Balu Mahendra to start film institute

Renowned cinematographer-director Balu Mahendra will be starting a film institute in Chennai. It will start functioning from 7th September this year.

The institute, named "Balu Mahendra Cinema Pattarai", will offer one-year diploma courses in direction, cinematography and acting. Two more courses in editing and sound recording are planned to be added next year. Ten students will be admitted to each course.

A product of the Pune Film and Television, Balu Mahendra himself will co-ordinate the direction and cinematography courses. Dr, Gopalee from the National School of Drama, will head the acting department.

Popular cinematographers like P.C., Sreeraman, K.V. Anand and Ravi K. Chandran will present guest lectures. The faculty will also include experienced artistes and technicians of the South Indian film industry and award-winning writers.

With 40 years of experience, Balu Mahendra started his career as a Cinematographer after passing out of the Pune Film Institute, where he was awarded a gold medal. He has won five national wards and directed 19 films till now. His first assignment was "Nellu, directed by Ramukariat. He has worked with some of the best known directors, including Mani Ratnam. His first directorial venture was "Kokila" starring Kamal Haasan and Shoba. His last one was "Athu Oru Kanakalam" starring Dhanush.

Of late, he has not been keeping well. He had a heart attack in 1997 and suffered a stroke in 2000."But I have recovered. I want to pass on my knowledge about films. Hence I have decided to start the institute," he said. "My son, Shanky Mahendra was the one who inspired me to start this school." His acquaintances also had been asking him to start an institute for a long time, Mahendra added.