Noted film director Tilak passes away

HYDERABAD: Noted producer-director Korlipala Balagangadhara Tilak, who introduced Jayaprada to the silver screen, died here on Thursday.
K B Tilak (84) who has been ailing for sometime died at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences at Begumpet. Tilak was born in Denduluru of West Godavari district on January 14, 1926.
The veteran producer-director who had also participated in the Quit India Movement was imprisoned for six months under the British rule.
Tilak got introduced to the world of films through his relative L V Prasad and was one of the Telugu film industry's strong pillars. He also played an active role in shifting the Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad.
Tilak's first film was `Muddu Bidda' which he produced and directed in 1956. He also produced and directed `MLA', `Aththa Oka Inti Kodale', `Uyyala Jampala' and `Eedu Jodu'. The films he directed included `Chitti Thammudu', `Pantalu Pattimpulu', `Bhoomi Kosam', `Kolleti Kapuram' and his last film `Dharma Vaddi' in 1982.
He also directed two Hindi films - `Chhoti Bahu' and `Kangan'. In all his films, Tilak took up social issues.
Through `Bhoomi Kosam' in 1974, Tilak introduced Jaya Pradha in films.
For his contribution to Telugu cinema, Tilak was honoured with the B N Reddy national award by the state government in 2008.
The film producer was also credited with introducing S Janaki as a playback singer.
Despite his physical condition in recent years, Tilak also made appearances in films and made sure he was present at important gatherings of the film industry.
Several personalities of the Telugu film industry expressed grief over Tilak's death.