Veteran Filmmaker Bhagyaraj Dies
Veteran Tamil actor, director and screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj passed away on Saturday at the age of 73 after suffering a massive heart attack. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chennai, leaving the South Indian film industry in mourning.
Widely regarded as a master of screenplay writing, Bhagyaraj was one of Tamil cinema's most influential filmmakers during the 1980s and 1990s. Beginning his career as an associate of legendary director Bharathiraja, he later established himself as a successful writer, director and actor.
Bhagyaraj directed more than 25 films and acted in over 75 movies. Several of his Tamil hits, including Andha 7 Naatkal, Mundhanai Mudichu and Indru Poi Naalai Vaa, were remade into Telugu and became major successes. He also directed the Hindi film Aakhree Raasta, starring Amitabh Bachchan.
He is survived by his wife, veteran actress Poornima Bhagyaraj, son and actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, and daughter Saranya. His mortal remains will be kept at his Chennai residence for the public to pay their last respects before the funeral. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.
