Tan Sri L. Krishnan, a pioneering figure in the Malay film industry in Singapore and Malaysia and a noted philanthropist, died on Thursday at his residence in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He was 104 years old.
Krishnan, born Lakshmana Krishnan on October 21, 1922, in Madras (now Chennai), India, was widely recognized for his contributions to the development and mentoring of Malay cinema, including launching the career of the celebrated actor Tan Sri P. Ramlee. His family relocated to Penang during his youth, where he completed his Senior Cambridge certificate at Bukit Mertajam High School in 1941.
During World War II, Krishnan joined the Indian National Army (INA), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, fighting against British colonial rule. He held the rank of second lieutenant under the Azad Hind provisional government, stationed in parts of Malaya and Indonesia during the Japanese occupation.
After the war, Krishnan worked various jobs in Singapore, such as a receptionist at Raffles Hotel, before returning to Tamil Nadu to pursue a career in film. His initial role was as an assistant director at Kalaivani Films in 1947. Two years later, he returned to Singapore to join Shaw Brothers’ Studios, where he made his directorial debut.
Against the initial reservations of RunRun and RunMe Shaw, Krishnan cast P. Ramlee in the lead role of his first directed feature, *Bakti* (1950), which became a major success. Over his career, he directed more than 30 films, including notable titles such as *Takdir Ilahi* (1950), *Penghidupan* (1951), and *Antara Senyum dan Tangis* (1952). He was also recognized for his work in the horror genre, with films like *Orang Lichin* (1957), *Orang Minyak* (1958), and *Serangan Orang Minyak* (1959).
Beyond directing, Krishnan wrote and produced films that often reflected the early idealism of Malaya. In 1970, he founded Gaya Filem Berhad and advocated for local content in advertising rather than relying on foreign productions. He later established Gaya Music Studio in 1980, the country’s first 16-track recording facility, and in 1982 launched Malaysia’s first motion picture color laboratory.
His leadership extended to the corporate side of the industry, serving as chairman of Cathay Organisation Malaysia. His achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the title of Tan Sri, the Datuk Seri Nilam DiRaja from the Sultan of Selangor, and the prestigious Merdeka Award in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to film, education, and community service.
Krishnan was also active in social and philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur, the Discharged Prisoners Aid Society, the Malaysian Association for the Blind, and various medical foundations. He was known for his commitment to underprivileged groups, often hosting special children during Deepavali celebrations instead of traditional VIP guests.
Tan Sri L. Krishnan is survived by his wife, Puan Sri Jarunee Rukmanee, and his adopted son Khun Bon Lersak Chaiyanuvong. His cremation is scheduled to take place in Chiang Mai on Monday.