Celebrated filmmaker Panchu Arunachalam who shaped Rajinikanth's career passes away

Veteran film producer, scriptwriter and lyricist Panchu Arunachalam passed away on Monday. The filmmaker was 75 and is survived by his wife and four children. 

Arunachalam is the one who introduced music maestro Ilayaraja as music director in his film Annakili. He is also credited to shaping the careers of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Recently, Superstar Rajini had held a special screening of Kabali for ailing Arunachalam in Chennai. 

Popular poet Kannadasan was Panchu Arunachalam's uncle, with whom he worked as an assistant for many years. 

Arunachalam has directed four movies, Manamagale Vaa, Puthu Paatu, Kalikalam and Thambi Pondatti. As a writer, he has written over 100 films, and as a lyricist, Arunachalam has penned over 200 songs. 

Popular South Indian celebrities expressed condolences via Twitter:

RIP PanchuArunachalam Sir..Condolences to @subbu6panchu sir and family...

— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) August 9, 2016

Rest in peace #PanchuArunachalam uncle ...you will always be loved and remembered as fondly as ever.

— Aishwaryaa.R.Dhanush (@ash_r_dhanush) August 9, 2016

Can't believe! Jus saw him n felt his energy at Siima n now,shocking to realise he is no more!#RIP #PanchuArunachalam-a Legend has left us

— Vignesh ShivN (@VigneshShivN) August 9, 2016

Oh god. Another legend leaves us forever. #PanchuArunachalam sir is no more.this industry is gonna miss u forever https://t.co/j5qiPUVECL

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) August 9, 2016

So shocked to hear of the sudden demise of veteran Panchu Arunachalam, spent a lot of time with him in recent times. I am shocked. RIP

— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) August 9, 2016

Panchu Arunachalam sir was born on 22nd March 1941, 75 years old now. Big loss to everyone &I am still unable to believe as I spoke recently

— Dhananjayan Govind (@Dhananjayang) August 9, 2016

Panchu Arunachalam sir was a passionate creator. His contribution to Tamil cinema will live on forever. RIP sir. Strength to the family.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 9, 2016