Mangaluru : A large number of admirers and fans of Tulu film thespian K.N. Tailor paid homage to the departed actor at a function here on Tuesday.

The 75-year-old veteran Tulu actor, director and theatre artist died at a private hospital on March 18.

Speaking on the occasion, researcher and former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, Vivek Rai said the death of the veteran actor has left a void in Tulu film and theatre industry. Despite financial constraints, Mr. Tailor did not let down his passion for Tulu film and theatre. “He remains a pioneer of Tulu cinema,” Mr. Rai said. He said he recently interviewed Mr. Tailor for two hours for the documentary on city’s heritage ‘Mangaluru Darshana’ wherein the veteran actor spoke frankly of his life in the Tulu industry.

Actor and film director Kasaragod Chinna said K.N. Tailor gave a professional touch to Tulu theatre. By forming Ganesh Nataka Sabha, the veteran actor showed that actors can make a living in Tulu theatre. Through his plays and films, Tailor showed richness of the language, which had a great connect with the common man.

Karavali Sangeetagarara Okkoota member Thonse Pushpakala Kumar said songs featuring in Tailor’s nine films have been popular as they reflected the problems faced by normal persons on the street.

“It was also an indication of the turbulences he had faced,” Mr. Kumar said. He admired Tailor’s quality of appreciating talent and giving the necessary exposure to artists. “I am fortunate to have been recognised by this actor,” he said.

Suresh Adyar, son-in-law of K.N. Tailor, said family members were yet to decide how the Ganesh Nataka Sabha should be operated. “He (Tailor) wanted us to keep the theatre running. We are yet to discuss how it should run,” he said. The veteran actor’s children Ganesh, Mamata Suresh, Poornima Uday and Asha Praveen also attended the function.