Noted film director and producer KB Tilak (84), who was popularly known for his communist outlook in his films, passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness.He was undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital.
Tilak entered film industry as producer and director through the film 'Muddu Bidda' in 1956. As a producer, he made numerous films in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Marathi languages.
Tilak was born on January 14th, 1926 at Denduluru in West Godavari district to Kollipara Venkatadri and Subbamma. His father Venkatadri was a freedom fighter.
Tilak was attracted towards freedom movement during his school days and was imprisoned for 6 months by the British Government for participating in Quit India movement in 1942.
The director was an active participant in the activities of Praja Natya Mandali. Later on, he worked for L V Prasad (his relative) for a brief period in Bombay. Tilak gained acquaintance with the film industry during that period and in due course of time, he entered the direction field and made a number of successful films.
It was Tilak, who introduced Jayaprada as a child artist when she was 15 to the silver screen through the film 'Bhoomi Kosam' in 1974. He also introduced famous singer S Janaki with ‘MLA’ movie in 1957 with the song 'Nee Asha Adiyasa'.
Tilak was honored with the prestigious B N Reddy award. His last performance as an actor was in Aalayam, directed by Muthyala Subbaiah.