K Balachander
Director
Director of the films Varumayin Niram Sigappu and Ek Duuje Ke Liye and winner of multiple National Film Awards.
He worked at the Accountant General’s office as a superintendent in the 1960s before gaining prominence as a playwright.
He was so influential that he was commonly referred to as Iyakkunar Sikaram or The Top Director.
His daughter Pushpa Kandaswamy became Chief Executive Officer of Kavithalaya Productions.
He was responsible for popularizing many Indian actors, including Vivek Oberoi.