Shantaram passes away

Actor-director Shantharam, 68, died in a city hospital on Sunday after battling illness for the last few months. Shantharam directed films like Balanauke, Hrudayasamrajya and Karnana Sampathu. He was also a dialogue writer for films including Hoovu Hannu and Mahakshatriya. He started his career as an actor and acted in over 40 films including K Balachander's Kannada film Tappida Taala and Rajinikanth's Marattukaalai. He won the state award for his very first film as director, Marali Goodige in 1984. He is survived by his wife Shaila. His brother KR Muralikrishna is also a producer of Kannada films.