Legendary filmmaker-actor K. Viswanath, who is known among Tamil cinema fans for his appearances in films like Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Rajapattai, Lingaa, and Uttama Villain, has passed away due to age-related issues at his residence in Hyderabad, Telangana, on Friday, February 3. He was 92. Director K. Viswanath was also felicitated with the highest national honor for the film industry, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2016, and is also a 7-time Nandi Award recipient for his contributions to Indian cinema. The news of the five-time National Award winner's demise has come as a big shock to the film industry, with many leading celebrities paying their tributes on social media.
K. Viswanath began his career in cinema as an assistant director in the Telugu-Tamil Film Pathala Bhairavi (1951) and debuted as a filmmaker with the Telugu film Aatma Gowravam (1965), which earned him the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. The iconic filmmaker went on to become a household name in South India with the award-winning cult classic musical drama Sankarabharanam (1980), which continues to be celebrated to this date and is considered one of his greatest works.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the iconic Telugu cinema stalwart on Twitter and said, "Saddened by the passing away of Shri K. Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Saddened by the passing away of Shri K. Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2023
Telugu actor Chiranjeevi expressed his condolences saying, "Shocked beyond words! Shri K Viswanath ‘s loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian / Telugu Cinema and to me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !! 🙏🙏"
Shocked beyond words!
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) February 3, 2023
Shri K Viswanath ‘s loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian / Telugu Cinema and to me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !! 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/3JzLrCCs6z
Tamil actor Kamal Haasan penned a heartfelt note on Twitter and said, "Kalathapasvi K Viswanath gaaru fully understood the transcience of life and immortality of art. Hence his art will be celebrated beyond his lifetime and reign. Long live his art. An ardent fan, Kamal Haasan 2023."
Salute to a master . pic.twitter.com/zs0ElDYVUM
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 3, 2023
Malayalam actor Mammootty expressed his grief stating, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu. Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathikiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones."
Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu.
— Mammootty (@mammukka) February 2, 2023
Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathikiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/6ElhuSh53e
K Vishwanath made the Telugu film Saagara Sangaman starring Kamal Haasan, which was later dubbed in Tamil under the title Salangai Oli. The film went on to become a phenomenal critical and commercial success and the celebrated filmmaker's only directorial in Tamil. K Vishwanath also appeared in key roles in several Tamil films over the years sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan, R. Parthiban, Ajith Kumar, 'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Chiyaan' Vikram, Suriya among others.
