Tamil actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja passes away

CHENNAI: Tamil actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, son of legendary filmmaker and actor Bharathiraja, has passed away.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin took to his X account to mourn the late actor’s death, writing, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mr Manoj Bharathiraja, son of actor and director Bharathiraja. He made his debut with the film Taj Mahal, directed by his father, and went on to act in many films, including Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna, and Varushamellam Vasantham, creating a mark for himself. He also tried his hand at directing.”

“His unexpected demise at a young age is deeply shocking. I express my deepest condolences and comfort to Iyakkunar Imayam Bharathiraja, his family, and friends from the film industry who are grieving the loss of their beloved son,” he added.

நடிகரும் இயக்குநர் பாரதிராஜா அவர்களின் மகனுமான திரு. மனோஜ் பாரதி அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தி அறிந்து மிகவும் வருத்தமுற்றேன்.

தனது தந்தையின் இயக்கத்தில் தாஜ்மகால் திரைப்படம் மூலம் அறிமுகமாகி, சமுத்திரம், அல்லி அர்ஜுனா, வருஷமெல்லாம் வசந்தம் எனத் தொடர்ந்து பல திரைப்படங்களில் நடித்து… pic.twitter.com/KFnwUPM3tQ

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 25, 2025

Several members of the Tamil film industry also paid their respects. Director Venkat Prabhu shared a picture of Manoj with his friends and wrote, “Really shocking to hear the news… can’t believe you are no more, my brother. #Manoj gone tooooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja, uncle, family, and friends. May your soul rest in peace.”

Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle family and friends may ur soul RIP#RIPmanoj #ManojBharthiraja pic.twitter.com/XebSFgKcYF

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) March 25, 2025

Actor, producer, and politician Khushbu Sundar wrote, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is no longer with us. His untimely demise pains me.

He was just 48 years old. May God give strength to his father, Thiru #Bharathiraaja, and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss. You will be missed, Manoj.”

Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 yrs. May God give the strength to his father Thiru #Bharathiraaja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable painful loss. You will be missed Manoj.
Rest in peace.
Om… pic.twitter.com/Cu3lApdsiE

— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) March 25, 2025

Manoj Bharathiraja is survived by his wife, Ashwathi alias Nandana, and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani. More details regarding his final rites are awaited. (ANI)