Bangalore, Aug 17 (IANS) The death of award winning director K.V. Jayaram has created a void in Kannada film industry, say prominent film personalities.

Jayaram was seriously ill for some time and died following cardiac arrest Saturday. He was 60. He is survived by his wife and three children.

'His death is a big loss to the Kannada film industry. And it has shocked many Kannada fans who still remember his family-oriented films, based on good novels,' actor-director Jayamala, who is also the president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, told IANS.

K.C.N. Chandru, President of the Kannada Film Producers Association, said: 'His contribution to the Kannada film industry cannot be undermined. His films not only won awards, but registered good collections at the box office.

'He had a firm grip on the medium and his experience of working under several top directors had also helped him to make crisp films.'

Veteran actor Vishnuvardhan, who featured in his 'Olavina Aasare' that ran for hundred days, described Jayaram as an intelligent director.

'He made films that he believed in,' said the actor.

Jayaram was known for his clean family entertainers based on many popular Kannada novels, written mostly by female authors. His films were soft and sentimental and won critical acclaim as well as hit bull's eye at box office.

He was conferred with the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal award by the Karnataka government for his contribution to Kannada cinema.

Coming from a humble background, Jayaram, who made it big with 'Badada Hoovu' in the Kannada film industry, valued culture and tradition and his films reflected belief.

Some of his prominent films like 'Mududidha Thaavare Aralithu', 'Rashmi' and 'Ibbani Karagithu' not only won prestigious awards but were also hits at the ticket window because the movies were hugely appreciated by family audiences.

Jayaram started his career as an assistant director to M.R. Vittal. He assisted him in classic films like 'Nandadeepa', 'Prof. Huchchuraya' and 'Eradu Mukha'.

Later he became an associate director to Shivaram and worked with him in 'Parasangadha Gandethimma', which featured late Lokesh in the lead role.

He was also a festival freak and had a deep insight into many top-class films made in India and abroad. Many of his films like 'Badada Hoovu', 'Ibbani Karagithu' were remade into Telugu and Tamil.

He gave some memorable films with actor Anant Nag including 'Hosa Neeru' that won the National Award as a best regional film.