Chennai ,28 June (H.S.):
Veteran filmmaker, actor, screenwriter and dialogue writer K. Bhagyaraj, widely regarded as one of Tamil cinema's greatest storytellers, was cremated with full State honours at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium in Chennai on Saturday. The 73-year-old filmmaker's final journey drew an outpouring of grief from political leaders, film personalities and thousands of admirers who lined the streets to bid him a tearful farewell.
Celebrated as the King of Screenplays, Bhagyaraj carved a unique niche in Tamil cinema by transforming ordinary family life into engaging and entertaining stories filled with humour, emotion and social relevance. A multifaceted talent, he excelled as a director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer, lyricist and music composer, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy spanning several decades.
Bhagyaraj died of a cardiac arrest on Friday morning. According to family sources, he had completed his routine morning walk and returned home when he answered a mobile phone call. Moments later, he suddenly collapsed after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was rushed to Apollo Hospital on Greams Road but was declared dead before reaching the hospital.
His mortal remains were brought to his residence in Nungambakkam, where Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Cabinet ministers, leaders of various political parties, actors, actresses and members of the film fraternity paid their final respects. Thousands of fans also visited the residence to offer floral tributes to the legendary filmmaker.
Following the completion of public homage, Bhagyaraj's funeral procession commenced from his residence to the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium. Actors R. Sarathkumar and R. Parthiban, along with several members of the film industry, shouldered the mortal remains during the final journey. His wife, actress Poornima Bhagyaraj, and son, actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, accompanied the hearse as mourners showered flowers on the procession along the route.
In accordance with Chief Minister Vijay's announcement, Bhagyaraj was accorded full State honours. Tamil Nadu Ministers N. Anand and Raj Mohan laid wreaths on behalf of the State government before a ceremonial police guard of honour was presented. The ceremony included a 72-gun salute, a three-round rifle volley by the police contingent and a minute's silence in his memory.
The final religious rites were performed according to family traditions. In an emotional moment, Poornima Bhagyaraj bid farewell to her husband with a final kiss, while Shanthanu performed the last rites. Bhagyaraj's mortal remains were then cremated at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in Tamil cinema as the industry and millions of fans mourned the loss of one of its finest creative minds.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
