K Bhagyaraj Funeral: Son Shanthanu Breaks Down During Last Rites, Wife Poornima's Emotional Final Kiss

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actor, director and writer Bhagyaraj breathed his last at the age of 73 in Chennai due to a massive heart attack. Despite rushing him to the hospital, he was declared dead by the doctors on arrival. His mortal remains were kept at his residence as family members, colleagues and fans came in to offer their last respects to the legendary Tamil filmmaker. Following the rituals, Bhagyaraj’s final journey began this morning. His family gave him an emotional farewell on Sunday. He received a 72-gun salute and a two-minute silence was observed before the funeral in Chennai.

Bhagyaraj's last rites

According to reports, Bhagyaraj’s funeral will be held at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium in Chennai. The final journey to the crematorium began from his residence, with the family performing the last rituals. The filmmaker’s son, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, broke down when his father received the 72-gun salute. Bhagyaraj’s daughter sat by his mortal remains in the hearse van. His wife, Poornima, kissed him for the final time.

The van carrying Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains was surrounded by a sea of fans on the streets of Chennai. According to reports, the funeral will be held at 1:30 PM today.

Bhagyaraj's legacy

Bhagyaraj’s contribution towards Tamil cinema was immeasurable. Not just as a director and writer, but also in the capacity of an actor. Regarded as one of the greatest screenplay writers, he worked as an assistant to the renowned director Bharathiraja, who passed away earlier in June, in the 70s. Bhagyaraj’s directorial debut was Suvarillatha Chiththirangal (1979). Gradually, he became one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars. A multifaceted person, he acted in many of his own films. Bhagyaraj’s acclaimed films were Andha 7 Naatkal, Darling, Darling, Darling, Mundhanai Mudichu, Dhavani Kanavugal, Chinna Veedu, Avasara Police 100, and Parijatham. His first Hindi film was Woh 7 Din; he wrote the story and screenplay. The Anil Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, and Naseeruddin Shah film was the remake of Andha 7 Naatkal. Rajesh Khanna and Sridevi’s Masterji (1985) was an adaptation of his Tamil blockbuster Mundhanai Mudichu.

The Tamil filmmaker also directed Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi and Jaya Prada’s revenge drama, Aakhree Raasta, which was one of his best-known Hindi directorials. He then remade his Tamil film, Veetla Visheshanga, as Mr Bechara in Hindi with Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Nagarjuna. Bhagyaraj also directed Papa the Great (2000), featuring Krishna Kumar, Nagma, and child actor Master Bobby. Govinda and Karisma Kapoor’s Raja Babu (1994) was Rasukutty’s remake. Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, Poornima. They have two children, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Saranya Bhagyaraj.