Filmmaker KSL Swamy passes away

Bengaluru: Noted filmmaker Kikkeri Shamanna Lakshminarayana Swamy, popularly known as Ravee, died of respiratory problems today, family sources said. He was 77.

"Swamy was suffering from respiratory problems and was admitted to a private hospital. After 42 days of treatment, he was discharged yesterday as his health showed signs of improvement. But he died in the wee hours," the sources said.

The filmmaker's body was kept at his Horamavu residence for public viewing for some time, before being shifted to 'Samsa Rangamandira' on the premises of Ravindra Kalakshetra for people including film personalities to pay their last respects.

He is survived by wife, noted actress B V Radha, and daughter Dhanalakshmi. Swamy directed 37 films. The 1966 released 'Tugudeepa' was his debut film and Savira Mettilu (2006) his last.

Swamy, whose 'Jamboo Savari' won the National Award for the Best Children Film in 1989, had worked with iconic filmmaker Puttanna Kanagal and assisted stalwarts including G V Iyer and M R Vittal.