Noted film producer Gandhimati Balan, 66, passes away

GANDHIMATI Balan (66), a popular filmmaker and former vice-chairman of the Film Academy, passed away on Wednesday. He was being treated at Thiruvananthapuram Kim's Hospital.

He is the producer of many hit films in Malayalam.

Gandhimati Balan, who entered the field of film production with the film 'Itthiri Neram Othiri Karyam’, directed by Balachandra Menon, later went on to produce and distribute more than 30 films including Aadaminte Variyellu, Panchavadipalam, Moonnampakkam, Thoowanathumpilkal, Sukhamo Devi, Malootty, Nombarathipoov, Manivathoorile Aayiram Shivarathrikal, EE Thanutha Veluppan Kaalathu,  Irakal and Pathamudayam.

He was also the owner of Dhanya and Ramya theatres in Thiruvananthapuram.

Gandhimati was the name given by Mahatma Gandhi to Balan’s mother.