Veteran filmmaker K Bhagyaraj dies at 73.Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and writer K Bhagyaraj died on Saturday in Chennai due to a heart attack. He was 73.He began his film career as an assistant to director Bharathiraja, taking on brief junior artist roles in films like 16 Vayathinile before writing scripts for Bharathiraja’s Kizhake Pogum Rayil and Tik Tik Tik. He made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal in 1979.Story continues below this adBhagyaraj went on to carve out a rare niche as an actor-auteur, frequently writing, directing and starring in his own films. His work was known for elaborate, witty scripts laced with double entendre and rooted in everyday social situations, with Bhagyaraj himself often playing a self-effacing underdog character. His breakout came with Mundhanai Mudichu in 1983, which won him the Filmfare Best Actor award and introduced actress Urvashi to Tamil cinema. The film was remade in Hindi as Masterji. He later introduced Urvashi’s sister Kalpana through Chinna Veedu in 1985, and several of his hits, including Andha 7 Naatkal and Thooral Ninnu Pochchu, were remade in Hindi.He was first married to actress Praveena, who died in 1983, and later to actress Poornima Jayaram, with whom he had two children, Saranya and Shanthanu, both of whom acted in films. He remained active in recent years, taking roles in Kanithan, Thupparivaalan and Ponmagal Vandhal, and received the SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.Live UpdatesJun 27, 2026 12:00 PM ISTK Bhagyaraj death updates: Actor Venkatesh mourns K BhagyarajTelugu star Venkatesh has paid tribute to K. Bhagyaraj, writing: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Bhagyaraj Sir. His work transcended languages and touched the hearts of millions. I feel fortunate to have been a part of films like Sundarakanda and Abbaigaru, which were born from his remarkable storytelling. Indian cinema has lost one of its finest filmmakers. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers." Sundarakanda was a Telugu remake of Bhagyaraj's own Tamil hit Sundara Kandam.Jun 27, 2026 11:55 AM ISTK Bhagyaraj death updates:Tamil Nadu governor condoles Bhagyaraj's demiseTamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has expressed grief over the death of veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj. In a condolence message, the Governor said, "The passing away of veteran Tamil film director and writer Thiru. K. Bhagyaraj is a great loss to the world of cinema. His unique storytelling, creative brilliance and immense contribution to Tamil cinema have earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and film lovers. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace."Jun 27, 2026 11:51 AM ISTK Bhagyaraj death updates: Chiranjeevi mourns the loss of "dear friend" BhagyarajMegastar Chiranjeevi has shared an emotional tribute to K. Bhagyaraj, revealing that the two were together at Khushbu Sundar's daughter's wedding in Goa just two days before Bhagyaraj's death. "Deeply shocked and heartbroken beyond words. Just the day before yesterday, we were together in Goa at Kush's wedding, laughing, sharing jokes, and taking pictures. Bhagyaraj garu was full of life and joy. To wake up to the news of his passing this morning is simply unbelievable," Chiranjeevi wrote.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:K Bhagyaraj