The former Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, condoled the death of director K. Balachander. She said women had a central role in the films of Balachander and he poignantly portrayed their sufferings in society. “He gave new dimensions to relationships and feelings in films. He is the man who paved the way for teleserial,” she said, adding that his death was a great loss to the film industry.
DMDK leader Vijayakant expressed deep shock and grief at the passing away of Balachander. “His immense contribution to the world of cinema and fine arts is to be remembered for all times to come,” he said.
In the Twitter world, prominent actors Vivek, Vikram, Khusbu Sundar, Mohan Raman were among the first to pay their tributes to the veteran director.
Mr. Vivek, whom Balachander introduced and mentored, tweeted: “My mentor gone! My radical lion with a braveheart is gone! I lost my Dad again. My guru KB gone.”
Information Minister Rajenthira Balaji placed a wreath on Balachander’s body on the government’s behalf.
