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    Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty mourn director K Viswanath's death; actors say Dadasaheb Phalke will live on through his art

    Synopsis

    The late director was also a recipient of the Padma Shri Award.

    k vishwanathAgencies
    Several prominent personalities of the South Film Industry, such as Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Anoushka Shetty, and Ram Gopal Varma, took to Twitter to mourn the director and pay tribute to his contribution to cinema.
    Veteran Telugu film-maker K Vishwanath breathed his last on Thursday, (February 2) at his Hyderabad residence. He was 92.

    Several prominent personalities of the South Film Industry, such as Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Anushka Shetty, and Ram Gopal Varma, took to Twitter to mourn the director and pay tribute to his contribution to cinema.

    Superstar Kamal Haasan shared a handwritten note that paid a moving tribute to the director, along with the caption, “Salute to a master.” The note read, “Kalathapasvi K Viswanath fully understood the transience 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 (sic).”
    ‘Waltair Veerayya’ star Chiranjeevi also mourned the director. Dropping pictures of him posing with the late director, he stated that his death was a big blow to the Telugu entertainment industry as well as a personal loss for him. “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 (sic).” ‘The Godfather’ star had earlier worked with the director on three films: - ‘Swayam Krushi’, ‘Subhalekha’ and ‘Apadbhandavudu’.
    Malayalam superstar Mammootty paid his last respects to the auteur. The 'One' actor who had worked with the diretor in the 1992 critically acclaimed blockbuster 'Swathi Kiranam', spoke about his experience working with the legend. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu. Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathi Kiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones (sic),” read his tweet.
    'Dhamaka' star Ravi Teja also paid a heartrending tribute to the late veteran film-maker. “Disheartening to know about the tragic news of Viswanath garu. Words may not suffice to express his loss. His contribution to Telugu Cinema will live on in our memories forever. My sincere condolences to his entire family & dear ones. OM SHANTI (sic).”
    Actor Allari Naresh who had worked in the director's last film 'Subhapradam' wrote, “To have worked under his direction and to be a part of the industry that is his, is an honour. His loss is irreplaceable, his work is incomparable. RIP Guru K Viswanath garu, a legend in every way (sic).”
    'Baahubali 2' star Anushka Shetty wrote, "Rest in peace, Vishwanath garu ... thank you for everything, continue to live in our hearts. "
    Music maestro AR Rahman who was known to be close to the 'Kalam Marindi' director tweeted, "Anjali, tradition, warmth, heart, music, dance, love ... your movies filled my childhood with humaneness and wonder!"

    The auteur was one of the mainstays of Telugu cinema. He is credited for bridging the gap between commercial and arthouse cinema and making entertaining films that also addressed hot button issues such as caste discrimination, gender bias, alcoholism etc. Aside from winning the National Award five times, he is also the recipient of other prestigious awards like the Padma Shri and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

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