S. S. Balan
Indian journalist, filmmaker, and analyst (1935–2014)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
S. Balasubramanian (28 December 1935 – 19 December 2014)[1] better known as S. S. Balan, was an Indian journalist, filmmaker, political analyst, and media executive.
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28 December 1935
S. Balasubramanian | |
|---|---|
Oil painting of S. S. Balan. | |
| Born | S. Balasubramanian 28 December 1935 |
| Died | 19 December 2014 (aged 78) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupations | Journalist, filmmaker & political analyst |
Balan had a six-decade-long career in Indian media as the editor of the Tamil-language magazine, Ananda Vikatan, based in Chennai, India, and as managing director of Gemini Studios, starting in the 1950s.[1] He later served as chairman of the Vikatan Group.[2]
Balan died on 19 December 2014 in Chennai, India.[1]
Early life and education
Balan was born on 28 December 1935 in Madras (now Chennai) to S. S. Vasan and Pattammal Vasan (d. 1996).[3] He studied at Presentation Convent, Church Park, and P. S. High School. Afterwards, he later went on to earn a B.Com. degree from Loyola College, Madras.[1]
Magazine career
Ananda Vikatan, the flagship weekly magazine of Vikatan Publications, was founded in 1926 and acquired by Balan's father, S. S. Vasan in 1928.[citation needed] Balan joined Ananda Vikatan as joint managing director and chief editor on 26 August 1956 at 19.[citation needed] He became managing director on 26 August 1969, following the death of his father, Vasan.[citation needed] He served as a chairman to Vikatan until his death.[2]
In 1987, Balan was involved in controversy when the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly lodged him in prison for three days over a cartoon satire published on the cover of Ananda Vikatan.[2][1] Following public backlash, he was released and in 1994, he appealed to court against his unlawful arrest and the Madras High Court ruled in his favor, awarding him ₹1,000 in compensation. Balan reportedly framed and displayed the achievement in his office.[2][1]
Balan also introduced a program for student journalists, contributing to the development of many Tamil media professionals.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Films | Director | Writer | Producer | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Gharana | No | Yes | No | Hindi | |
| 1963 | Grahasti | No | Yes | No | ||
| 1966 | Motor Sundaram Pillai | Yes[4] | No | No | Tamil | |
| 1967 | Aurat | Yes[5] | No | Yes | Hindi | |
| 1968 | Teen Bahuraniyan | Yes[6] | No | Yes | ||
| Oli Vilakku | Yes | Yes | No | Tamil | ||
| 1969 | Shatranj | No | Yes | Yes | Hindi | |
| 1971 | Lakhon Mein Ek | Yes[7] | No | Yes | ||
| 1972 | Sanjog | Yes[8] | No | No | ||
| 1974 | Siriththu Vaazha Vendum | Yes[9] | No | No | Tamil | |
| Kannavaari Kalalu | Yes[10] | Yes | No | Telugu | ||
| 1975 | Ellorum Nallavare | Yes[11] | No | Yes | Tamil | Also released in Hindi as Ek Gaon Ki Kahani |
| 1976 | Maa Daivam | Yes[10] | Yes | No | Telugu | |
| 1978 | Nishan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bengali |
Personal life
Balan was an avid aviculturalist and agriculturalist.[1]
Death
Balan died of a heart attack on 19 December 2014 in a private hospital in Chennai, nine days before his 79th birthday. He donated his body to the Sri Ramachandra Medical College. He is survived by his wife and seven kids.[1]