Chennai, June 27 (IANS) 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.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Vijay said Bhagyaraj’s passing had created an irreplaceable void in the Tamil film industry and recalled his outstanding contribution to film-making through his unique storytelling, memorable screenplays and natural performances.

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.

He made his directorial debut with Suvarillatha Chithirangal in 1979 and went on to redefine screenplay writing in Tamil cinema through films that blended humour, romance, family emotions and social themes.

His distinctive style of storytelling, realistic dialogues and brilliantly crafted screenplays earned him a special place in the industry.

Films such as Andha 7 Naatkal, Mundhanai Mudichu, Dhavani Kanavugal and Chinna Veedu remain enduring classics.

Apart from directing, Bhagyaraj enjoyed a successful acting career and wrote stories, screenplays and dialogues for numerous films over four decades.

He received several honours, including Filmfare Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and was widely regarded as one of the finest screenplay writers in Indian cinema.

Condolences also poured in from across the film fraternity. Superstar Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Bharathiraja, Sathyaraj, Raghava Lawrence, K.S. Ravikumar, Khushbu Sundar, Sundar C. and several other actors and film-makers paid rich tributes, remembering Bhagyaraj as a master storyteller whose work shaped modern Tamil cinema.

Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, actor Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya.

His death marks the end of a remarkable cinematic journey, but his timeless films and pioneering screenplays will continue to inspire film-makers and entertain audiences for generations.

—IANS

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