CM Vijay, Guv Arlekar lead tributes; state honours announced
Tributes poured in as veteran actor, director and acclaimed screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj passed away in Chennai on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 73.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar led the State in mourning the legendary film-maker, describing his death as an irreparable loss to Tamil cinema and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday announced that veteran filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj would be accorded full state honours during his final rites, describing his death as an irreparable loss to Tamil cinema and the cultural life of the State. Governor Arlekar said Bhagyaraj’s remarkable contributions as an actor, writer and film-maker had enriched Indian cinema and would continue to inspire generations of artists.
Both leaders conveyed their sympathies to Bhagyaraj’s family, friends and countless admirers. According to reports, Bhagyaraj was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai on Saturday morning after collapsing due to a cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of doctors, he could not be revived.
He had remained active in public life and was last seen attending the wedding celebrations of film-maker Sundar C. and actor Khushbu Sundar’s daughter, Avantika Sundar, in Goa a few days ago.
His funeral is scheduled to be held at Besant Nagar in Chennai. Born as Krishnasamy Bhagyaraj on January 7, 1953, at Vellankovil near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district, he began his film career as an assistant director under legendary film-maker Bharathiraja before emerging as one of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated writer-directors. (Agencies)
