Tamil writer-director K Subaash, best known for penning superstar Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Chennai Express", breathed his last on Wednesday in Chennai.
Subaash passed away at SRM hospital.
"He was suffering from kidney failure and was on dialysis for the last few years. He passed away this morning," a source from the industry told IANS.
Subaash started his career as an assistant to Mani Ratnam in 1987 Tamil film "Nayagan", and a year later he made his directorial debut with Prabhu-starrer "Kaliyugam".
In 1990, he directed Vijayakanth-starrer Tamil actioner "Sathriyan", a blockbuster which earned him immense popularity.
He directed nearly 20 films with last one being 2005 Hindi actioner "Insan", which featured Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar , Esha Deol and Lara Dutta.
He had also assisted Rajkumar Santoshi on a few projects.
As a writer, he had worked on Hindi films such as "Sunday", "Entertainment" and "Housefull 3".
Remembering Subaash as a gentle and humble person, write Shridhar Raghavan wrote on his Twitter page:
Writer director K Subaash passed away this morning in Chennai. He wrote Chennai Express, directed 20+ Tamil films including Chatriyan. (1)
— Shridhar Raghavan (@ShridharR) November 23, 2016
Subaash was associate to Mani Rathnam in his Agninakshatram & Nayagan phase. Later with Raj Santoshi. Easily the best writer I ever met. (2)
— Shridhar Raghavan (@ShridharR) November 23, 2016
(3) But more important, Subaash was also among the best people i ever knew. Gentle, humble, honest & funny. His cremation is today evening.
— Shridhar Raghavan (@ShridharR) November 23, 2016
Many took Subaash's stories & ideas without credit or money. He'd laugh "We are rivers sir. If a needy fellow comes with a bucket, let him."
— Shridhar Raghavan (@ShridharR) November 23, 2016
Actress Radikaa Sarath Kumar wrote:
Very saddened to hear abt the passing away of Dir K.Subaash a long time associate &directer of "Pavithra" film with Ajith& many more. Sad
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) November 23, 2016
The last rites of Subaash will take place on Wednesday.