Celebrated filmmaker GN Rangarajan, who has helmed several hit films, including Meendum Kokila, Kalyanaraman and Maharasan, passed away today. He was 90 and succumbed to age-related issues. Announcing his demise, his son, director GNR Kumaravelan, wrote on social media, “My Father, my mentor , my love ... passed away today morning around 8.45 am. Need all your prayers to keep my family in strength .”
Talking about his dad’s career, he added, “My father started his journey as assistant editor to Dorai Singam and was deeply influenced by the films of director Bheem Singh. Later, he was associated with director SP Muthuraman sir for many years in around 25 movies, which includes Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri, Aaril Irundhu Aruvadhu Varai and Priya. He made the film Kalyana Raman with Kamal sir, which was a super hit. Following this, my father worked with Kamal Haasan sir in nine movies that include Meendum Kokila, Kadal Meengal and Maharasan. All these movies were silver jubilee hits. Later, he became a producer with the movie Rani Theni, for which Kamal Haasan sir never took any salary.
Such is the beautiful friendship that existed between my father and Kamal sir. Even my debut film as an assistant director was his all-time classic comedy flick Sathileelavathi, directed by Balu Mahendra sir.” GN Rangarajan quit filmmaking after Maharasan and later, embarked on his journey in small screen with the serial Raghuvasam. Later, he made a telefilm for a Singapore Tamil channel. “His fascination and passion for films haven’t faded and he is still enjoying his moments, watching the latest releases and series, and listens to the music. He believes that being connected to what our passion is the secret to a healthy body and mind,” he said.
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