Bharathiraja

Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja was an Indian film director producer screenwriter and actor who worked mainly in the Tamil film industry Making his debut in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile he was known for realistic and sensitive portrayals of rural life in his films and popularly referred to as Iyakkunar Imayam Bharathiraja had won six National Film Awards four Filmfare Awards South six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award He also directed films in Telugu and Hindi The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award Indias fourthhighest civilian honour in 2004 for his contribution to the film industry