It would not be an exaggeration to say,average cinema lover of south India haven't heard the name of K.Balachander .Today is one of the most happy moments to the veteran and his admirers alike as he is conferred with prestigious Dada Sahed Phalke Award given for contribution to media and arts, this is the India's highest award in field of cinema and media.Known for his remarkable style of making films and changing the direction of South Indian cinema as director in 1970-80's, his easy style of story narration was taken front seat and gained him fame during the time when film industry was dominated by melodrama.He was successful in Tamil ,Telugu equally.He also directed/Produced films in Kannada & Hindi.
His distinct subjects and film making not only earned him admirers all over India but also won many accolades from critics as well .He directed many scripts which analyze unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes .
Born in a Tamil Brahmin family to Saraswati and Dhandapani at Nannilam, on 9 July 1930 Thanjavur District. He completed his Bachelor degree in life science in 1949 at Annamalai University. While working in the Accountant General’s Office as a Superintendent in the 1960s, he came to limelight as an amateur playwright with his dynamic plays like Major Chandrakanth, Server Sundaram, Neerkumizhi, Mezhuguvarthi, Naanal and Navagraham. The plays, written and directed by him, were an instant success among masses and enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim. He started hi carrier in film industry with dialogue writing for MGR's film "Dheiva Thaai" but never worked with the big stars of the south industry then ,either MGR ,Sivaji Ganesan or NTR.
Born in a Tamil Brahmin family to Saraswati and Dhandapani at Nannilam, on 9 July 1930 Thanjavur District. He completed his Bachelor degree in life science in 1949 at Annamalai University. While working in the Accountant General’s Office as a Superintendent in the 1960s, he came to limelight as an amateur playwright with his dynamic plays like Major Chandrakanth, Server Sundaram, Neerkumizhi, Mezhuguvarthi, Naanal and Navagraham. The plays, written and directed by him, were an instant success among masses and enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim. He started hi carrier in film industry with dialogue writing for MGR's film "Dheiva Thaai" but never worked with the big stars of the south industry then ,either MGR ,Sivaji Ganesan or NTR.
His noted films made in Tamil and Telugu were Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Avargal (1977), Varumayin Niram Sigappu (1980), 47 Natkal (1981), Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981, Hindi), Maro Charithra ,Rudraveena,Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974), Anthuleni Katha (1976), Parthale Paravasam (2001) and Poi (2006).
He introduced hundreds of actors in Tamil Cinema including Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj and Vive ,Apart from them actors Sujatha, Jaya Prada and Sarita were all his discoveries later became big names in South Indian cinema.He also own a production house, Kavithalaya Productions.
He introduced hundreds of actors in Tamil Cinema including Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj and Vive ,Apart from them actors Sujatha, Jaya Prada and Sarita were all his discoveries later became big names in South Indian cinema.He also own a production house, Kavithalaya Productions.
His serials, Kai Alavu Manasu, Rayil Sneham, Kadhal Pagadai, Premi, Jannal Anni and others have been successful.which are dubbed in Telugu also .Balachander sir strongly feels that the three different medium of entertainment : theater, cinema and television are bound to co-exist. One cannot destroy the other and at any given time the public will see what it wants.After working for nearly 40 years in Film industry, a K.Balachander sir returned to theater through the play Pournami,last year.
Balachander is married to Rajam. The couple has 3 children, sons Kailasam, Prasanna and daughter Pushpa Kandaswamy, CEO, Kavithalaya Productions.
His film's Iru Kodugal[1969],Apoorva Raagangal[1975],Thaneer Thaneer-[1981],Achamillai Achamillai[1984] won National Film Award's for Best Feature Film in Tamil .There are many more films which earned him national and film fare awards.
Balachander is married to Rajam. The couple has 3 children, sons Kailasam, Prasanna and daughter Pushpa Kandaswamy, CEO, Kavithalaya Productions.
His film's Iru Kodugal[1969],Apoorva Raagangal[1975],Thaneer Thaneer-[1981],Achamillai Achamillai[1984] won National Film Award's for Best Feature Film in Tamil .There are many more films which earned him national and film fare awards.
- He was honored with Padma Shri from Government Of India in 1987.
- He was honoree by the Tamil Nadu Government with the title Kalaimamani in the year 1973.
- Film-fare has awarded him on more than twelve occasions as Best Director and Best Film Producer.
- Film-fare honored him with a Life Time Achievement Award in 1995.
Many other Life time achievement awards and Doctorates from various named universities are awarded to this simple,humble and great human begin who offered outstanding services to Indian film industry.
Today on the occasion of winning India's most prestigious award in the filed of cinema "Dada Saheb Phalke" lets wish Balachander sir a hearty and respectful congratulations.
May God give you good health & piece if mind, have good time with your grandchildren &family .
