In Remembrance: K Balachander's Life and Times

Veteran film director K Balachander, who died in Chennai after a cardiac arrest on December 23, played godfather to actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Here's a pictorial look at the Padma Shri recipient's journey.

Director K Balachander was all smiles as he posed with late Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan during a felicitation ceremony by All India Jaishankar Fans Association in 1974. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

This black and white shows KB, as he was fondly known, posing for a magazine shoot at his residence against the backdrop of Tamil poet Bharathiyar's picture, whose renditions were used in his 1980 film Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

Director K Balachander with actress Saritha on the sets of his 1884 film Achamillai Achamillai. The film won Saritha a Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil. It also won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil in 1985 and K Balachander received the Filmfare Award for Best Director - Tamil. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

KB was captured filming <>Aachamillai Achamillai with Director Of Photography Loknath, who also filmed the climax of 1981 hit Ek Duuje Ke Liye starring Kamal Haasan and Rati Agnihotri. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

Doting father K Balachander seen posing with actor-politician MGR and his wife Janaki, at KB's daughter Pushpa Kandaswamy's wedding in Chennai. Pushpa is now a noted producer of Tamil films. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

K Balachander, who launched actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinkanth in Tamil film industry, seen in a delightful conversation with them.

Director K Balachander seen striking a pose for a magazine shoot at his residence. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)

KB and his wife Rajam Balachander enjoying a light moment at their Chennai residence. (Image courtesy: Arun Kumar)