Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran, commonly known as Balu Mahendra, was a Sri Lankan Tamil cinematographer, director, screenwriter, actor and film editor who worked in various Indian film industries, primarily in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Born in Sri Lanka, Mahendran developed a passion for photography and literature at a young age, after witnessing the shoot of David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) during a school trip in Sri Lanka, he was drawn towards filmmaking. After graduation he joined as an Aerial photographer in the Sri Lankan Government. In 1966, he moved to India and gained admission to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to pursue a course in motion picture photography. Upon completion of his diploma, he started working in Malayalam cinema as a cinematographer in the early 1970s.
Balu Mahendra, Sri Lankan-Indian director, cinematographer, and screenwriter (died 2014)
On May 20, in the year 1939, Balu Mahendra, Sri Lankan-Indian director, cinematographer, and screenwriter (died 2014). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of May 20, one of 424 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Balu Mahendra. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 20, 1939 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 14 May 2026.
On This Date in History 424
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