Tamil director K Subash passes away; celebs mourn the death of Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express writer

Noted director and screenwriter K Subash passed away at SIIMS Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday, November 22. He is survived by his wife Suja and two daughters Dhanuja and Punitha. He was 57.

Being the son of filmmaker R Krishnan, films naturally attracted Subash and he started his association with cinema by assisting veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam in classic Nayagan. In less than a year after working with Ratnam, K Subash made his directorial debut with Prabhu and Amala-starrer Kaliyugam.

The major break for K Subash came in the form of Sathriyan (Chatriyan) which starred Vijayakanth and Bhanupriya in the leads. The movie produced by Mani Ratnam was lauded for his action-loaded story and earned him a good name in the industry.

In his career, K Subash directed over 20 movies and worked with actors like Sathyaraj, Khushboo, Ajith Kumar, Raadhika Sarathkumar, R Parthiepan, Prabhu Deva and many others. He also wrote stories for many movies, including Hindi hit movies like Shah Rukh Khan-starrers Chennai Express and Dilwale and Akshay Kumar's Housefull 3.

It is sad that his stories were often used by many filmmakers without giving him any credit or money. Surprisingly, the writer chose to remain silent on the issue.

Recalling his memory, writer Shridhar Raghavan tweeted, "Subaash was also among the best people i ever knew. Gentle, humble, honest & funny. His cremation is today evening. [sic]"

He added, "Many took Subaash's stories & ideas without credit or money. He'd laugh "We are rivers sir. If a needy fellow comes with a bucket, let him. [sic]"

Meanwhile, a few other celebrities have mourned the death of the writer-director. Read their tweets here:

Dhananjayan Govind: Sad to report the passing away of another superb talent... Dir. Subaash of films like #Chatriyan, #Sabaash & writer of #ChennaiExpress pic.twitter.com/TVDooMQEtp
Only a month ago @actormohanraman sir & me have met Dir. Subaash at my office, had a long chat & took snaps. A great talent. Sad. RIP

Manobala: My heartful friend s no more..god s cruel.. RIP 

Mohan Raman: I am just choked. Could not accept or digest the news.