Veteran Tamil filmmaker Mahendran passes away

J Mahendran, one of the most respected filmmakers in Tamil cinema breathed his last at his residence in Chennai early on April 2. The director, aged 79, was critically ill for the last few days and was undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital but was taken home on Monday night. He is survived by Mahendran is survived by wife Jasmine, son John and two daughters Dimple and Anurita.

Mahendran has directed some path-breaking films like ‘Uthiri Pookkal’ and ‘Nenjathai Killathey’. His directorial debut ‘Mullum Malarum’ starring Rajinikanth is widely regarded as a classic and has one of the career best performances of the superstar. They have also worked together in ‘Johnny’ and ‘Kaali’.

Mahendran has also acted in a few memorable roles in films like ‘Theri’, ‘Seethakaathi’, ‘Nimir’ and ‘Petta’. Several film personalities from the Tamil film fraternity have condoled his passing away. His mortal remains has been kept for public homage at his residence. His last rites will be performed today evening at 5 PM.