Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday paid his last respects to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who passed away in Chennai in the early hours of the day at the age of 85 due to age-related ailments.
The Chief Minister visited the late director's residence in Neelangarai and paid homage to the pioneer of Tamil cinema.
Bharathiraja's demise has left the Tamil film industry in mourning, with actors, directors and film personalities expressing grief and paying tribute to his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Actress Gautami Tadimalla described him as "a true legend" who defined an era of Tamil cinema with his timeless classics. "His loss is irreplaceable and will be keenly felt for ages to come. Many generations of filmmakers and audiences will continue to be inspired by his legacy," she wrote on X.
Actress Revathi, who was introduced to Tamil cinema by Bharathiraja, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, saying, "RIP Bharathiraja Sir — the reason that I am here as an actor and did the films I did."
Actor Shanthanu remembered him as the visionary who "put Tamilsoil on the silver screen forever," while music director and actor G.V. Prakash Kumar called him a stalwart who transformed cinema and inspired countless filmmakers.
Actor, producer and politician Khushbu Sundar also expressed her grief, saying she was "devastated" by the loss. Calling his death a "gloomy cloud" over Tamil cinema, she said Bharathiraja's absence would be deeply felt by generations of cinema lovers.
A Padma Shri awardee and six-time National Award winner, Bharathiraja is widely regarded as a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema. He was known for portraying rural Tamil life with authenticity and sensitivity, often weaving social issues into his storytelling.
His iconic opening words, "En Iniya Tamil Makkale...", remain etched in the hearts of audiences across Tamil Nadu. Bharathiraja was also celebrated for introducing and nurturing new talent in the film industry.
His debut film, '16 Vayathinile', starring Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi, earned him the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Director and went on to become a landmark film in Tamil cinema.
With a career spanning decades, Bharathiraja leaves behind a rich cinematic legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
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