Filmmaker Bharathiraja, who was known for his unique stories and depiction of rural life and inspired generations of filmmakers and artists, passed away in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 84 years old.
Bharathiraja has received India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, six National Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and six Tamil Nadu Film Awards. He is survived by his wife Chandraleela and their daughter Janani. His son Manoj died at the age of 48 in March 2025.
Chinnasamy was born on 17 July 1941 in Theni, Bharathiraja, a screenwriter and director, shot to fame with films like ’16 Vaiyathinil’, in which iconic actor Kamal Haasan played the lead role and superstar Rajinikanth as the antagonist.
Bharathiraja has directed more than 40 films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Some of his famous songs include “Sigappu Rojakkal”, “Alaigal Oivathillai” and “Mudhal Mariyathai”, which had actor Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role.
His Telugu film ‘Seethakokachiluka’ (1981) was a huge hit and won the National Award. He trained actors and directors, including K Bhagyaraj, R Parthiban and Pandiarajan, who began their careers as his assistants.
Condolences poured in as soon as news of his death came. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who visited Bharathiraja’s family to offer his condolences, said the director left a unique and indelible mark on the Tamil film industry through his depiction of realism and rural life. “He has been honored with national and state awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri award. His contribution in nurturing and shaping multiple generations of artistes will live on forever in the history of Tamil cinema.”
Vijay described Bharathiraja’s death as a huge loss to the Tamil film industry and announced a state funeral to honor his contribution.
Governor Rajendra Arlikar described Bharathiraja as a true pioneer who transformed Tamil cinema with his unique narrative and profound depiction of rural life. “His contribution left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, inspiring generations of filmmakers and artists. His films reflected the spirit of the soil and the richness of human emotions with unparalleled authenticity,” he said in a social media post.
