Acclaimed director K Balachander is celebrating happpy birthday on Monday for his 101st directorial venture Poi, being produced by protege Prakash Raj is due to hit the screen soon.

A prolific director, writer, and producer, Balachandar turned 76 on Monday.

Known for introducing several talents in Kollywood, he was instrumental in shaping the career of Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. A recipient of the Padma Shri award, Balachandar has worked with film industry for nearly three generations and had been part of many movies starring the likes of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan.

Four of his films won best regional film awards at the Indian National Film Awards. They include Iru Kodugal, Apoorva Raagangal, Thanneer Thanneer and Achamillai Achamillai.

Some of the noteworthy movies include Ethiroli, Moonru Mudichu, Kalki, Azhagan, Vaaname Ellai, Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, Sindhu Bhairavi, Unnaal Mudiyum Thambi, Punnagai Mannan, Varumayin Niram Sivappu, Ninaithalae Innikkum, Thillu Mullu, Manmadha Leelai, Avargal, Aval Oru Thodargathai, Apoorva Raagangal, Arangetram, Punnagai, Nootrukku Nooru, Navagiraham, Servar Sundaram, Major Chandrakanth, Neerkkumuzhi, Ethir Neechal among others.

Though he is 76, he is still young at heart.