K. Bhagyaraj — born Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj on January 7, 1953, near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district — passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Apollo Hospital, Chennai's Greenways Road, after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 73.
Who Was K. Bhagyaraj?
Widely celebrated as the "King of Screenplay in Indian Cinema", Bhagyaraj was a rare all-rounder — director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer, music composer and producer. His unique gift was bringing ordinary middle-class families, rural heartbreaks and everyday humour to the big screen with unmatched warmth.
Born as the son of a farmer in Erode district, he moved to Chennai to pursue his passion for cinema. He began as a junior artist in Bharathiraja's legendary 16 Vayathinile (1977) — the same film where CM Vijay's father was also a known figure in the industry. From junior artist, he rose to become Bharathiraja's assistant director and screenplay writer before launching his own directorial career.
Directorial Debut & Career
Bhagyaraj made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal (1979). His breakthrough came swiftly — Andha 7 Naatkal (1981) and Mundhanai Mudichu (1983) became massive hits. Mundhanai Mudichu earned him the Filmfare Best Actor Award, making him one of the few directors to win Best Actor in a film he also wrote and directed.
His celebrated filmography spans nearly five decades and includes: Chinna Veedu, Darling Darling Darling, Enga Chinna Rasa, Oru Kai Osai, Ninaithale Inikkum, Thaaye Oonjalaadu, Dhavani Kanavugal, Sundara Kandam and Vikram. He also directed the Bollywood blockbuster Aakhree Raasta (1986), featuring Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role alongside Sridevi and Jaya Prada.
Personal Life
Bhagyaraj was married to actress Poornima Bhagyaraj, and they are considered one of Tamil cinema's iconic on-screen and off-screen couples. He is survived by his wife, his son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj (also an actor) and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj. He was also the editor of weekly magazine Bhagya and a novelist.
The Tamil film industry has lost two legends in 17 days — Bharathiraja on June 10 and now Bhagyaraj on June 27. Many note that Bhagyaraj began his career as Bharathiraja's assistant — making this a poignant end to an era of Tamil cinema's golden rural storytelling age.
CM Vijay's Response — State Honours Announced
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay was among the first to respond. In a statement shared on X, he said Bhagyaraj had "carved an everlasting place in the hearts of the Tamil people" through storytelling that combined humour, rural emotion and family values. The CM described his death as "an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema".
CM Vijay also announced that full State Honours would be accorded to Bhagyaraj's final journey — the second such honour in 17 days after Bharathiraja's state funeral. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also expressed condolences, calling Bhagyaraj's death "a great loss to the world of cinema."
Tributes poured in from across the industry — Kamal Haasan, Raghava Lawrence, Sibi Sathyaraj, and Shanthanu (his son) all shared heartfelt condolences on social media.
K. Bhagyaraj Tamil Cinema CM Vijay Condolence State Honours June 27, 2026 Cardiac Arrest