Chennai: Veteran Tamil actor, director and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 73.
Bhagyaraj was also a celebrated composer, and film producer in the Tamil film industry. He acted in more than 75 films and directed over 25, including ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’, ‘Indru Poi Naalai Vaa’, and ‘Andha 7 Naatkal’.
He is survived by his wife, actor Poornima Bhagyaraj, and their two children, son Shanthanu and daughter Saranya.
His demise marks the end of an era in Tamil cinema, especially his exceptional storytelling and screenplay abilities.
Bhagyaraj began his film career in 1977 as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan and Bharathiraja. He later made his directorial debut and often played the lead roles in his own films, making a significant contribution to Tamil cinema through several critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies. He was also active in the television industry, directing several TV shows.
During his successful film career, Bhagyaraj entered politics by launching the MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in 1989. However, as the party failed to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu, he later joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). In a surprising political move, he joined the M. Karunanidhi-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 2006. However, his stint with the party was short-lived, and he eventually quit active politics.
Apart from his film career, Bhagyaraj has been the editor of the Tamil weekly magazine Bhagya, and he has authored several novels.
VIPs pay homage
"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."
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, screenwriter, 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.
(With agency inputs)