Renowned Filmmaker Shaji N Karun Passes Away
Apart from film making, Shaji N Karun was at the forefront of promoting Kerala's film culture. He was the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Chairman of Kerala State Film Development Corporation.
Thiruvananthapuram: Noted film-maker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away at his residence here on Monday. He was 73.
Shaji N Karun, who was battling cancer, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here. He was brought to his house in Vazhuthacaud two days ago.
He received the J C Daniel award at the State Film Award distribution ceremony held here recently.
Born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Shaji N Karun rose to become one of the country's most respected film-makers. A graduate in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Shaji N Karun's debut feature film Piravi (1988) won Camera d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
His films Piravi, Swaham (1994), and Vanaprastham (1999) were selected for the Cannes official sections, which is considered a rare honour for any film-maker.
He won the National Film Award for Best Director for Piravi, the National Award for Best Feature Film (Piravi, Vanaprastham, Kutty Srank) and several Kerala State Film Awards.
Apart from film making, Shaji N Karun was at the forefront of promoting Kerala's film culture. He was the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Chairman of Kerala State Film Development Corporation.
Shaji N Karun is survived by his wife, Anasuya Devaki Warrier and sons Appu and Anil.
His cremation will take place in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening.
