K Bhagyaraj death: Tamil Nadu announces state honor for legendary filmmaker
The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, announced state honors for veteran filmmaker K Bhagyaraj following his death at the age of 73. Venkatesh Daggubati, Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin, Raghava Lawrence, Selvaraghavan and Simran paid tribute from across the film fraternity, remembering his enduring legacy.
Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj died of a heart attack in Chennai on Saturday. He was 73 years old. Following his death, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced state honors for his funeral, while the film fraternity mourned the death of one of the most renowned creative voices of Tamil cinema, known for his extraordinary storytelling, screenwriting and middle-class family dramas.
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The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, paid tribute to Bhagyaraj and announced that he would be given state honors during his last journey.
The CMO wrote on
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also remembered the veteran filmmaker and wrote on Bhagyaraj left his mark. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Purnima Bhagyaraj, Saranya and his friends in the film fraternity.
Actor Kamal Haasan paid tribute to the filmmaker and wrote, “K. Bhagyaraj’s Rajan (whom I was introduced to 50 years ago) is no more. Our Tamil-speaking cinema has lost two kings in the same month.”
Actor Mammootty also paid tribute to the veteran filmmaker. He wrote on X, “RIP Bhagyaraj. Heartfelt condolences.”
Rajinikanth paid tribute to Bhagyaraj and wrote on
Actor R Madhavan remembered Bhagyaraj as a talented screenwriter and a kind-hearted person. Sharing a tribute on her Instagram story, she wrote, “One of the finest screenwriters and a wonderful human being full of kindness. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace, sir.”
Actor Venkatesh Daggubati also expressed grief over Bhagyaraj’s demise. He wrote on
Many other celebrities including Raghava Lawrence, Selvaraghavan and Simran also condoled the death of the filmmaker. Raghav Lawrence wrote, “Deeply saddened by the demise of director Bakyaraj sir. His contribution to cinema is unforgettable and his work has inspired generations. It is a huge loss to the film industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”
Selvaraghavan shared a brief tribute, writing, “End of an era. RIP Sir (sic).”
Simran wrote, “The news of K Bhagyaraj sir’s demise is truly heartbreaking. A visionary filmmaker, brilliant storyteller and extraordinary actor. He brought laughter, warmth and meaningful social messages through his work. Tamil cinema has lost one of its finest creative minds. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones in this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, former actor Purnima Bhagyaraj, and his children, actor Shantanu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj.
Born as Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, he started his career as an assistant to renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja before emerging as a successful director. During his illustrious career, Bhagyaraj directed more than 25 films and acted in more than 75 films. He was widely considered one of the finest screenwriters of Tamil cinema, known for his sharp dialogues, relatable characters and socially engaged storytelling.
His famous works include Mundanai Mudichu, Andha 7 Drama and Darling, Darling, DarlingWhich remain classics.