CHENNAI: Veteran Indian filmmaker, screenwriter and actor K Bhagyaraj has passed away at the age of 73 after suffering a heart attack, according to Indian media reports.
Bhagyaraj reportedly experienced severe chest pain on Saturday morning and was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors were unable to save him despite extensive efforts.
He is survived by his wife Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj.
His death comes just 17 days after the passing of his mentor, acclaimed Tamil filmmaker K Bharathiraja, deepening the sense of loss within the Tamil film industry.
Widely regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s most accomplished writers and filmmakers, Bhagyaraj starred in numerous hit films and earned acclaim for his screenwriting and direction.
Among his notable works was Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, directed by his mentor and starring Kamal Haasan. The story was later adapted into the Hindi film Aakhree Raasta, directed by Bhagyaraj and featuring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.
Bhagyaraj’s contributions as an actor, writer and director have left a lasting mark on Indian cinema, particularly the Tamil film industry.
