K Balachander, who rewrote films for contemporary Indian audiences wore many hats in his life including being a writer, actor and producer. The auteur who had contributed to nearly 100 feature films either as a screenwriter or director, thus becoming one of the most prolific filmmakers in the country. He opened doors to several filmmakers and actors, mentoring them and taking them under his wing.
Nassar, who came from K Balachander's school of storytelling and acting, shared details about how he was introduced to cinema by him. In an earlier interview with Cinema Express during his 90th birth anniversary, Nasser said Balachander introduced him via Kalyana Agathigal in 1985.
"Initially, I was supposed to play a smaller role in the Kannada remake of Iru Kodugal. But the moment he came to know that I was trained in film institute and had a theatre background, he assured me he would call back with a better role. In cinema, this usually means that the second call is unlikely. But Balachander sir was true to his words and called me for Kalyana Agathigal," he shared, adding how the emminent filmmaker was focussed on creating his niche rather than getting inspired from others.
The veteran actor also recalled his directorial style. "They usually say the director is the captain of the ship. The statement would be most appropriate for KB sir. He had complete command over his crew and when he said, 'Silence!', the entire place would go quiet. He had great authority of his craft and over the cast and crew," he said, noting that he practised what he preached. "He would gather us around, act out his scenes and ask us to point out flaws. Being a legend, he didn't have to do this. But he still did, with child-like passion. Be it off the camera or in front of the camera, KB sir will always be a great teacher," he said.
Apart from Nassar, he had also nurtured numerous actors, including Nagesh, Sujatha, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Jaya Prada, Sridevi, Jayasudha, Saritha, Renuka, Prakash Raj, Ramesh Aravind and Vivek.
Balachander is known for his critically acclaimed films like Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974), Arangetram (1973), Pattina Pravesam (1977), Maro Charitra (1978, Telugu), Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Thillu Mullu (1981, Tamil), Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Achamillai Achamillai (1984), and Manmadha Leelai (1976).
He also made films under his production house, Kavithalaya Productions. In his career, he won 9 National Film Awards, 11 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, five Nandi Awards and 13 Filmfare Awards. He was honored with the Padma Shri (1987), India's fourth highest civilian award, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.