Veteran director Balu Mahendra dead!

TNN 


Acclaimed director Balu Mahendra who was admitted in Vijaya Hospital due to illness passed away today in the morning. The doctors had said that he was said to be in critical condition when he was admitted today at the hospital. 

The 74 year old veteran director was amongst the pioneers of Indian cinema and is also a screenwriter, editor and cinematographer. Filmmakers including Bala, Ameer and Ram visited him at the hospital before he passed away.

Balu Mahendra has won five National Film Awards—two for cinematography, three Filmfare Awards South and numerous state awards from the governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The ace director, started his career as a cinematographer with 'Nellu' in 1974 and soon made his directional debut in a few years through Kokila, a Kannada film.

Some of his acclaimed films in Tamil include Mullum Malarum (as Cinematographer), Azhiyadha Kolangal, Moodu Pani and Moondram Pirai. He has worked with the likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Dhanush as well. Balu Mahendra made his onscreen debut last year with 'Thalaimuraigal' and received good response for his acting skills.

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