Veteran film director Bharathiraja passes away following prolonged illness

Tamil cinema director, producer and screenwriter Bharathiraja died on Wednesday due to age-related complications. He was 84.

Veteran Tamil cinema director, producer and screenwriter Bharathiraja died on Wednesday due to age-related complications here, family sources said.

Bharathiraja died at his Chennai residence.

Bharathiraja no more

The actor-director, known as a trendsetter for his choice of stories and their treatment, died at his Chennai residence. He was 84.

A multiple national award winner known for his predominantly rural content, Bharathiraja shot to fame with his maiden directorial venture, "16 Vayathinile" in 1977. Top actors Kamal Haasan and Sridevi were the lead pair, with superstar Rajinikanth playing the villain in a film that went on to rule the box office. The film is rated as one among the best Tamil films even today.

He was fondly addressed as "Iyakkunar Imayam," which roughly translates as "peak of directors".

About Bharathiraja

Bharathiraja had a unique feature of introducing female leads whose names start with 'R,' such as Radha, in his films. The late director is a Padmashri recipient. Though he had kept away from direction in the last many years, Bharathiraja took to acting, starring alongside top actors including Dhanush in his mega hit 'Thiruchitrambalam.' His son, actor Manoj had predeceased him.