K Vishwanath was 92. (Express archive photo)Filmmaker-actor K Viswanath passed away in a private hospital in Hyderabad on Thursday due to age-related issues. In a career spanning six decades, the director touched upon themes like the caste system, disability, untouchability, gender discrimination, dowry and socio-economic challenges in his movies. Some of his popular films include Chelleli Kapuram, Kalam Marindi, Sarada, O Seeta Katha Jeevana Jyothi, Siri Siri Muvva, Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, Sagara Sangamamm, Swathi Muthyam, Sruthilayalu, Swarnakamalam, Sutradharulu, Aapadbhandhuvudu, Swati Kiranam, Subha Sankalpam, Swarabhishekam, Sargam, Kaamchor, Shubh Kaamna, Eeshwar and Dhanwaan. His movie Swathi Muthyam was even picked as India’s official entry for the Oscars in 1986. He also worked with leading actors from across film industries including Kamal Haasan, Jayaprada, Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Vanisri and Chiranjeevi among others.
Viswanath also donned the greasepaint for Subha Sankalpam, Vajram, Kalisundam Raa, Narasimha Naidu, Seema Simham, Nuvv Leka Nenu Lenu, Santhosham, Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo, Tagore, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Rajapattai, Lingaa, and Uttama Villain.
K Viswanath was the 48th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award. He won five National Film Awards. Viswanath was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992.
Viswanath is survived by his wife and four children.
Sai Pallavi took to Twitter and wrote, "When you surrender yourself to a form of art, Art will make you her own. K. Viswanath Garu is Art itself And I’m blessed to have grown up watching your creations. You will live through them forever Aiya ? Thank you?."
Madhuri Dixit posted on Twitter, "Working on the movie Sangeet directed by K Vishwanath Garu was divine. He taught me so much about subtlety in acting, expressing with just the eyes and imbibing honesty in a performance. I will cherish it forever. He was a brilliant director who created masterpieces. Om Shanti ?? My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. #KVishwanath #KVishwanathgaru."
"The visionary who blended art and film so masterfully... His legacy extends well beyond the world of film. Rest in peace #KVishwanath sir... You will be greatly missed. My condolences to his loved ones and family," read Akhil Akkineni's post.
Actor Simran tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Kalathapasvi Sri K Viswanath Garu. Indian cinema has lost another legend. May his soul rest in peace ?? Om Shanti #RIPLegend #RIPViswanathGaru."
Actor Ram Pothineni shared on Twitter, “Thank you #KVishwanath garu for all those beautiful life lessons that you’ve made us understand & realise through your films. You made movies meant for the heart & soul. I will always cherish those brief conversations & moments that I got to spend with you. Om Shanthi.”
Choreographer Jani Master took to Twitter and wrote, “Legendary filmmaker #KVishwanath gari sudden demise is a huge loss to our film fraternity...My deepest condolences to his family. May your Soul Rest in Peace Sir ??.”
Film producer SR Prabhu tweeted, "My deepest Condolences to the family, friends and fans of the great #KVishwanath Garu. Your exemplary work and your humility will stay forever in our hearts and guide us! Rest In Peace sir!!"
Actor Satya Dev posted on Twitter, "A Black day for Indian Cinema. Deeply saddened at the passing away of Legendary Director K.Vishwanath Garu. The way he revolutionised cinema with his storytelling and characters will always be an inspiration for generations to come. He lives on with his art.#RIPVishwanathGaru."
Actor Gopichand tweeted, "Deeply Saddened by the demise of legendary director #KVishwanath Garu. Your contributions to the Telugu Film Industry will always be remembered sir. May his soul rest in peace ?."
Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, "Sad to hear about the passing of legendary filmmaker K Vishwanath Garu. His remarkable movies in his glorious career will always be remembered.? My deepest condolences to his family and admirers. #OmShanti ? #VishwanathGaru."
Mahesh Babu tweeted, "The genius who brought together culture & cinema so beautifully... His impact extends far beyond cinema. Rest in peace #KVishwanath garu... You will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones. ?."
"His films were special. He was special. End of an era," tweeted a fan.
Actor Ram Charan tweeted, "We have lost a legend! K Vishwanath Garu.. You will always remain immortal in all our hearts and in art. May his beautiful soul rest in peace?."
At K Viswanath's funeral, Chiranjeevi also met K Viswanath wife Jaya Lakshmi.
Jaya Prada posted some old photos with K Viswanath.
Jaya Prada tweeted in Hindi, "My mentor great veteran director K. Deeply saddened to hear Vishwanath ji is no more, you always guided me Sri Sri Muvva, had the opportunity to work with you in many films from Sanjog to Sargam May his soul rest in peace and my heartfelt condolences to his family! Om Shanti?."
Ilaiyaraaja shared a video where he said, "The top-most Indian filmmaker has reached the abode of God. He was a very important director. It's saddening to learn about his passing away. I pray to God that he rests in peace."
Venkatesh pays last respects to K Viswanath.
K Raghavendra Rao arrives to pay last respects to legendary K Vishwanath.
Chiranjeevi, at K Vishwanath's funeral, shared about his bonding with the legendary director.
Venkat Prabhu tweeted, "A true legend???? #inspiration #RIPVishwanathGaru."
Ram Gopal Varma tweeted, "Sad to hear about the passing of India’s 1st auteur director #KVishwanath ..He is gone, but his films will live forever ???."
Pawan Kalyan was seen at K Viswanath's funeral.
K Viswanath won five National Film Awards. He also has several Nandi Awards and Filmfare Awards to his credit. Viswanath was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2017. READ THIS
Prasanna shared a photo of K Vishwanath and wrote, "#RipLegend #kvishwanath om shanthi??."
Chiranjeevi was seen paying his last respects to the legendary director.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared via Twitter, "Saddened by the passing away of Shri K. Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Nagarjuna Akkineni took to Twitter to post, "Another legend lost !! K Viswanath garu made a lasting impact with his memorable movies and characters. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations and his soul rest in peace. ?????? #RIPVishwanathGaru."
Indian music composer S. Thaman tweeted, "Sir You will be Remembered all thru Our Lives with Your Classics Sir A greatest film Maker of all times #RIPVishwanathGaru Such a Huge Loss to INDIAN Cinema ?? Legend #KVishwanath gaaru Rest In peace sir.'
Mammootty shared via Twitter, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu. Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathikiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones."
Maruthi tweeted, "Rest in peace the legendary #KVishwanath sir ..You will remembered forever in our hearts , you always live through ur great films ?Om shanti#RipLegend #RIPVishwanathGaru."
Jr NTR tweeted in Telugu, "Vishwanath holds a high place among those who spread the fame of Telugu cinema across the continents. He gave many incredible films like Shankarabharan and Sagara Sangam. The loss without him is never-ending. My deepest condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace."
Khushbu Sundar posted on Twitter, "We have lost another gem! What a legend! #KVishwanath gaaru will be remembered forever for his art, his passion and understanding of films. Never got an opportunity to work with him, but been a great admirer of his work. Will be missed. RIP #KVishwanathgaru Om Shanti ????????."
Chiranjeevi took to Twitter to post, "Shocked beyond words! Shri K Viswanath ‘s loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian / Telugu Cinema and to me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !! ??."
Anil Kapoor tweeted, "K. Vishwanath Ji you taught me so much, being on set with you during Eeshwar was like being in a temple…RIP My Guru ?."
Kamal Haasan shared a hand-written note as he mourns K Vishwanath's demise.