A string of celebrities including Sidharth, Hansika Motwani and Radikaa Sarathkumar have mourned the death of popular writer producer Panchu Arunachalam, who passed away on Tuesday here at the age of 75. It’s a huge loss to the industry, they said unanimously.
Several celebrities took to Twitter to mourn the demise of Arunachalam, popular for writing over 100 Tamil films, including hits like “Murattu Kaalai”, “Sakalakala Vallavan” and “Apoorva Sagodhargal”.
Here’s what they wrote:
Actor-comedian Santhanam: Saddened by the demise of Legend Panchu Arunachalam sir. My condolences to the bereaved family. May God bless the departed soul.
Filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss: RIP Panchu sir, the master storyteller best in dual action subject, always wanted to work with him. But lots of respect for your work sir.
Actress Aishwaryaa R. Dhanush: Rest in peace #PanchuArunachalam uncle… You will always be loved and remembered as fondly as ever.
Actor Sidharth: Panchu Arunachalam sir was a passionate creator. His contribution to Tamil cinema will live on forever. RIP sir. Strength to the family.
A tweet from the official page of the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA), who presented him with a lifetime achievement award earlier this year read: A Big Loss to the Industry RIP Legendary Film Personality. Panchu Arunachalam Honored to have presented him Lifetime Achievement Award.
Actress Hansika Motwani shared: “RIP legendary producer PanchuArunachalam sir. My prayers to the family Subbu Panchu”
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar, who has worked in films like “Theri” and “Poojai” said that she was shocked to hear of the sudden demise of the veteran.
Calling it a “big loss” for everyone, National Award winning writer Dhananjayan Govind, who made the documentary “The Creator With Midas Touch” on the veteran, tweeted: “Panchu Arunachalam sir was born on 22nd March 1941, 75 years old now. Big loss to everyone and I am still unable to believe as I spoke recently.”
Director of Tamil films like “Podaa Podi”, “Naanum Rowdy Dhaan” and upcoming “Kaathuvaakula Renduu Kaadhal”, Vignesh ShivN wrote: “Can’t believe! Just saw him and felt his energy at Siima and now, shocking to realise he is no more! RIP Panchu Arunachalam – a legend has left us.
While late filmmaker K. Balachander might have launched superstar Rajinikanth, Panchu was responsible for taking the 65-year-old star to the masses. They worked together in 23 films, including “Kazhugu”, “Pokkiri Raja” and “Paayum Puli” among others.
Arunachalam also came to be known for his association with Kamal Hassan, and they worked together in 13 films. Some of these were titles like “Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey” and “Uyarndha Ullam”.
That apart, the writer-producer was also responsible for launching the career of music maestro Illayaraja. He introduced the latter in 1976 Tamil film “Annakilli”.
Panchu is survived by son Subbu Panchu Arunachalam, a popular Tamil actor.
