CHENNAI: Legendary Tamil filmmaker and actor K Bhagyaraj, known for his subtle humour and witty dialogues, well connecting with the audience, died on Saturday following a cardiac arrest, a source in the hospital where he was admitted said.
He was 73.
His roles, mostly drawn from middle-class lives, held a charm as his exquisite screenplay combined with his on-screen persona. In a career spanning over five decades, Bhagyaraj gave numerous hits, and some of his celebrated directorial and action works include Andha 7 naatkal, Mundhanai Mudichu, Chinna Veedu, and Enga Chinna Rasa.
He is survived by his former actress wife, Poornima, and their children, actor Shanthanu and Saranya. Apart from his film career, Bhagyaraj has been the editor of the Tamil weekly magazine Bhagya, and he has authored several novels.
“He participated in the marriage of Khusboo’s daughter in Goa. While we returned yesterday, he came back a bit early. He was cheerful throughout. This morning, after returning from walking, he complained of chest pain and was rushed to the hospital. His end finally came,” actress Suhasini Maniratnam told reporters.
She, along with actor Parthiban and several others, paid their last respects to the mortal remains of the veteran director at his Nungambakkam residence.
DMK president and former Chief Minister M K Stalin too paid his last respects. He described Bhagyaraj as an incredible director who succeeded in everything, being the uncrowned king of screenplays in Indian cinema, a realistic hero who attracted everyone, and a writer who had the power to convey complex situations in short dialogues.
“Only a few months ago, I attended the function held to mark the completion of 50 years of Bhagyaraj’s film career and spoke at the function not only as the chief minister but also as his fan. Those memories are still fresh,” Stalin said on ‘X’ and described his death as a “great loss”.
“Through his works, Bhagyaraj will forever live on as an inseparable part of the Tamil Nadu people,” Stalin added.
Stalin and TMC (Moopanar) founder G K Vasan were among the leaders who paid homage to the mortal remains of the filmmaker.
Actress-politician Gautami said his untimely demise left a huge void in the creative world. “We all mourn the loss of an icon. A Renaissance man who has been relevant to every generation, he leaves a lasting legacy for ages to come,” she said on ‘X’.
“The passing away of veteran Tamil film director and writer K Bhagyaraj is a great loss to the world of cinema. His unique storytelling, creative brilliance and immense contribution to Tamil cinema have earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences,” Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and film lovers, the Governor said on ‘X’ and added, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”
His demise marks the end of an era in Tamil cinema, especially his exceptional storytelling and screenplay abilities.
Born as Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district, he commenced his career as an assistant to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja (who died recently) and later emerged as a successful director with films such as Suvarilladha Chiththirangal, Darling Darling Darling and Idhu Namma Aalu. He acted in over 75 films, apart from directing about 25 films.
Expressing shocked anguish over the death of Bhagyaraj, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami described him as a multi-talented film director, screenplay writer, actor and music composer.
“Bhagyaraj was a great admirer of M G Ramachandran (AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister). He adapted the scenes from the late leader’s unfinished film ‘Anna Nee En Deivam’ (in 1977) and made a new screenplay based on it, making it a successful film called ‘Avasara Police 100’ (in1990),” Palaniswami said in a statement posted on ‘X’.
“The demise of the unrivalled screenwriter of the Indian film industry is an irreparable loss. I express my deepest condolences to his family, the film industry and fans who are grieving the loss. I pray to the Almighty God that his departed soul rests in the shade of the Lord,” Palaniswami said.
