The founder and ex-director of NFAI P K Nair passed away today morning at Pune. He was 83 . A pioneering film archivist, Paramesh Krishnan Nair, was instrumental in acquiring and preserving the cinematic heritage of the country. It was because of his efforts that the early Indian cinema and film history was recognized internationally. His successful discovery of films like Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra, Kaliya Mardan laid the foundation for the study of the origins of Indian cinema.<br/><br/>Since the inception of NFAI in 1964, Shri Nair systematically worked towards establishing the legacy of Indian cinema. He was also instrumental in popularizing the culture of film literacy throughout India through the film appreciation courses. Even after his retirement in 1991, he continued to support NFAI in its cause towards film preservation and film archiving.<br/> '<br/>The mortal remains of P K Nair would be kept in NFAI premises for public to pay their respect tomorrow in between 8 am to 10 am. A condolence meeting has been organized on Sunday, 6th March, at 10 am at NFAI auditorium, Law College road, Pune.