Filmmaker K. Balachander passes away at the age of 84

Filmmaker K. Balachander breathed his last on Tuesday evening of December 23, 2014 at a private hospital in Chennai. He was hospitalized last week, due to urinary infection and age-related ailment.

The crematory rites will be conducted by his son Prasanna at Besant Nagar crematory ground by around 4 pm, today. And presently his mortal remains are kept at his residence for public viewing. Several dignitaries from politics and film industry like Rajinikanth, Sarath Kumar, Vaiko and Udhayanidhi Stalin have paid their visit, till now.

K. Balachander was the man who shaped the careers of Rajinikanth, Sridevi, Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj and Ramesh Aarvind to name a few. Bollywood and Kollywood are mourning over his death. Going by their tweets:

Madhur Bhandarkar: "Sad to know of d demise of K Balachander. A genius storyteller, his gems Ek Duje Ke Liye & Zara Si Zindagi will keep his legacy alive. RIP."

R. Madhavan: "RIP K Balachander sir. You will be so missed.i can never forget you sparkling smile and warm handshakes."

Ram Gopal Varma: "Want to express my heartfelt grief for the passing away of K Balachander, the only true maverick and path breaking director of all time."

Neetu Chandra: "Sad to hear about @K.Balachander sir. We lost a legend few mins. Ago. RIP #TamilNadu #Chennai

Rana Daggubati: "It's very saddening to hear that Legendary director K. Balachander Garu is no more. May his soul rest in peace."

Javed Jaffrey: "A great director passes on..your films are embedded in our minds and hearts..RIP K.Balachander sir."