Actor and director Manoj Bharathi, the son of veteran Tamil film director Bharathirajaa, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, after suffering a heart attack. He was 48. Sources in the industry said that Manoj Bharathi had undergone a heart operation some months ago and that he was recuperating. Manoj Bharathi is survived by his wife Nandana and his two daughters Arshitha and Mathivadhani.
Several political leaders, actors and film industry professionals have expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of the actor and director. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in his condolence message said, “I was deeply pained to learn of the demise of actor and director Manoj Bharathi, who is also the son of director Bharathirajaa... He also attempted a number of things including direction. His unexpected demise at such a young age is shocking. I express my deepest condolences and consolation to director Bharathirajaa, Manoj’s family and friends in the film industry.”
Manoj made his acting debut in the year 1999 through the romantic drama Taj Mahal, which was directed by Bharathirajaa. The film featured Riya Sen as the female lead and was written by director Mani Ratnam. It had music by AR Rahman and cinematography by B Kannan and Madhu Ambat.
Manoj Bharathi went on to act in a number of films after Taj Mahal. Some of his other films for which he will be most remembered include Kadal Pookal, Alli Arjuna, Viruman and Maanaadu.
In 2023, Manoj Bharathi turned director with Margazhi Thingal after having been an actor for almost 20 years in the Tamil film industry. The film featured his father Bharathirajaa in one of the lead roles along with newcomers Shyaam Selvan and Rakshana. Music for the film was by Ilaiyaraaja.