Who was K. Bhagyaraj? Veteran film director-actor who has directed more than 25 films; I worked with Amitabh Bachchan
Veteran director and actor K.K. has passed away. Bhagyaraj died at the age of 73, The Hindu reported. Over several decades, Bhagyaraj has gained recognition as a director, actor, writer, producer and screenwriter.
He was known for crafting stories that blended humor, romance, family sentiment, and social themes.Bhagyaraj has also worked as a lyricist, novelist, magazine editor and music composer for selected projects.
From assistant director to successful film director
Bhagyaraj’s cinematic journey began behind the camera. He took up the role of assistant director under the legendary Bharathiraja in the films 16 Vayathinile and Kizhakke Pogum Rail. He also contributed to writing the script and dialogue for films like “Sigappu Rojakkal” and “Tik Tik Tik”.He appeared briefly in small screen roles before becoming a film director. His breakthrough came in 1979 with the film Suvarilladha Chiththirangal. The film marked his directorial debut. Bhagyaraj also played the lead role in the film.
A career full of unforgettable films
Bhagyaraj has directed more than 25 feature films. His filmography includes ‘Oru Kai Oosai’, ‘Mouna Geethangal’, ‘Indru Poi Naalai Vaa’, ‘Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru’, ‘Andha 7 Naatkal’, ‘Thhooral Ninnu Pochu’, ‘Darling’, ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’, ‘Dhavani Kanavugal’, ‘Oru Kaidhiyin Diary’ and ‘Siddhu’. +2.
Many of these films were commercial success. Bhagyaraj acted in more than 75 films during his career.
He left his mark in Indian cinema
Bhagyaraj also entered Hindi cinema with successful remakes of his Tamil films. One of his most notable Hindi projects was the 1986 film ‘Aakhree Raasta’. The film was based on his Tamil song ‘Oru Kaidhiyin Diary’ and starred Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role alongside Sridevi, Jaya Prada and Anupam Kher. Bhagyaraj later directed Hindi films like “Mr.
“Bshara” and “Baba the Big”.Many of his popular Tamil films have been remade in Hindi. ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’ inspired the film ‘Masterji’ starring Rajesh Khanna, while ‘Enga Chinna Rasa’ was adapted as ‘Beta’.According to Cinemaazi, before entering the film industry, he dropped out of college in Coimbatore and worked several jobs, including as an rickshaw puller and a clown in the circus in Kakinada. Besides making films, he wrote books, edited the weekly magazine Bhagya, and published motivational titles, including Neenga Nenaicha Saadikkalaam.