Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj was cremated with full state honors at Chennai’s Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium on Sunday, a day after he died of a heart attack. He was 73 years old.On Sunday, Bhagyaraj’s body was taken through the streets of Chennai in a funeral procession to the crematorium. Actors R Parthiban and R Sarathkumar joined his family members in carrying the casket in the procession. A wreath bearing the words “Love, to you, with Bhagyaraj,” accompanied the cortege with a photo of Bhagyaraj and the former. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.Before the cremation, Bhagyaraj was conferred with 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 mourning from family members, colleagues, political leaders and thousands of fans, who gathered to bid farewell to one of Tamil cinema’s most influential storytellers. His body was laid to rest at his residence in Nungambakkam on Saturday, where actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans paid their last respects throughout the day.Among those who visited his residence Rajinikanth, Kamal Hasan, DhanushSivakarthikeyan, Karthi, R Sarathkumar, Khushboo Sundar, Sundar C, and other prominent members of the Tamil film industry. One of the most emotional moments came when Dhanush was seen breaking down during the tribute, scenes of the actor struggling to hold back tears were widely shared on social media.Soon after news of his death broke on Saturday, tributes poured in from the film community and political circles. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Khushboo 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 have also expressed their condolences, recognizing his lasting contribution to the state’s cultural landscape.Born in Velancoil in Erode district, Bhagyaraj built an extraordinary career spanning decades. He excelled as a director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer and music composer, gaining fame for his distinctive storytelling, relatable characters and sharp humour. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences.
