Priyan
Biography
Priyan (1964 – 9 November 2017) was an Indian cinematographer who has worked on Tamil language films. Beginning his career as an assistant to Balu Mahendra, Priyan began his career as an independent technician in the 1990s before establishing himself as a leading cinematographer in the Tamil film industry in the 2000s.
He is notable in his work with Director Hari. He died due to a heart attack in his home.
Priyan was born and raised in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. While he was doing an industrial course in polytechnics, Priyan spent his time with his uncle Ganesan during a summer vacation in Chennai.
Having noticed his interest in cinema, his uncle introduced him to his friend K. Balaji, an actor-producer in the Tamil film industry. Priyan subsequently started working in K. Balaji's camera unit and worked for the production house, Sujatha International, for five years as an assistant cinematographer.
Through his work, he was introduced to cinematographer-director Balu Mahendra and worked with him on films including Moondram Pirai (1982), Olangal (1982), Sadma (1983) and Yathra (1984).
Moreover, he worked in the cinematography teams of films including Mani Ratnam's Pagal Nilavu (1985) and Nayakan (1987). Priyan then worked in productions by Rajiv Menon and Suresh Menon, collaborating with them for serials and commercials.
