Tamil actor-filmmaker Manoj Bharathiraja passes away; Vijay, Suriya and others pay last respects

Tamil actor and filmmaker Manoj Bharathiraja, son of veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Tuesday. He was 48.

The social media handle of the actors' association, Nadigar Sangam, confirmed the news. "Director Bharathiraja's son Manoj K Bharathiraja passed away due to cardiac arrest," said an update from the group.

Manoj began as an assistant director in films directed by his father and Mani Ratnam before debuting as a lead actor in his father's 1999 film Taj Mahal. He has appeared in films such as Kadhal Pookkal, Alli Arjuna, Pallavan and Eera Nilam. He was recently seen in supporting roles in Silambarasan's Maanaadu and Karthi's Viruman.

He had continued his stint as an assistant director, working with Shankar before making his directorial debut in 2023 with Margazhi Thingal, starring Bharathiraja.

Tributes poured in eminent personalities from Tamil Nadu. 

Chief Minister M K Stalin, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, music director Ilaiyaraaja, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, and director Venkat Prabhu expressed shock at Manoj's untimely demise. 

Actors Vijay, Suriya, Karthi and others visited the Bharathiraja residence and paid their last respects. 

Kamal Haasan, who worked in some of Bharathiraja's notable films, expressed his deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

"Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 years. May God give strength to his father Thiru #Bharathiraaja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss. You will be missed, Manoj. Rest in peace. Om Shanthi," wrote Khusbhu on 'X'.

Manoj is survived by his wife (and actor), Nandana, and two daughters.