Filmmaker John Sankaramangalam dies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran filmmaker and former director of Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, John Sankaramangalam, died at a private hospital in Thiruvalla on Monday. He was 84. He was admitted to the hospital owing to age-related ailments.
He had been associated with parallel films and had directed films 'Saramsham', 'Samantharam', 'Aval Alpam Vaikippoyi' and 'Janmabhoomi'.A revered film scholar, he had also made documentaries for ministry of information and broadcasting.
Beena Paul, vice-chairperson of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy, who had her debut as an editor in his film Samantharam in 1985 said, "He was my teacher and he encouraged me to take up the assignment as an editor in his film. He was really helpful and supportive throughout the work. He would help me understand dialogues and for me, he was always a great teacher."
Sankaramangalam had served as vice-chairman of chalachithra academy and festival director of IFFK. "He had always guided me with regard to choice of films and packaging during IFFK," recollected Paul.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Sankaramangalam. In his condolence message, the CM said that Sankaramangalam was Malayalam's strong presence in the world of Indian cinema.
Sankaramangalam, who hailed from Pathanamthitta district, completed his collegiate education at SB College,Changanassery and Madras Christian College. He quit the job of teacher to pursue his interest in films and joined the Film and Television Institute of India. He did his diploma in script writing and direction from the institute. His film career bagged him two national awards and four Kerala state film awards.
The funeral will be held at 2.30pm at Emmanuel Mar Thoma Church on Wednesday. He leaves behind wife Mariamma John, daughter Ani, son Sudarshan Chacko, son-in-law Immanuel and daughter-in-law Sharon Sudarshan.