Actor Chandini Tamilarasan, who was introduced to Tamil cinema by filmmaker K Bhagyaraj in his directorial Siddhu +2 (2010) opposite Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, remembers the veteran director as the person who altered the course of her life.
Reacting to Bhagyaraj’s demise, Chandini says she is still unable to process the news. “I am devastated listening to the news. I’m not able to take it. May sir’s soul rest in peace and the family find the strength to deal with his loss,” she says.
For Chandini, the relationship with Bhagyaraj goes beyond being her first director. The actor shares that she never entered the industry with ambitions of becoming an actor and that it was Bhagyaraj who recognised something in her before she did herself.
“If not for sir, I would not have been an actor. I wouldn’t have gotten into this industry. He saw some talent, some potential in me and called me to be a part of this.”
Recalling how the opportunity came her way, Chandini says she had participated in Miss Chennai and was unexpectedly noticed by Bhagyaraj.
“I had done Miss Chennai and was placed 11th. That’s when sir noticed me and called me for an audition,” she says, adding that she was only around 15 or 16 years old then.
Having grown up watching Bhagyaraj’s films with her family, the actor says the audition itself never felt like a career opportunity at first. “I always loved watching Bhagyaraj sir’s films. When I got the call, I was excited because he made films that families connected with. I didn’t even want to become an actor then — I just wanted to meet him.”
Eventually, things fell into place and Chandini signed Siddhu +2, where she played Pavithra. Looking back, she says the experience became foundational to her career. “It was a wonderful experience working with him and if not for sir, I don’t think I would have sustained for these many years. He taught me so many things,” she says.
Describing Bhagyaraj as a strict but encouraging director, Chandini says one particular moment from the shoot has stayed with her. “He was very strict. It wasn’t easy working with him. But if you did something good, he would appreciate you.” She also recalls watching the rushes from the first day of shooting when Bhagyaraj came up to her the following day and told her she had done well. “I’ll never forget that. I was a kid dealing with insecurities and doing something completely out of my comfort zone. Those comforting words meant a lot.”
The actor also remembers the intense schedules and the unique way Bhagyaraj worked on set.
“We used to shoot long schedules and sir would often write dialogues on the spot. I would memorise and perform immediately. Looking back now, I think working with other directors became easier because of that training.”
Over the nearly three-month schedule, Chandini says she also grew close to Bhagyaraj’s family. “It never felt like I was entering cinema. It felt like I became part of a family and they were taking care of me.” Calling Bhagyaraj’s influence lifelong, Chandini says she continues to carry his lessons into every project she takes up. “He will always be a part of my journey. Every film I do, I remember what he used to say. I’ll always be grateful because if not for him, my course of life would have completely changed.”
Ending on an emotional note, Chandini says she is still struggling to accept the loss. “I am at a loss for words. I think I’m in denial because I just wish this is not true. He is a legend who created so many actors and actresses.”
Siddhu +2 was Bhagyaraj's final directorial before he took a 15-long-hiatus from helming films. He recently expressed his interest in coming back to make films once again, but his wish remained unfulfilled.