'Balu Mahendra's death will leave a void in the Tamil film industry'

'In Tamil Nadu where film stars are treated as gods, Balu Mahendra was an institution by himself.'

Actress Radhika Sharatkumar pays rich tribute to the filmmaker, who passed away on Thursday, February 13.

Filmmaker Balu Mahendra has directed many brilliant movies in his lifetime. One of them was a Tamil comedy called Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (Two-tailed Sparrow) in 1987, starring Mohan, Raadhika Sarathkumar and Archana. This film was loosely based on the 1984 Hollywood film Micki and Maude.

Balu Mahendra's comic sense surprised everyone because he was known for his intense films. It was also the best comedy film during that decade.

Radhika Sharatkumar, known as the Ekta Kapoor of Tamil television, has acted in more than 300

films, and is the daughter of legendary Tamil actor M R Radha.

She pays tribute to the filmmaker: 

It is a great loss to the industry. He was a legend and among the best talents this industry has produced. I will always carry fond memories of working with him in Rettai Vaal Kuruvi.

Being on his sets is unique. You don’t get the same feeling anywhere else. I have acted in more than 300 movies but can still recall my times working with him. He was one of a kind.

This movie was also different from his other movies because it was his first comedy.

He had carved out his own space, and his death will leave a void in the industry and in our hearts. It’s a very sad day for the lovers of Tamil cinema.

In Tamil Nadu where film stars are treated as gods, Balu Mahendra was an institution by himself.