THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala bid farewell to Shaji N. Karun, the renowned director and cinematographer who took Malayalam cinema to the pinnacle of world cinema. The funeral was held at Santhikavadam with official honours. The rite was attended by many people, including CPM State Secretary MV Govindan, Minister Saji Cherian, and actor and Film Academy Chairman Prem Kumar.

He passed away at his residence 'Piravi' on Udarasiromani Road, Vazhuthacaud at 5 pm yesterday. He was undergoing treatment for cancer. A public viewing was held at Kalabhavan today at 10 am.

'Piravi' was the first film directed by Shaji (1988). Piravi, Swaham and Vanaprastham were consecutively selected in the official section of the Cannes Film Festival. This is a rare achievement in world cinema. No Indian film has been selected for so many international film festivals like 'Piravi'. Piravi won four National Awards and the famous Charlie Chaplin Award. It also won the Camera d'Or Special Mention at Cannes.

Shaji N. Karun became the cinematographer of Aravindan films like Kanchana Sita, Thampu, Kummatty, Esthappan, Pokkuveyil, Chidambaram, and Oridathu. He won seven national awards and seven state awards each. He was also awarded the 'Order of Arts and Letters' by the French government for his contribution to the field of art and culture.

In 2011, the country honoured him with the Padma Shri. The state honoured him with the J.C. Daniel Award on the 16th of this month. Other notable films are Kutty Srank, The Voiding Soul (Swapaanam), Nishad, and Oolu. He became the cinematographer of 40 films.

Shaji, who became a film officer at KSFDC in 1976, later became its director. He became the first chairman of the Film Academy in 1998.

Shaji N. Karun was born on New Year's Day 1952, as the eldest son of Karunakaran and Chandramathi in Kandachira, Perinad, Kollam. In 1963, the family settled in Thiruvananthapuram. He graduated from University College and obtained a diploma in cinematography from the Pune Film Institute in 1974.

Married Dr. PKR Warrier's daughter Anasuya on 1 January 1975. Sons: Anil (IISER, Thiruvananthapuram), Appu (Germany). Daughters-in-law: Dr. Neelima (Psychologist, IISER), Sheetal (Cyber ​​Specialist, Germany)