CHENNAI: He’s known as the Iyakunar Sigaram of the Tamil film industry. The late K Balachander, a doyen who inspired and mentored several new age directors was born on July 9 at Nannilam. As the film fraternity prepares itself to celebrate the legends 86th birthday today, City Express catches up with Mohan, who is fondly known as ‘KB’ Mohan owing to his close association with Balachander. “I was his assistant and production manager for for 26 years and I would call that phase a golden period in my life,” says Mohan.
Known for being a perfectionist and a disciplined director, Mohan shares some first-hand accounts of what happens during the shooting spot. “If the shoot is at 10 am, Balachander sir will be ready 20 minutes early. He would ask me to setup everything needed for the first shot, second shot and sometimes even the third! “When I came with him to the city, I was an amateur and very raw and rigid. But, under his guidance, I have learnt so much,” he recalls.
Big plans for the day? “I celebrate his birthday every year by inviting technicians and cutting cake. I once surprised him by bringing a cake to the shooting spot,” he goes on. “But, this year, it’ll be a silent affair. I will be feeding
250 people from Visalatchi nagar, Mylapore. This is where I stay and my house was chosen by KB sir,” he says.
Pointing that Balachander liked neatness, he says instructions have been given to clean the whole colony. “I have ordered for new tables and chairs. This won’t be like a usual packed food distribution. Everyone will be made to sit and will be fed to their hearts content. This is a small tribute to my mentor,” he adds.
