2010 Dadasaheb Phalke Award For K Balachander

K Balachander, who brought a whiff of fresh air with daring new style in direction and filmmaking in Tamil cinema in the 1970s, was chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010.

The award, which is given for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema, was announced by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry based on the recommendation of a committee of eminent persons.

He started with dialogue writing for MGR's film 'Dheiva Thaai' but never worked with the big stars of the industry then either MGR or Sivaji Ganesan, later.

His 1975 film 'Apoorva Ragangal' (rare ragas) made in Telugu as 'Anthuleni Katha' introduced superstar Rajnikanth to Tamil and Telegu cinema.

Mr. Balachander has explored very interesting themes in several of his films, including ‘Aboorva Ragangal,' ‘Bama Vijayam,' ‘Sindhubhairavi,' ‘Varumayin Niram Sivappu,' and ‘Thanneer Thanneer.' His ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye' caught the attention of cinema lovers in other parts of the country.