Grief has engulfed the Tamil cinema fraternity as well as fans who woke up to the shocking news of veteran filmmaker and actor K Bhagyaraj's demise on Saturday. He breathed his last at the age of 73 after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
Among the first to reach his Chennai residence was director-actor Parthiban, choreographer Gayathri Raghuram and actor-producer Radikaa Sarathkumar who extended their help to the family members to organise the funeral for their beloved mentor. Later CM Vijay and former CM MK Stalin paid their last respects to the filmmaker and consoled the grieving family members.
Actor Rajinikanth visited his house and paid his floral tribute and extended his support to his family. Both the veterans had started their careers around the same time and have established a name for themselves with the prolific five-decade-long careers in the industry. Their relationship extended well beyond professional circles. Rajinikanth has often attended important milestones in Bhagyaraj's life and career, including the celebration marking Bhagyaraj's 50 years in cinema.
Besides Rajinikanth, others including yesteryear actor Ramarajan, Sarathkumar, director Lingusamy, actor Kalaiyarasan, and Harathi paid their tribute to Bhagyaraj. Many others including his co-stars, mentees and young actors shared their grief and condolences on their social media handles.
Actor Kamal Haasan shared a post on how Tamil cinema "lost two kings" within the span of a month. He also spoke about their 50-year-long association in the industry.
Director-actor P Vasu expressed his disbelief on his demise, recalling how both of them travelled to Goa to attend Khushbu-Sundar C's daughter Avantika Sundar's wedding. "We sat together on the flight, but today I am garlanding his mortal remains. I don't know what to say. Can such a situation ever befall on a human being. If we are alive today, it is our luck. I can't believe he is no more. I can't fathom how our movie-related functions will be without him," he said, speaking to the press.
Echoing his words, actor Sripriya also recollected how she met him in Goa yesterday and is unable to process his death.
Producer Suresh Kamatchi shared a throwback photo of him with Bhagyaraj and wrote a lengthy note on his X handle, underscoring the unpredictability of life and the shocks that it brings along with it. "At 7 pm last evening, he invited me to his home. As I was leaving after meeting him, he walked me to the gate to see me off. Now, he is no more. My heart is overwhelmed with grief, unable to believe that this has truly happened," he said, calling him one of "Indian cinema's greatest artists."
Director Mohan Raja too posted photos with him, calling him his "guru". "Can’t believe the man who breathed cinema is breathless now," he said, adding, "To audiences he introduced the word screenplay. To the industry he taught its worth."
Gautami, who has shared screenspace in films like Avasara Police 100 (1990) and Rudhra (1991), said she was "shocked and saddened" by his sudden passing. "His untimely demise leaves a huge void in our creative world and we all mourn the loss of an icon. A renaissance man who has been relevant to every generation, he leaves a lasting legacy for ages to come," she said, extending her condolences to his near and dear ones.
Arun Vijay also expressed his grief on Bhagyaraj's passing and wrote a note asking Shanthnu to stay strong amidst this crisis. "I know the pain you are in right now Shanthnu brother. Stay strong," he said.
Parking filmmaker Ramkumar Balakrishnan called Bhagyaraj his "favourite director". "A master who proved cinema is poetry when every scene & dialogue has purpose. The King of screenplay. Rest in peace," he said.
Over a career spanning nearly five decades, K Bhagyaraj established himself as one of the most revered figures in Tamil cinema. Some of Bhagyaraj's most notable films include Suvarilladha Chiththirangal (1979), Oru Kai Osai (1980), Mouna Geethangal (1981), Andha 7 Naatkal (1981), Darling, Darling, Darling (1982), Mundhanai Mudichu (1983), Dhavani Kanavugal (1984), Chinna Veedu (1985), Enga Chinna Rasa (1987), and Avasara Police 100 (1990).
According to reports, his last rites are scheduled to take place tomorrow, Sunday at 1.30 pm at the Besant Nagar crematorium.
