Malayalam film actor Balakrishnan passes away

Balakrishnan was associated with over 150 films as still photographer and appeared in major and minor roles in around 100 movies.

By T. K. Devasia (Reporting from Trivandrum)

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Published: Sat 27 Dec 2014, 11:05 PM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 12:19 AM

Veteran Malayalam actor and still-photographer N L Balakrishnan died at the Medical College Hospital in the Kerala capital of Trivandrum on Thursday night. His family said that the 72-year-old actor was suffering from prolonged illness for some time. A diploma-holder in painting, Balakrishnan entered the tinsel world as a still photographer and later turned to acting.

He was associated with over 150 films as still photographer and appeared in major and minor roles in around 100 movies. He had closely associated with stalwarts like John Abraham, Aravindan, John Abraham, Bharathan and Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

Hailing from Powdikonam here, Balakrishnan took diploma in painting from College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum and got training in photography from various studios in the city.

He was initiated into film photography by film producer Sobhana Prameswaran Nair while working in Kerala Kaumudi daily as a photo journalist.

Balakrishnan worked with Aravindan in 11 films including Kanchana Sita, Pokkuveyil, Chidambaram and Vasthuhara. He worked with Adoor Gopalakrishnan in five films: Prathisandhi (documentary film conceived for Unicef), Swayamvaram, Kodiyettam, Mukhamukham and Elippathayam. He was also part of numerous other parallel films of the 1970s and 1980s.

As an actor, Balakrishnan had around 180 films to his credit. His first film was Rajiv Anchal’s Ammanam Kili. He is known for his work on films such as Orkkapurathu (1988), Joker (2000), Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal (1988) and Pattanapravesham (1988). His last film Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus released in 2013 September.

Known for his simple lifestyle, Balakrishnan worked as a photojournalist in Kerala Kaumudi for eleven years (1968-1979). He was also the head of Forum for Better Spirit. Balakrishnan has published a book titled Black and White (2011).

In 2014 November he was diagnosed with cancer. He breathed his last at 11.30pm on Thursday.

His body was cremated in the evening.

He is survived by his wife Nalini and only son Rajan.

news@khaleejtimes.com


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