Veteran filmmaker and actor Who is Bhagyaraj? Died at the age of 73, as reported by The Hindu. Over the decades, Bhagyaraj has gained recognition as a director, actor, writer, producer and screenwriter. He became known for creating stories that blended humor, romance, family emotions and social themes.Bhagyaraj has also worked as a lyricist, novelist, magazine editor and music composer for select projects.
Assistant director turned successful filmmaker
Bhagyaraj’s film journey began behind the camera. He took on the role of assistant director for ’16 Vyathinile’ and ‘Keezhakke Pogum Rail’ under the legendary Bharathiraj. He also contributed screenplays and dialogues for films like ‘Sigappu Rojakkal’ and ‘Tik Tik Tik’.He briefly appeared in small on-screen roles before becoming a filmmaker. His breakthrough came in 1979 with ‘Suvarilladha Chitthirangal’. The film marked his directorial debut. Bhagyaraj also played the lead role in the film.
A career full of memorable films
Bhagyaraj has directed more than 25 feature films. His filmography includes ‘Oru Kai Osai’, ‘Mouna Geethangal’, ‘Indru Poi Nalai Bhaa’, ‘Vidyam Vaarai Kathiru’, ‘Andha 7 Natkal’, ‘Thural Ninnu Pochu’, ‘Darling’, ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’, ‘Dhavani O Kanayugyari’, ‘Kanayudyari’ +2 among which many films were commercial successes. Bhagyaraj acted in more than 75 films in his career.
He left his mark in Hindi cinema
Bhagyaraj also ventured into Hindi cinema with the successful remake of his Tamil film. One of his most notable Hindi projects was ‘Akhri Rasta’ which was released in 1986. The film, was adapted from his Tamil hit ‘Oru Kaidiyin Diary’. Amitabh Bachchan Starring Sridevi, Jaya Prada and Anupam Kher. Bhagyaraj later directed Hindi films such as ‘Mr. ‘Bastard’ and ‘Papa the Great.Several of his Tamil blockbusters have been remade in Hindi. ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’ inspired Rajesh Khanna-starrer Masterji, while ‘Enga Chinna Rasa’ was transformed into ‘Beta’.According to Cinemaji, before entering the film industry, he dropped out of college in Coimbatore and worked several jobs, including as a rickshaw puller and circus clown in Kakinada. Besides producing films, he has written books, edited the weekly Bhagya magazine and published motivational titles including ‘Nenga Nenaicha Sadikkalam’.
