Hyderabad: Popular Sandalwood director Siddalingaiah, who directed evergreen classics such as 'Bangarada Manushya', 'Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu' amongst others, breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday. He was 78. He was being treated in intensive care unit after being diagnosed with H1N1.
His directorial debut, 'Mayor Muthanna' starred matinee idol late Dr Rajkumar and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. The film which was released in 1969 was produced by Dwarkish. Of the 23 evergreen films directed by him 'Bangarada Manushya' and 'Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu' are one of the finest films in Sandalwood history. 'Bangarada Manushya' created history after running to packed houses for over two years. The film made a distinct impact on greater audience to stay connected to their roots with agriculture being the backbone of society. Unlike others, almost all his movies were based on social issues.
After 'Puttanna Kanagal', Siddalingaiah is undoubtedly the best director in Sandalwood. His son, Murali, a popular actor who made his debut in Sandalwood in 'Prema Parva' directed by none other his father, he later went on to shine in Tamil industry. Siddalingaiah's health took a toll after his son and popular actor Murali died due to heart attack in 2010. After his last venture 'Prema Prema Prema', he stayed away from direction. His grandson Adharvaa made his acting debut in Tamil in 2012. Recently the Karnataka State Open University had announced honorary doctorates to him, days before he was hospitalised.
He has been conferred with Puttanna Kanagal award and Saroja Devi award. Apart from 'Doorada Betta', 'Narada Vijaya', 'Namma Samsara', 'Nyayave Devaru' among others, he even a directed a Tamil film 'Puthir' which was the remake of his Kannada film 'Ajeya'. Well, he remains 'ajeya' in Sandalwood through his iconic films.
