M. V. Balan

Mahadevan Vellupillai Balakrishnan (born 3 March 1941 – died 14 January 2017 as එම්. වී. බාලන්) [Sinhala]), popularly known as M. V. Balan, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema. Career spanned for more than four decades, Balan has worked as a film production manager, assistant director, choreographer and a filmmaker.

Personal life Balan was born on 3 March 1941 (Sarasaviya recorded the birth date as 15 March 1940) in Ganepalla village, Yatiyanthota. Balan was married to a Sinhala woman Chandrawathi Hesarasinghe and the couple has two children.

He died on 14 January 2017 at the age of 75. His remains are kept at the 8th floor of the Mount Lavinia housing scheme, Kalmdemulla Road, Golumudama Junction, Ratmalana until 3.00 pm. The funeral took place on 16 January 2017 at 4.00 pm at the Mount Lavinia General Cemetery.

Career He joined Ceylon Studios as a technician in 1958 and was first involved as a lighting artist in the film Sihanaya.

He made his acting debut in 1958 film Wanaliya with a minor role. Then he appeared in many dramatic and comedy roles including Wanaliya, Pirimiyek Nisa, Suvineetha Lalani, Ganthera, Sasaraka Hati and Cheriyo Captain. Balan worked as the choreographer in many popular films such as Sithaka Mahima, Ipadune Ai, London Hamu and Okkoma Hari. His acting in the film Nomiyena Minisun with Gamini Fonseka was a memorable feat in his career. His role as a servant was highly appreciated by critics. He also directed popular films Rahasak Nathi Rahasak and Deviyani Sathya Surakinna. Apart from Sinhala films, Balan also directed several Sri Lankan Tamil films such as Manjal Kunkumam and Nirmala.

As director Year Film Ref. 1969 Oba Nathinam 1969 Manjal Kunkumam 1975 Hitha Honda Minihek 1978 Mage Ran Putha 1982 Rahasak Nathi Rahasak 1995 Deviyani Sathya Suriyakinna 1996 Hitha Honda Gahaniyak