Rajini, Kamal unveil statue of Tamil cinema doyen Balachander

The statue was unveiled at the newly inaugurated office of Kamal Haasan, who considers Balachander as his mentor. Rajinikanth presided over the function as chief guest. Balachander was instrumental in shaping the careers of both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Both these Tamil veterans worked with Balachander in over 20 films.

Also present were K Balachander’s family members, Kamal’s daughters Shruthi Haasan and Akshara Haasan, lyricist Vairamuthu and several film celebrities.

Kamal spoke warmly about his long association with Rajinikanth – the two actors have worked in nive Tamil movies, two Telugu movies and in one Hindi movie together. On the Central government's decision to bestow 'Golden Icon award on Rajinikanth at the 50th IFFI fest in Goa, Kamal said Rajini had become an icon Within a year of his entry to cinema. ''I congratulate him for the Golden Icon award at IFFI. He is given the award a little late....after 44 years'', he said. Rajinikanth began his film career with the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander. Kamal Haasan on Thursday celebrated his 65th birthday with members of his family, at hometown Paramakudi. On the career front, Kamal Haasan is currently working on Shankar’s Indian 2, which hits the screens in 2021. The film also stars Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh and Priya Bhavani Shankar.