Bharathiraja: As tributes are pouring in from across the country for the late director Bharathiraja, film personalities from across various film industries have shared their tributes. Bharathiraja passed away earlier today at the age of 83.

Actor Radha, who has worked on films directed by Bharathiraja like Alaigal Oivathillai, Muthal Mariyathai, Tik Tik Tik, spoke to reporters outside the director's house. She said, "I am still speechless. I might have a biological father, but Bharathiraja sir will always be my god father. My connect with Chennai, now and forever, will always begin with him." She later took to social media and wrote, "Today, I lost not just my Guru, but the man who gave me a new life. He brought me into this industry and gave birth to RADHA from Chandrika. Every bit of fame, confidence, and success I have today is his gift to me. My heart cannot accept that he is no longer with us physically. But I know his blessings and his soul will always guide me. Forever grateful. Forever your student."

Prakash Raj, who starred alongside Bharathiraja in Thiruchitrambalam, took to X and wrote, "Will miss you my darling .. your love for life.. inspiring conversations.. and your memorable moments of cinema. Thank you for everything. Love you. May your soul rest in peace."

Music composer AR Rahman wrote, "No one has portrayed the love and vitality of Tamil villages on screen like you have. Your creations continue to inspire generations across time. Thank you for taking my music to the most remote villages of South India and introducing the life stories of those people to the world. Rest in peace, Bharathiraja sir."

"Director, actor, and screenwriter Bharathiraja, who made an unprecedented mark in the history of Tamil cinema. His creative genius, which gifted the film industry with classic films close to rural life and reality, is memorable! A heartfelt tribute to his extraordinary personality," wrote actor Shivarajkumar.

Director-actor Mysskin, who spoke to the press, said, "Aalamarangal Irappadhillai (Banyan trees live forever). At a time when Tamil cinema was looking at films from other languages for inspiration, he shined light on the stories that germinate from the soil of Tamil Nadu. Taking Tamil cinema to the global stage, he exposed the world to the warmth, love, and affection of the Tamil people."

He continued his tribute by saying, "Artists never die. But great artists gain immortality through their works. Bharathiraja, who has gained immoratality, is now silent and has been confined to a box. A great Banyan Tree, is now resting peacefully. People like K Bhagyaraj and Parthiban are seeds that fell out of that great tree. I owe my father in films, Bharathiraja, more than I owe my parents. Just like how my parents gave me life unto this planet, Bharathiraja was the father who gave me me life in cinema. He will always be with us."

Director Pa Ranjith wrote, "Bharathiraja is a one-of-a-kind explosion. A creator who changed the direction and language of Tamil cinema. For countless people like me, he is a great source of inspiration. He elevated the lives and emotions of ordinary people into authentic artistic forms. To that great artist who established the essence of the soil and the truth of humanity on the screen, I offer my heartfelt tribute."

Sathyaraj, who spoke to the press, said, "He was a great director who revolutionised Tamil cinema. He gave me life in Tamil cinema through films like Kadalora Kavithai, Vedham Pudhidhu, Muthal Mariyathai. He was very jovial, and didn't have the airs about him. Even now I had the chance to act with him in Vallimai and Theevinai Pottru. I have never called him by his name. I have only addressed him as 'director'."