On Saturday, MGM Hospitals, where veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja has been admitted, issued a bulletin giving an update on the director's health.

The bulletin reads, "Mr Bharathiraja, renowned movie director, is presently admitted at MGM HEALTHCARE, Aminjikkarai, following complaints of breathlessness. He is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. His clinical condition is stable, and he continues to be under close monitoring by our team of medical experts. With appropriate supports, his vital parameters remain within normal limits. He is responding satisfactorily to the ongoing treatment. Further updates will be communicated as and when deemed necessary."

On December 27, Bharathiraja further fell sick, following which relatives admitted him to a private hospital in Chennai, where he has been receiving treatment. It was reported that he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing respiratory problems such as wheezing.

Bharathiraja's son Manoj passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the mere age of 48, back in March this year. Visuals from his demise and final rites featured a very shattered Bharathiraja, who couldn't come to terms with the death. Recently the filmmaker's brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, has revealed that Bharathiraja's mental health is still very low and that he is not about to cope with the loss.

Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977, a year after his son was born. Some of his popular directorials include Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai, among others. The filmmaker has helmed nearly 40 films, earning the title Iyakkunam Immayam through the years. He has also acted in various films, with his most recent appearance in Mohanlal's Thudarum. On the directorial front, his most recent work is a segment from Modern Love Chennai, titled Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal.