The ace filmmaker of many classic hits in Telugu cinema, Padmashri K. Viswanath is the crusader of classical art in the olden era. Fondly known as Kalathapasvi, his films with a classical touch were loved by fans and critics alike.

Three and a half decades ago, Viswanath stepped into Telugu cinema as a sound engineer in veteran producer BN Reddy's Vahini Studios. Akkineni Nageswara Rao recognized his talent which led him to become the associate director of Adurthi Subbha Rao and later to debut as a director with 'Athma Gauravam' starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao made by Annapurna Pictures. The sensational hit 'O Seetha Katha' failed to achieve him recognition which was later done by 'Siri Siri Muvva' casting Jayapradha and ChandraMohan.

After coming into the limelight of cinema, as the saying goes the rest is all history for the talented director. With KV Mahadevan and Ilaiyaraja’s music and Viswanath’s brilliant visuals that portrayed classical art in a new light, blockbuster hits like Sapthapadi, Shankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Sruthi Layalu, Sirivennela, Swarnakamalam, Swathi Muthyam (was India's official entry into the Oscars in 1986), Swathi Kiranam, Swayam Krushi, Subhodayam, Subhalekha… were made which are still considered as gem of a cinema by audience.

Eminent artists like Hariprasad Chaurasia, Kelucharan Mohapatra and Sharon Loven were associated with him for some of the films. In the recent past, he sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan acted in ‘Subha Sankalpam’ and ‘Drohi’. He also enacted prominent roles in Tagore (Chiranjeevi), Allari Ramudu (Jr NTR), Aadavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule (Venkatesh), Pandurangadu (Balakrishna).

‘Swarabhishekam’ (2004), a critically acclaimed film of Viswanath bagged the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu and for Best Music to Vidya Sagar. Prestigious title Padmashri has been awarded to the director for his contribution to cinema.

K. Viswanath, the boon for Telugu industry, a star behind and in front of the camera was born on 19th February.

Indiaglitz wishes Kalathapasvi, Kasinadhuni Viswanath a very happy birthday.