Tamil film industry mourns Manoj Bharathiraja's sudden demise
What's the story
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.
Mourning
MK Stalin mourned Bharathiraja's passing
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.
Twitter Post
Read Stalin's post
நடிகரும் இயக்குநர் பாரதிராஜா அவர்களின் மகனுமான திரு. மனோஜ் பாரதி அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தி அறிந்து மிகவும் வருத்தமுற்றேன்.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 25, 2025
தனது தந்தையின் இயக்கத்தில் தாஜ்மகால் திரைப்படம் மூலம் அறிமுகமாகி, சமுத்திரம், அல்லி அர்ஜுனா, வருஷமெல்லாம் வசந்தம் எனத் தொடர்ந்து பல திரைப்படங்களில் நடித்து… pic.twitter.com/KFnwUPM3tQ
Condolences
Tributes poured in for the late actor-director
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.
Twitter Post
Check out Sarath Kumar's post
தமிழ் இயக்குனரும், குடும்பத்தில் ஒருவர் என நெருக்கமான
— R Sarath Kumar (@realsarathkumar) March 25, 2025உறவாக இருக்கும் இயக்குனர் இமயம் பாரதிராஜா அவர்களின் அன்பு மகன் மனோஜ் அவர்கள் திடீர் மாரடைப்பு காரணமாக உயிரிழந்த சம்பவம் மிகுந்த மனவேதனையளிக்கிறது.
சமுத்திரம் திரைப்படத்தில் மனோஜின் மூத்த சகோதரராக நடித்த நாட்களை… pic.twitter.com/0YcgKe4RYv
Twitter Post
Check out Prabhu's post
Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle family and friends 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 may ur soul RIP#RIPmanoj#ManojBharthirajapic.twitter.com/XebSFgKcYF
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) March 25, 2025
Career
Bharathiraja's contribution to Tamil cinema
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.
Background
Bharathiraja's personal life and education
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.