K Balachander got me recognition, made me a national actor: Kamal Haasan

The late K Balachander gave many talented actors to the Indian film industry and at IIFA UTSAVAM, Kamal Haasan paid tribute to the legendary director.

Speaking about the director, Kamal said, "You sometimes shouldn't over rehearse what you have to say. Nice things about a man who did nice things to my career. 36 films. He takes his time - 70 days per film. Spend more time with him to learn. I joined him when I was 18 and he left me when he was 60. I wish had more time with him to give me strength. You make the environment for a person to learn— he gave me that. He took me to every place and got me recognition, like a father. He made me a national actor. All done by one man. I could have been Kailasam for all I know. He treated me like a son. He did all that a father would do for a son."

K Balachander was mentor to both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. "It's very rare to find a mentor like this. Usually, they give you a few years and let you go. But not with him. When I see another product from the KB school I feel like I am meeting a brother. This was never in any other film industry. You'll still see bits of the magic (he gave me) today," signed off the actor.