Shaji N Karun, Indian cinema legend, passes away aged 73

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eminent film director and cinematographer Shaji N Karun, who took Malayalam film to global stages, passed away in the capital city on Monday. He was 73. He breathed his last at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday evening.

He had been suffering from cancer for a long time and was working as the Chairman of the State Film Development Corporation.

Shaji N Karun had the rare laurel of winning Caméra d'Or – Mention d'honneur at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival for his debut movie Piravi.The movie also received awards, including the prestigious Charlie Chaplin Award and the Silver Leopard at Locarno.

'Piravi' was a miracle in the history of Indian cinema. No Indian film has ever won this many awards at an international film festival.

Shaji N Karun’s oeuvre includes Piravi (1988), Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999) and Kutty Srank (2009).

Beyond the label of a filmmaker, Shaji found his niche in cinematography and his masterly work remains as a reference for posterity. He helmed the camera for Aravindan films like Kanchana Sitha, Thumb, Kummatty, Esthappan, Pokkuveyil, Chidambaram, and has won the National Award for Best Cinematography and three State Awards. For his yeoman contribution to the Indian film industry, the country honoured Shaji N Karun with the Padma Shri in 2010.

Shaji's personnel cabinet is copious with awards, including seven national awards and seven state awards. He has also been awarded the French government's international recognition for his contribution to the field of arts and culture, 'The Order of Arts and Letters'.

Family:

Shaji married Anasuya Warrier, daughter of Dr. P. K. R. Warrier, on 1 January 1975. Children Anil (IISER, Thiruvananthapuram) Appu (Germany).

Daughter-in-laws: Dr. Neelima (Psychologist, IISER), Sheetal (Cyber Specialist, Germany)