CHENNAI: K. Bhagyaraj, director, actor and writer who shaped Tamil cinema for five decades, passed away at 73 after a heart attack.
The news hit Kollywood hard as it came only days after senior filmmaker Bharathiraja passed away.
Bhagyaraj got his start in 1977. He had a small part in Bharathiraja’s 16 Vayathinile, then stayed on as an assistant director and wrote dialogues and screenplays for him. He took charge behind the camera in 1979 with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal, and that opened the door to a long run of films people still talk about.
His filmography runs deep. Oru Kai Osai, Mouna Geethangal, Andha 7 Naatkal, Darling Darling Darling, Mundhanai Mudichu, Chinna Veedu, Enga Chinna Rasa and Oosara Police 100 were among the big ones. He was known for stories that felt personal, quick dialogue, family plots and a way of handling social issues without making them feel like lectures.
He acted in more than 75 films and directed over 20. Earlier this year, during his 50-year celebration in cinema, he said he planned to return as director. A new film and a web series were on the cards. His last directorial was Siddhu +2 in 2010. In recent years he stuck to supporting roles, with Kuberaa opposite Dhanush being his most recent notable outing.
Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, actor Poornima Jayaram, daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj and son Shanthnoo Bhagyaraj, who also works in Tamil films.
