Tamil film industry mourns Manoj Bharathiraja's sudden demise
26 Mar 2025

The Tamil film industry is mourning the loss of actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away suddenly.

He was 48 and suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Chennai's Chetpet on Tuesday at his home around 4:00pm. Reports indicate that he recently underwent bypass surgery.

Bharathiraja, the son of famed filmmaker-actor Bharathiraja, is survived by wife Ashwathi (Nandana) and two daughters, Arthika and Mathivadani.

MK Stalin mourned Bharathiraja's passing
Mourning

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his grief over the passing of the actor.

In a heartfelt post on X, he praised Bharathiraja for carving a niche in the film industry with movies like Taj Mahal and Varushamellam Vasantham.

Stalin also acknowledged Bharathiraja's foray into directing. Offering his condolences, he called the actor's untimely demise "deeply shocking" and extended support to his father, Bharathiraja, and the grieving family.

Tributes poured in for the late actor-director
Condolences

The news of Bharathiraja's untimely death has shocked fans and colleagues alike.

Music composer Ilaiyaraaja also called it a heartbreaking loss. He said, "I am so shocked to hear this, he was the son of my dear friend."

Actor-politician Sarath Kumar, recalling their time together in Samuthiram, expressed his grief, calling life unpredictable.

Director Venkat Prabhu, actor Khushbu Sundar, and filmmaker Halitha Shameem paid emotional tributes. Many remembered his talent, mourning the loss of a promising artist gone too soon.

Bharathiraja's contribution to Tamil cinema
Career

Bharathiraja made his acting debut in 1999 with Taj Mahal, directed by his father. Although the film flopped at the box office, its songs, composed by AR Rahman, were a hit.

He went on to star in several films, including Alli Arjuna, Varushamellam Vasantham, Maha Nadigan, and Samuthiram.

His last projects were Venkat Prabhu and Silambarasan TR's Maanaadu and Karthi's Viruman.

Apart from acting, Bharathiraja also dabbled in direction, with his directorial debut being Margazhi Thingal in 2023.

Bharathiraja's personal life and education
Background

Bharathiraja got married to actor Nandana on November 19, 2006. The couple has two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani.

He studied theater at the University of South Florida and worked behind the camera as an assistant director.

His directorial debut was Margazhi Thingal. Before this, he assisted his father on projects like Final Cut of Director (2016) and worked with Mani Ratnam and S Shankar.