The Tamil film industry is mourning the sudden death of legendary filmmaker K Bhagyaraj as actors, directors, and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects. Among them was Superstar Rajinikanth, who called off the ongoing shoot of his upcoming film ‘Dharman’ to bid adieu to one of his closest friends in the industry. Rajinikanth visited Bhagyaraj’s house, garlanded the body, and consoled the family members. The actor was seen in tears, recalling the filmmaker with whom he had shared decades of friendship, after paying his respects and addressing the media.
Rajinikanth calls Bhagyaraj a wonderful human being
Rajinikanth expressed his grief in heartfelt words while recalling Bhagyaraj’s contribution to cinema and his personal bond with him. “Bhagyaraj was a wonderful human being. He was an extraordinary talent. I still can’t believe he is no more,” he said. The actor had reportedly been shooting for ‘Dharman’, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International. However, soon after hearing the news of Bhagyaraj’s passing, the day’s schedule was called off, allowing Rajinikanth to travel directly to the late filmmaker’s home. His visit reflected the respect and affection he had always shared with Bhagyaraj, and visuals from the tribute have since gone viral on social media.
A friendship built over decades and memorable collaborations
Rajinikanth and Bhagyaraj were friends even beyond their film association. They appreciated each other’s craftsmanship and stayed friends irrespective of their successes and failures. Rajinikanth has never shied away from praising the brilliant writing skills of Bhagyaraj, and Bhagyaraj himself has always spoken highly of Rajinikanth. Their association extended to films too, with Bhagyaraj writing the story, screenplay, and dialogues for Rajinikanth’s 1982 blockbuster ‘Pokkiri Raja’ directed by S. P. Muthuraman. The film proved to be a huge commercial success and remains one of the memorable collaborations between the two legends that strengthened their professional relationship and personal friendship.Just weeks after the death of Bharathiraja, Tamil cinema has lost yet another legendary director with the passing away of Bhagyaraj. Rajinikanth’s decision to suspend the ‘Dharman’ shoot and pay his last respects in person was a reflection of the deep friendship and mutual respect the two cinema icons shared for decades.
