Tamil director Mahendran (79), known for his classic movies like 'Mullum Malarum', 'Johny', 'Uthiri Pookal' and 'Nenjathai Killathey', has passed away on Tuesday morning at a Chennai hospital. The veteran was last week admitted to the hospital after he developed certain health problems. He was expected to recover soon but fate had other plans.

Considered to have played a huge role in Superstar Rajinikanth's career, Mahendran was also close to former Tamil Nadu chief minister and legendary actor MG Ramachandran. When MGR wanted to materialize his dream project, he approached Mahendran with a request to pen its screenplay.

Paying homage to him, director AR Murugadoss said, "It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts, Sir."

A public homage session will be arranged at his residence in Pallikaranai, and cremation will be planned today evening.