Terming K. Balachander as an important milestone in Tamil cinema, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Saturday congratulated the veteran director for winning the Dadasaheb Phalke award.
In a statement, Mr. Karunanidhi said his dear friend Mr. Balachander infused new ideas and social thinking in Tamil cinema, creating a turning point. “That he is the first director in Tamil to receive the award is very special. No one can deny he is an important milestone in the history of Tamil cinema,” he said. Expressing happiness that the award had brought him national recognition and accolades, the Chief Minister greeted Mr. Balachander on behalf of the government and the people.
Later in the day, Mr. Balachander after meeting the Chief Minister told reporters that the award that usually went to those in north India had come to Tamil Nadu. To have got the award as a director had given him immense pleasure, he said. “The award has encouraged and motivated me to direct many more films,” he said, thanking the film fraternity and expressing gratitude to the Tamils here and all over the world.
