Veteran filmmaker K Viswanath dies aged 92; tributes pour in

Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and renowned filmmaker Kasinadhuni Viswanath died at a private hospital in Hyderabad.

He was 92.

Viswanath was unwell for some time and was suffering from age-related issues, sources said. He passed away at the hospital around midnight Thursday (February 2).

Viswanath, popularly known as Kalatapasvi, was born in February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh.

A prominent name not just in Telugu cinema but also in Tamil and Hindi films, he became the 48th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. He was conferred with the award for the year 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Viswanath, and said he was a stalwart who distinguished himself as a creative and multifaceted director.

In a tweet, the prime minister said, “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.”

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2023

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his condolences over the death of Viswanath, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Viswanath, who started his journey as a sound artiste, directed award-winning films such as “Sankarabharanam”, “Sagara Sangamam”, “Swati Mutyam”, “Saptapadi”, “Kaamchor”, “Sanjog” and “Jaag Utha Insaan” in his long career that included an equally successful stint in front of the camera.

His other honours include Padma Shri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (given by the Andhra Pradesh government) and 10 Filmfare trophies including the Lifetime Achievement award.

Viswanath, who made 50 movies since 1965, was a celebrated filmmaker in the Telugu film industry. He had also been active in Tamil and Hindi cinema.

He debuted as a director with “Aatma Gowravam”, which starred Akkineni Nageswara Rao and won the Nandi Award for the best feature film.

The filmmaker followed it with “Chelleli Kapuram”, “O Seeta Katha”, “Jeevana Jyoti” and “Sarada”.

Viswanath also ventured into mainstream acting, working in movies like “Swarabhishekam” (which he directed as well), “Pandurangadu”, “Narasimha Naidu”, “Lakshmi Narasimha” and “Seemasimham”, “Kuruthipunal”, “Kakkai Siraginilae” and “Bagavathi”, among others.

Besides Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he was also felicitated with Padma Shri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (given by the Andhra Pradesh government) and 10 Filmfare trophies, including the Lifetime Achievement award.

“Shocked beyond words! K Viswanaths loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian/Telugu Cinema and for me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !!,” actor Chiranjeevi tweeted. Several film industry personalities also paid their last respects to Viswanath.

Salute to a master . pic.twitter.com/zs0ElDYVUM

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 3, 2023

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 !! 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/3JzLrCCs6z

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) February 3, 2023

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. pic.twitter.com/6ElhuSh53e

— Mammootty (@mammukka) February 2, 2023

#KViswanath garu🙏shanti to a legend.
A person in his own way leaves a huge vacuum of his art and thinking. Who made films with a purpose.who was the calm in a storm. Will miss you dearly 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/QP4DadmWZ2

— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) February 2, 2023

Deeply grieved to hear of the demise of renowned film director, Sri K. Viswanath. As a film-maker he brought depth & dignity to the medium earning global recognition for his movies with a message. May his atma attain sadgati! Om shanti! pic.twitter.com/snX4RVsIVJ

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) February 3, 2023

To have worked under his direction and to be a part of the industry that is his, is an honour. His loss is irreplaceable, his work is incomparable. RIP Guru #KViswanath garu, 🙏 a legend in every way.

— Allari Naresh (@allarinaresh) February 3, 2023