Composer-singer-director Gangai Amaran met his grieving friend and fellow veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja recently following the demise of his son Manoj Bharathiraja. At his house, Gangai Amaran sung 'Vaigaraiyil' song from Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982) to cheer him. The heartfelt rendition had struck a chord with many viewers. Interestingly, the song had lyrics written by Gangai Amaran which was sung by the noted late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. The film's songs were composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Gangai Amaran and Bharathiraja share a long-standing friendship rooted in their early days in the Tamil film industry. The duo collaborated on multiple iconic films, especially in late 1970s and '80s, when Gangai Amaran composed music and penned lyrics for Bharathiraja’s films. Notable collaborations include Kizhakke Pogum Rail (1978), Tik Tik Tik (1981), and Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985).
Manoj Bharathiraja passed away on March 25 following a cardiac arrest. The news was met with grief from across all quarters of the Tamil film fraternity who had thronged his house to pay their last respects. Born on September 11, 1976, Manoj made his acting debut with Taj Mahal (1999), directed by his father, written by Mani Ratnam.
He went on to act in films such as Samuthiram (2001), Alli Arjuna (2002), Varushamellam Vasantham (2002), Maha Nadigan (2004), Annakodi (2013), Champion (2019), Maanaadu (2021), and Viruman (2022). Manoj Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with Margazhi Thingal in 2023 where he directed his father. He made his web series debut with Prime Video's Snakes and Ladders in 2024.
