Veteran filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away at 73

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N. Karun (73), who elevated Malayalam cinema to the global stage, has passed away. He also served as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.

He passed away around 5 PM yesterday at his residence, Piravi, located on Udara Shiromani Road, Vazhuthacaud. His wife Anasuya and children were by his side. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer. A public viewing will be held at Kalabhavan today at 10 AM. The funeral will take place at Santhikavadam with official honours at 4 PM.

'Piravi' (1988) was Shaji's directorial debut. His films Piravi, Swaham, and Vanaprastham were consecutively selected for the official sections of the Cannes Film Festival — a rare feat in world cinema. Piravi was a marvel; no other Indian film had been selected for so many international film festivals. The film won four National Awards and the prestigious Charlie Chaplin Award, and received a special mention for the Caméra d'Or at Cannes.

Shaji worked as the cinematographer for Aravindan's masterpieces like Kanchana Sita, Thampu, Kummatty, Esthappan, Pokkuveyil, Chidambaram, and Oridathu. Over his career, he won seven National Awards and an equal number of State Awards. In recognition of his contributions to arts and culture, the French government honoured him with the Order of Arts and Letters.

In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Just earlier this month, on the 16th, the Kerala government honored him with the J.C. Daniel Award. His other notable films include Kutty Srank, Swapaanam, Nishad, and Olu. He served as the cinematographer for 40 films.

Starting as a film officer at KSFDC (Kerala State Film Development Corporation) in 1976, Shaji later rose to lead the organisation. In 1998, he became the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

Shaji was born on New Year's Day, 1952, at Kandachira in Perinad, Kollam, as the eldest son of Karunakaran and Chandramathi. In 1963, the family relocated to Thiruvananthapuram. He completed his undergraduate studies at University College and earned a diploma in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, in 1974.

He married Dr. P.K.R. Warrier’s daughter, Anasuya, on January 1, 1975. Children: Anil (working at IISER, Thiruvananthapuram) and Appu (based in Germany). Daughters-in-law: Dr. Neelima (psychologist at IISER) and Sheetal (cyber specialist in Germany).