Veteran Tamil film director Bharathiraja passed away in Chennai on June 10 following health complications. He was 84, and condolences have been pouring in from various quarters.
Widely regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers, Bharathiraja was affectionately known as the “director’s peak.” Along with directing leading stars, he also appeared in character roles.
He made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile, featuring top actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Over the years, he went on to direct a long list of notable films, including Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Tik Tik Tik, Mann Vaasanai, Muthal Mariyathai, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Vedham Pudhithu, Karuthamma, Pasumpon, Taj Mahal, Kadal Pookkal and Eeram Nilam, among others.
The report noted that after the sudden death of his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, last year, the filmmaker faced recurring health issues. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital and was resting at home before his demise.
Bharathiraja was born on July 17, 1941, in Allinagaram in Theni district. His birth name was Chinnasamy, and he moved to Chennai driven by his passion for cinema, later working as an assistant to director B. Pullayya and learning the craft further under noted Kannada director Puttanna Kanagal.
