Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj was cremated with full state honors at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium in Chennai on Sunday, a day after he died following a cardiac arrest. He is 73 years old.On Sunday, Bhagyaraj’s dead body was taken in a funeral procession through the streets of Chennai to the crematorium. Actors R Parthiban and R Sarathkumar joined his family members in carrying the casket during the procession. A floral tribute inscribed with the words, “With Love, Yours, Bhagyaraj,” accompanied the cortege, along with a photograph of Bhagyaraj and the former. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.Before the cremation, Bhagyaraj was given full state honors in recognition of his immense contribution to Tamil cinema. His last rites were performed in the presence of family members, colleagues and close friends from the industry.Bhagyaraj’s final journey witnessed an outpouring of grief from family members, colleagues, political leaders and thousands of admirers, who gathered to bid farewell to one of the most influential storytellers of Tamil cinema. His mortal remains were kept at his Nungambakkam residence on Saturday, where actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans paid their last respects throughout the day.Among those who visited his residence were: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, DhanushSivakarthikeyan, Karthi, R Sarathkumar, Khushbu Sundar, Sundar C, and other prominent members of the Tamil film industry. One of the most emotional moments happened when Dhanush was seen breaking down while paying his respects, with visuals of the actor struggling to hold back tears being widely shared on social media.Soon after the news of his death broke on Saturday, tributes poured in from across the film fraternity and political circles. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Khushbu Sundar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Sivakarthikeyan, Venkat Prabhuand many others remember Bhagyaraj as a visionary filmmaker, gifted writer and mentor whose films left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. Political leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, also expressed their condolences, acknowledging his lasting contribution to the state’s cultural scene.Born in Vellankoil in Erode district, Bhagyaraj built an extraordinary career over decades. He excelled as a director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer and music composer, gaining fame for his unique storytelling, relatable characters and sharp humor. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences.
