Bala dedicates National award to his mentor Balu Mahendra

Popular Tamil director Bala, who has been adjudged best director at the 56th National Film Awards for his latest offering Naan Kadavul, has dedicated the award to his mentor director Balu Mahendra.

“It was Balu Mahendra who had groomed me and Akila Balu Mahendra had taken care of me like a mother - they are the reason behind such an honour. Without them I would have not achieved this feat," Bala was quoted as saying.

Best known for his unconventional, dark films that have garnered high critical acclaim, Bala also said that he is happy about winning the coveted award, but insists that he doesn’t make films for awards.