The Tamil film industry is in a state of shock following the death of veteran director Bharathiraja, who passed away on June 10 due to ill health. Director Bharathiraja was referred to as “Iyakkunar Imayam” in the Tamil film industry.
He directed more than 40 films and revolutionized rural storytelling through films.
Bharathiraja was also known for his distinctive style of filmmaking and discovering new talent.
Rajinikanth He pays his last respects to his friend of 50 years
As condolences continue to pour in, superstar Rajinikanth visited Bharathiraja’s residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, to pay his last respects. Speaking to the media afterwards, Rajinikanth became emotional when he recalled his long friendship with the director.
“He has been my friend for almost 50 years. Everyone knows his talent and achievements. He has brought many actors, actresses and technicians into the world of films and contributed to the growth of Tamil cinema,” Rajinikanth said, quoting Nakkhaeran.
Rajinikanth remembers Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja’s honesty and boldness were other things Rajinikanth remembers about the director. Rajinikanth said that he used to express his opinion, without caring about any fear.
“He was like a child at heart. Whatever he was feeling, he would say it directly. He would also criticize me. He would say, ‘I like you as a person, but I don’t like your acting.’ That was the kind of honesty he had. He was always fun to be around. People who speak with such candor are very rare,” Rajinikanth recalls.
This quality helped Bharathiraja maintain close relationships with icons like MGR, Karunanidhi and Sivaji Ganesan, he added.
Rajinikanth regrets his absence from the last meeting with Bharathiraja
The actor also shared his personal regrets. He revealed that he had wanted to meet Bharathiraja during his last days but was told that the director’s health was improving and that he could visit later. “Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to see him one last time. This is something I will always regret. His death was not a surprise, but I still wish I had met him before he left us. He will always remain in my memory and his works will live forever in the hearts of the Tamil people,” Rajinikanth said.
The relationship between the two has been there since their first project together, ’16 Vayathinile’, where Rajinikanth played his famous character Parattai in one of his earliest and most notable performances.