S. S. Balan
S. Balasubramanian | |
|---|---|
-_OIL_PAINTING_BY_RAJASEKHARAN.jpg) Oil painting of S. S. Balan. | |
| Born | S. Balasubramanian 28 December 1935 |
| Died | 19 December 2014 (aged 78) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupations | Journalist, filmmaker & political analyst |
S. Balasubramanian (28 December 1935 – 19 December 2014)[1] better known as S. S. Balan, was an Indian journalist, filmmaker, political analyst, and media executive.
Balan had a six-decade-long career in Indian media as the editor of the Tamil-language magazine, Ananda Vikatan, based in Chennai, India, and as managing director of Gemini Studios, starting in the 1950s.[1] He later served as chairman of the Vikatan Group.[2]
Balan died on 19 December 2014 in Chennai, India.[1]
Early life and education
Balan was born on 28 December 1935 in Madras (now Chennai) to S. S. Vasan and Pattammal Vasan (d. 1996).[3] He studied at Presentation Convent, Church Park, and P. S. High School. Afterwards, he later went on to earn a B.Com. degree from Loyola College, Madras.[1]
Magazine career
Ananda Vikatan, the flagship weekly magazine of Vikatan Publications, was founded in 1926 and acquired by Balan's father, S. S. Vasan in 1928. Balan joined Ananda Vikatan as joint managing director and chief editor on 26 August 1956 at 19. He became managing director on 26 August 1969, following the death of his father, Vasan. He served as a chairman to Vikatan until his death.[2]
In 1987, Balan was involved in controversy when the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly lodged him in prison for three days over a cartoon satire published on the cover of Ananda Vikatan.[2][1] Following public backlash, he was released and in 1994, he appealed to court against his unlawful arrest and the Madras High Court ruled in his favor, awarding him ₹1,000 in compensation. Balan reportedly framed and displayed the achievement in his office.[2][1]
Balan also introduced a program for student journalists, contributing to the development of many Tamil media professionals.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Films | Director | Writer | Producer | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Gharana | No | Yes | No | Hindi | |
| 1963 | Grahasti | No | Yes | No | ||
| 1966 | Motor Sundaram Pillai | Yes[4] | No | No | Tamil | |
| 1967 | Aurat | Yes[5] | No | Yes | Hindi | |
| 1968 | Teen Bahuraniyan | Yes[6] | No | Yes | ||
| Oli Vilakku | Yes | Yes | No | Tamil | ||
| 1969 | Shatranj | No | Yes | Yes | Hindi | |
| 1971 | Lakhon Mein Ek | Yes[7] | No | Yes | ||
| 1972 | Sanjog | Yes[8] | No | No | ||
| 1974 | Siriththu Vaazha Vendum | Yes[9] | No | No | Tamil | |
| Kannavaari Kalalu | Yes[10] | Yes | No | Telugu | ||
| 1975 | Ellorum Nallavare | Yes[11] | No | Yes | Tamil | Also released in Hindi as Ek Gaon Ki Kahani |
| 1976 | Maa Daivam | Yes[10] | Yes | No | Telugu | |
| 1978 | Nishan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bengali |
Personal life
Balan was an avid aviculturalist and agriculturalist.[1]
Death
Balan died of a heart attack on 19 December 2014 in a private hospital in Chennai, nine days before his 79th birthday. He donated his body to the Sri Ramachandra Medical College. He is survived by his wife and seven kids.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Vikatan group chief S. Balasubramanian passes away". Retrieved 25 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Lukka, Samir (30 December 2014). "Vikatan's Balasubramaniam dies at 78".
- ↑ "MGR Remembered – Part 61". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Motor Sundaram Pillai". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Aurat". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Teen Bahuraniyan". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Lakhon Me Ek". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Sanjog". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "SS Balan". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- 1 2 "S S Balan". Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Balan S.S".