Entertainment
oi-Ashish Rana
Veteran actor, filmmaker and screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj was cremated with full State honours at the Besant Nagar electric crematorium in Chennai on Sunday, marking the end of an era in Tamil cinema. The acclaimed filmmaker received a 72-gun salute while two minutes of silence were observed before the final rites, as family members, political leaders, film personalities and admirers gathered to pay their last respects.
Veteran Tamil filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, known as the ‘King of Screenplay’, was cremated with full State honours, including a 72-gun salute, in Chennai on Sunday, with Ministers Anand and Rajmohan representing the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamil Nadu Government Pays Final Tribute
Representing the Tamil Nadu government, Ministers Anand and Rajmohan placed a floral wreath on Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains before the cremation ceremony. The State honour was announced in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Tamil cinema as a director, actor, screenwriter and dialogue writer.
Earlier, Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains were kept at his residence in Nungambakkam, where members of the public, colleagues from the film industry and well-wishers visited throughout the night to pay their respects before the final journey.
Chief Minister Vijay Mourns Veteran Filmmaker
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expressed deep sorrow over Bhagyaraj’s demise, calling him one of the finest multi-talented personalities in the Tamil film industry. Remembering the veteran’s remarkable career, the Chief Minister praised his achievements across multiple fields of filmmaking and acknowledged the lasting impact of his work.
He said Bhagyaraj’s films not only entertained audiences but also carried strong human values and meaningful social messages that would continue to inspire future generations.
Calling the veteran’s death an irreparable loss to Tamil cinema, Vijay announced that Bhagyaraj’s final journey would be conducted with full State honours. He also extended condolences to the filmmaker’s family, friends, colleagues and countless admirers, while praying for his soul to rest in peace. The Chief Minister described the gesture as a tribute to the enduring cinematic legacy created by the filmmaker, widely known as the “King of Screenplay.”
Film Fraternity Stands With Family
Even before Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains reached his residence, several leading personalities from the Tamil film industry arrived to support the bereaved family and oversee arrangements for the public homage.
Among those present were actor-director Parthiban, director Pandiraj, Radhika Sarathkumar, Sarathkumar and actress Suhasini. The senior artistes and filmmakers coordinated visitor movement, assisted with the arrangements and ensured that thousands of mourners could pay their final respects in an orderly manner.
An Emotional Goodbye To The ‘King Of Screenplay’
The overwhelming turnout from the film fraternity and fans reflected the respect Bhagyaraj commanded throughout his career. Widely admired for his storytelling, screenplay writing and socially relevant films, the veteran leaves behind a legacy that shaped Tamil cinema for decades.
As his final rites concluded with full State honours, Tamil cinema bid an emotional farewell to one of its most influential filmmakers, whose work continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
