Updated by admin on
Wednesday, December 24, 2014 12:54 AM IST
Chennai:
Veteran film director K Balachander, the mentor of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and several other actors, died at Kaveri hospital in Chennai on December 23, 2014, leaving the film industry in the country in a state of shock. The 84-year-old director was admitted to the hospital a few days ago after he developed fever.
Last week, Balachander was admitted to hospital as he "developed fever and certain age-related ailments over the past few days. He is being treated at our hospital now. At present he is stable and all necessary treatments are being given."
However, the end came on Tuesday night.
A large number of film celebrities reached the hospital and later his residence as his body was moved to the Warren Road residence.
Actor Rajinikanth, who was introduced by Balachander in Apoorva Raagangal, rushed to the hospital on hearing of the death of his mentor. Rajinikanth said the death was a huge loss to the film industry and to him personally as KB was his mentor, philosopher and guide. "I have no words to express my grief. I feel I have lost myself," said Rajinikanth.
The president of South Indian Film Artistes Association (Nadigar Sangam), Sarath Kumar, his actress-wife Radhika, film producer KR, lyricist Vairamuthu, directors S P Muthuraman, actor Y G Mahendra and music director Shankar Ganesh.
Kamal Haasan, who is in Los Angeles, looking after the post-production of his film 'Uttama Villain' directed by Ramesh Arvind, is expected to reach Chennai on December 24.
The funeral will take place on December 25.
The film industry announced that there would be no work on December 24 in view of Balachander's death.
