travails and tribulations.
Describing him as a simple and affable man, she recalled his transition from theatre to the silverscreen. He presented relationships and human feelings in a different form and was a recipient of a number of honours including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalkje Award, she said in a statement here.
“Balachander’s death is an irreparable loss to the film world and none can fill the void left behind him,” the former chief minister, a former actor herself, said extending her sympathies with his family and praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Karunanidhi and actor Rajinikanth were among those who paid their homage to the departed filmmaker at the private hospital where he passed away late this evening.
Karunanidhi in a post on micro-blogging site Twitter said Balachander’s fame would grow till the film industry lived and credited him with creating new ‘twists’ in Tamil cinema.
MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani were among others who condoled Balachander’s death.
The Tamil film industry also mourned his loss with various actors and filmmakers including Khushbu, Jeyam Ravi, Venkat Prabhu, Vikraman, Vasanth, Ameer and Vasantha Balan paying tributes to him.
“Dear KB sir, your vision and creations have inspired 3 generations Really grateful for intro’ing me thru your co Kavithaalaya in (Maniratnam’s) Roja RIP!,” said Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman. The film was produced by the home production of Balachander.
The industry in a statement announced cancelling shoots of films tomorrow as a mark of respect for Balachander (84), who died after a prolonged illness.
