The Indian film industry Tuesday plunged into gloom following the death of legendary Tamil filmmaker K. Balachander.

KB, as he was fondly called by his fans, died at a private hospital here due to urinary infection and age-related ailments.

Rajinikanth

"KB sir was not just my guru. He was my father as well. He also never saw me as an actor and treated me like his own son. He was like a god in human form and I feel lost in his absence," Rajinikanth said in his statement.

Balachander launched Rajinikanth in 1975 in a critically acclaimed Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal", which revolved around a youth falling in love with a woman many years elder to him.

Rajinikanth and Balachander have worked together in over 10 films.

J. Jayalalithaa

AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Tuesday said Tamil director K. Balachander made women-centric movies and would dwell on problems faced by them.

Condoling his death, Jayalalithaa in a statement issued here said the legendary director also made his mark in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada movies.

She said his stage plays - "Neerkumizhi", "Major Chandrakanth", "Ethir Neechal", "Naanal", "Vinodha Oppandam" - were hugely popular.

Jayalaltihaa said Balachander's death was a great loss to the movie world and the void created by his demise cannot be filled by anybody else.

Many film personalities took to Twitter to share their grief.

"Dear KB sir, your vision and creations have inspired 3 generations. Really grateful for intro'ing me thru your co Kavithaalaya in Roja. RIP," AR Rahman tweeted.

Prakash Raj: Thank u kb sir for changing my life. For the moments. Learning n unlearning. I'm crying out loud in pain. Will miss u my MAN. Love uuuu.

Khushbu: Too grief stricken at the demise of #KB sir. U know few mean a lot to u but u realize how much only when they leave us. KB sir has left us completely heartbroken.

Amala Paul: The film industry loses a legend! K Balachander sir is and will be one of the most inspiring filmmakers that I knw. A legend rests in peace.

Sibiraj: Rip K.Balachander sir! His demise is not only a loss to his family but to the entire Industry.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Sad to know of d demise of K Balachander. A genius storyteller, his gems Ek Duje Ke Liye & Zara Si Zindagi will keep his legacy alive. RIP.

R. Madhavan: RIP K Balachander sir. You will be so missed. I can never forget you sparkling smile and warm handshakes.

Nani: Balachander sir is no more. End of an era. Bapu gaaru Balachander gaaru in the same year...We are so much more incomplete now.

Ram Gopal Varma: Want to express my heartfelt grief for the passing away of K Balachander, the only true maverick and path breaking director of all time.

Suresh Daggubati: It's very saddening to hear that legendary director K. Balachander garu is no more. May his soul rest in peace.

Lakshmi Manchu: K. Balachander sir RIP. You redefined cinema. You were one of the finest. A huge loss for the film industry.

Shruti Haasan: Rip kb sir. Such a big part of my family and my father's life and career - thank you for inspiring us with your great work and life.

We at KollyInsider convey our deep condolences and great strength to K Balachander's family...