Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Master filmmaker and Dhadasaheb Phalke Award winner K Balachander, who passed away yesterday after a prolonged illness, was cremated here today.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Balachander’s son Prasanna lit the funeral pyre after completion of traditional rituals.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Fans, admirers and members of the film fraternity including actor Rajinikanth and acclaimed filmmaker Bharathiraja were among those who bid a tearful adieu to the departed soul at the crematorium.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

A wreath was placed on behalf of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Earlier, the flower decked cortege which had body of the director was brought in a procession to the Besant Nagar electric crematorium from his Warren Road residence in Mylapore.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the road to have a glimpse of the loved filmmaker for one last time.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

South Indian Film Artistes Association chief R Sarath Kumar, top actor Prakash Raj, comedian Vivek, film directors Parthiban, Vasanth were among those who were on the truck that carried the body of the veteran.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

Earlier, at his house, unending stream of visitors including former Union Minister P Chidambaram, music composers A R Rahman, Illayaraja, senior Left leader D Pandian, actors, actresses and technicians paid homage.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

The cortege in a procession arrived at the crematorium at 5 pm which left his house by 3.10 pm. The body was cremated at 5.30 pm.

Thousands bid tearful adieu to Balachander

The director was consigned to flames in his trademark white shirt, pant and black glasses.