M. Karunanidhi praises Balachander for getting Phalke award

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Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi on Saturday congratulated veteran director K. Balachander for bagging the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, describing him as a ''milestone'' in Tamil cinema.

''The fact that he is the first Tamil director to receieve the award is furthermore special. My dear friend K. Balachander brought in a change in Tamil cinema by infusing new ideas and thereby created a social thinking. None can deny he is an important milestone,'' he said.

In a statement here, Karunanidhi said he was rejoiced by the fact that the award had brought national recognition and accolades to Balachander.

He extended greetings to Balachander on behalf of himself and the people of Tamil Nadu.

The Phalke award, given for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema, was announced on Friday.