Actor-director K Bhagyaraj, who completed his golden jubilee year in cinema, spoke to the press on his entry to cinema and recalled a few incidents that shaped his life. Bhagyaraj, who first started out with a small cameo appearance, as a junior artist, in Bharathiraja's debut, 16 Vayathinile, has acted in over 75 films. He has also made over 20 movies. In his milestone year, which was also celebrated along with his 72nd birthday, he revealed that he will soon return to direction.
K Bhagyaraj, who is one of the most revered names in Tamil cinema, took a trip down the memory lane to reminisce many events that were crucial in building his career.
Sharing how his acting debut came about, he said, "In Kizhakke Pogum Rail, there is a scene where Sudhakar’s character is taken in a procession on a donkey. Since the person supposed to pull the donkey didn’t act properly, I did it myself. After the film’s release, posters everywhere showed me pulling the donkey, and people mocked me saying, ‘Is this why you went to Chennai?’ At that time, my mother asked why I couldn’t act in roles like Sudhakar’s. I said I needed a certain image. She replied, ‘Just wait and see, your director himself will make a film with you.’ That’s how I acted in Pudhiya Vaarpugal under his direction. I wrote a letter to my mother saying her words had come true. But she passed away 20 days before the film’s release, so she couldn’t see me on screen."
He then mentioned how he realised that there are "bad omens" when writing scripts and films. "Later, when I watched the film, I noticed a dialogue I had written saying that my character’s parents had died. I had written it when my mother was alive. That’s when I realised one should never write such things casually."
For the unversed, Bhagyaraj made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal (1979), in which he starred alongside Sudhakar and Sumathi. For those who regularly consume his films, the name Shanmugamani would ring a familiar bell. Revealing the reason for the same, he said, "That is after my teacher, Shanmugamani Master. He called me this morning to wish me on my birthday," he said, adding, "Though I wasn’t a great student, I’m happy that I maintained good relationships with my teachers. MGR’s helping nature, Sivaji sir’s respect for others, Rajinikanth’s unchanged character, and Kamal Haasan’s acting have all been great guidance for me. All these were reasons for my growth."
Bhagyaraj last directed Siddhu +2 (2010), starring his son Shanthnu in the lead role. He had taken a long hiatus from helming films since then, although he continues to act in supporting roles in films, the latest being Dhanush's Kuberaa (2025). Expressing his decision to get back to direction, he said, "I am still continuing to act. Discussions are on to direct a film and a web series this year. From this year onwards, I want to work with renewed enthusiasm," he said.
