Renowned Malayalam film director J. Sasikumar, who passed away in Kochi on Thursday aged 87, had a strong affinity with Chennai, his home for the past four decades.
Mr. Sasikumar, born Nambiathusseril Varkey John, was a prolific filmmaker, directing more than 125 films, many of them starring actors Prem Nazir and Sheela. “He used to work literally non-stop in three shifts,” said S. Shivpprasadh, a producer of short and documentary films. As he directed several hit films, including 15 in 1977 alone, he was known as a ‘hitmaker’ in the industry. Mr. Sasikumar also directed a lone Tamil film, ‘Panjamrutham’, starring Jaishankar, M.R. Radha and Sangeetha, in 1978.
He was the prime moving force for the creation of Rajaram Film Director’s Colony in Kodambakkam and wanted to live there till the end, he said.
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His body will be kept at his home in Kochi and Maharaja’s College on Saturday morning for people to pay homage. The funeral will be held at St. Michael’s Church at Thattampally near Alappuzha, in the afternoon.