One could clearly feel the void created by the demise of Veteran director Sridhar, who was always hailed as a director with the Midas' touch. He is a master when it comes to making films with a clear, uncluttered and positive mind. A genius by nature, Sridhar possessed revolutionary thinking and a pragmatic approach and it reflected in all his films and this combination has made given him a unique status among Tamil filmmakers.

Sridhar (75), who made the Tamil filmdom proud, passed away in the early hours on the morning of Monday, the 20th October, 2008 at his residence in Chennai. He was remaining indisposed for the past many years, rarely coming out of his house to participate in functions/events.

Starting off as a dialogue writer with 'Ratha Pasam', Sridhar was a pioneer in setting unthinkable screenplays and thought-provoking, soul-searching stories. His 'Nenjil Or Aalayam', spoke in a casual and revolutionary way about the marriage of a widow, a taboo subject at that time. He thrilled many and scared others with his 'Nenjam Marappadhillai', with memorable songs.

Immortal songs have always remained an integral part of Sridhar's films. Who can forget 'Ninaithathellam...' (Nenjil Oru Aalayam), 'Nenjam Marappadhillai...' (Nenjam Marappadhillai), 'Kadhalalilae Tholviyutraan...' (Kalyana Parisu), to name a few. He always devised a story in mind and then looked for suitable actors, instead of falling to the trap of writing a story for the hero.

'Thenilavu', 'Ooty Varai Uravu', 'Kadhalikka Neramillai', 'Vennira Aadai', 'Urimaikkural' and 'Thudikkum Karangal' are just samples of this great director who never compromised neither on his script nor on the quality of performance he expected from his actors. Sridhar's comedy hit 'Kadhalikka Neramillai', made in the mid-60's, remains the best comedy film ever made. When it comes to serious films, his 'Nenjil Or Aalayam' can easily take the cake as the best ever of its kind in Tamil films. So, the creator in Sridhar knew no bounds at all: he could make anything and everything.

Who can forget the unforgettable comedy track enacted by Thangavelu and his 'Mannar & Co.' in the film 'Kalyana Parisu'? It was Sridhar at his comical best; though the film was a poignant love story, Sridhar's handling made it a super-hit film, which has come to be liked by all generations till date.

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