Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 18: Legendary Tulu dramatist, director and actor K N Tailor passed away in a hospital here on Wednesday March 18. He was 76.

He was ill for sometime and had been admitted to Vinaya Nursing Home. He breathed his last at around 8.45 am.

Known as the first Superstar of Tulu cinema and the ''Bheeshma'' of Tulu industry, he acted in, directed and produced 9 films and brought a new dimension to Tulu drama and cinema.

K N Tailor is the name behind several popular dramas and movies. He was capable of gathering huge crowds even during days when basic facilities were not available.

‘Bombayi Kandane’, ‘Pudar Kenade’, ‘Dr Shankar’, ‘Thammale Aruvattana Kola’, ‘Yer Malthini Thappu’, ‘Shanthi’, ‘Kallda Dever’, ‘Yaan Sanyasi Aape’, ‘Kaasdaye Kandane’, ‘Badayida Bangar’, ‘Kandane Budedi’, ‘Indrana Aasti’, ‘Kaljigada Vishwamitra Menake’, ‘Yerenla Nambodchi’, ‘Dever Korper’, ‘Sainagandala Sathya Panle’, ‘Dasuna Madme’ were among the super hit dramas by K N Tailor. He founded the Ganesh Nataka Sabha in 1958 which went on to become a leading Tulu drama troupe.

During his lifetime, K N Tailor released 9 movies, including ''Kaasdaye Kandane'' with renowned actress Jayamala. People till date have not forgotten his role of Kalpana in his ‘Yer Mathini Thappu’ movie. ‘Daareda Budedi’, ‘Pagetha Pugge’, ‘Bisathi Babu’, ‘Yaan Sanyasi Aape’, ‘Tulunada Siri’, ‘Savirodorthi Savitri’, ‘Bhagyavantedi Tailor’ were his other movies.

In recognition of his immense contribution to Tulu cinema and drama, he was conferred the Rajyotsava Award in 1994 and Nataka Academy Award in 1989, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award in 1998, Sandesha Award in 2000 and several other honours. He was bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the first Tulu Film Awards in November 2014, and at Tulu Cinemotsava Awards in January this year. 

He is survived by his wife Jayanthi, four daughters and a son.

Sources said that the last rites will be held on Thursay March 19 after the arrival of his son who stays in the Gulf.

MLA Mohiuddin Bava, mayor Jacintha Alfred and others paid their last respects. Speaking to media persons, Bava said that he would request the Karnataka Assembly to offer prayer and condolences for K N Tailor during the Assembly session.