Chennai, Jun 23 (IANS): National Award winning lyricist Vairamuthu, who will be erecting a statue of late legendary filmmaker K. Balachander, says it will be to honour the latter's memory for his priceless contribution to Tamil filmdom.

This could be the first statue to be erected for a filmmaker in a state where only stars are immortalised as statues.

"Balachander's contribution to Tamil cinema is immense and it has inspired many generations to come. He belongs to the group of people who need to be remembered for their work. Through this statue, I would like to honour the legend and a close friend," Vairamuthu told IANS.

To be erected in Balachander's native Nallamangudi in Nannilam, Tiruvarur district, the statue will be inaugurated on July 9, the auteur's 87th birth anniversary.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, director Mani Ratnam and director Vasanth will preside over the inaugural ceremony.

The bust-level statue is made of bronze and weighs 80 kg, Vairamuthu said, adding that it will be installed in the house where Balachander grew up.

Recalling his long-standing relationship with the Dada Saheb Phalke awardee, Vairamuthu said: "Kamal (Haasan) had introduced me to him. I met him for the first time when he was making 'Thanneer Thanneer'. I'll treasure my work in films such as 'Punnagai Mannan' and 'Duet'."