Renowned film director and cinematographer Shaji N. Karun (73) passed away. He breathed his last at his residence “Piravi” on Udara Shiromani Road, Vazhuthacaud, around 5 PM.
He had been undergoing cancer treatment for a long time. Just a few days ago, he received the J.C. Daniel Award, the highest honor from the state government, in recognition of his lifetime contributions to cinema. That event turned out to be Shaji N. Karun’s last public appearance.
Through films like Piravi — screened at around seventy film festivals and winner of 31 awards — Swaham, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and Vanaprastham, officially selected for screening at Cannes, Shaji brought global recognition to Malayalam cinema.
He also won the National Award for Best Cinematography and three Kerala State Film Awards. His 2009 film Kutty Srank, starring Mammootty, won seven national and state awards. Shaji N. Karun was also honored with the French government’s international title “The Order of Arts and Letters” and received India’s prestigious Padma Shri award for his contributions to arts and culture.
