Leading cinematographer and film director K V Anand died in Chennai in the early hours of Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Anand, who felt discomfort, drove himself to a private hospital in the city where he died.

KV became a director with “Kana Kanden”and went on to direct several hit films including “Ko”, “Ayan” “Kavan” and “Kaappaan.”

He was 54. Born in 1966, Kumar Venkatesan Anand began his career as a photojournalist for several newspapers and magazines. He then switched to cinematography when he had the opportunity to work under cinematographer PC Sreeram for a few films.

Anand worked as a cinematographer in a number of director Shankar films – “Mudhalvan,” “Boys” and “Sivaji.”

Fans and members of the industry have been tweeting in condolence after the news broke, expressing shock over his sudden demise.