Kamal and Rajini stand on the shoulders of a giant K. Balachander
Today the 9th of July marks the 90th birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker K. Balachander. Two his biggest protégés, actor turned politician Kamal Haasan and Superstar Rajinikanth share their memories and tributes of their mentor. In addition, Vivekh who was introduced by KB, Ganesh Venkatraman, Kala Master and Mohan Ram shared their tributes as well.
Kamal Haasan took to his twitter handle and wrote, ““Mr.K. Balachander. A mere name with fame that I heard as a teenager! Who would have thought he would take many roles in the life of an actor like me. Benefactor, mentor, collaborator, father & now when I think of his child like energy, I feel the pride of a father.”
Mr.K.Balachander. A mere name with fame that I heard as a teenager. Who would have thought he would take many roles in the life of an actor like me. Benefactor, mentor, collaborator, father & now when I think of his child like energy, I feel the pride of a father.
(1/2) https://t.co/qKRpKx54Pt— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 9, 2020
He added saying, “My salute to this important son of Indian Cinema.” Earlier Kamal had released a video where he has said that KB sir and he shared a father-son relationship. Recalling the first time he met KB, he said, “I met KB at the Vauhini Studios on the sets of Velli Vizha . Uncle Gemini Ganesan introduced me to him. I never thought then that I would develop such a big bond with him.”
He revealed that for many years he nurtured the dream of directing K. Balachander and his guru granted him that wish with Utthama Villain film. “I was so proud when the man who taught me how to deliver my dialogues spoke the lines written by me. And he passed away a few weeks after dubbing for the film, ” he recalled. “I have several mentors in my career. But I consider KB sir as my ultimate ‘Guru’,” Kamal quipped.
On the other hand Rajinikanth in a video released by Kavithalayaa’s YouTube channel said that lifelong he was indebted to K. Balachander for introducing him to cinema and rechristening his original name. “Had KB not introduced me, I would have still become an actor, playing a small character or villainy roles in Kannada films. All credits go to KB sir for whatever I am today (name and fame). In the four films I worked with him, Balachander made me a complete actor, and a star. Not only me, KB sir was the mentor for a host of actors,” quipped the superstar.
He further added that he considers Balachander as one of his four Gods, the others being his mom, dad and brother Sathyanarayan Rao.
KB’s daughter producer Pushpa Kandasamy along with her husband garlanded the statue of her father which was unveiled by Kamal and Rajini at Raaj Kamal International office last year at a simple event. The Covid-19 pandemic has put their original plans of celebration on hold.
