Veteran director, actor, and screenwriter Kasinadhuni Viswanath passed away in Hyderabad late on Thursday at age 92. He was admitted to a private hospital in the city due to age related illness where he breathed his last. His passing comes as a shock to the Telugu film industry, with many celebrities taking to social media to express their disbelief.
Viswanath had been in semi-retirement for a while now, with his last directorial being the 2010 Telugu film Subhapradam. However, as an actor, he last starred in the 2022 Kannada film Oppanda. Born in 1930 in Repalle, Andhra Pradesh, he began his career as a sound recordist at Vauhini Studios in Madras, where his father, K Subramanyam, worked as an associate.
It was in 1951 that he switched to direction, working as an assistant director in the Telugu-Tamil film Pathala Bhairavi. In 1965, he directed his first film, Aatma Gowravam, which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film that year. At a time period where cinema revolved around romance or action, Viswanath broke the glass ceiling by making films that were anything but the norm. Confirming the news of his passing, a spokesperson for the family wrote, Famous director K Viswanath passed away a while ago. His body was taken home from Apollo Hospital by his family members.
PM Modi said, Saddened by the passing away of Shri K. Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
Megastar Chiranjeevi extended their condolences on the demise of Viswanath. He took his Twitter and wrote, Shocked beyond words! Shri K Viswanaths loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian / Telugu Cinema and to me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti!!
Kalathapasvi K Viswanath garu, fully understood the transience of life and immortality of art. Hence his art will be celebrated beyond his lifetime and reign. Long live his art. An ardent fan Kamal Haasan.
RRR director SS Rajamouli wrote, Your signature on Telugu Cinema &art in general will shine brightly forever (rest was written in a regional language).
Mammootty penned an emotional note, Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu. Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathikiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones.
Jr NTR extended condolence and wrote, Vishwanath holds a high place among those who spread the fame of Telugu cinema across the continents. He gave many incredible films like Shankarabharan and Sagara Sangam. The loss without him is never-ending. My deepest condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.
Sharing pictures of himself and late director K Viswanath, Anil Kapoor wrote, K. Vishwanath Ji you taught me so much, being on set with you during Eeshwar was like being in a temple… RIP My Guru.
AR Rahman was among the first to pay his condolences. He wrote, Anjali tradition, warmth, heart, music, dance, love …..your movies filled my childhood with humaneness and wonder! ripkviswanathji.
