Manoj Bharathiraja, Tamil Actor-Director And Son Of Filmmaker Bharathiraja, Dies At 48 Of Cardiac Arrest

Manoj Bharathiraja, Tamil actor and director, breathed his last at the age of 48. He was the son of the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja. The actor is survived by his wife and two daughters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, other political leaders, along with actors from Tamil cinema, took to their social media accounts to remember the actor and extend support to his family in the time of need.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, other political leaders mourn the demise of Manoj Bharathiraja

As soon as the news of Manoj Bharathiraja's death surfaced, Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin took to X (formerly Twitter) account to mourn his demise and express his shock at the untimely passing of the actor. In his post, the CM wrote in Tamil, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Manoj Bharathi, son of actor and director Bharathiraja. Mr. Manoj made his debut with the film Taj Mahal, directed by his father and went on to act in many films including Samudraam, Alli Arjuna, and Varushamellam Vasantham, creating a mark for himself. Manoj has also tried his hand at directing. His unexpected demise at a young age is deeply shocking. I express my deepest condolences and comfort to Director Imayam Bharathiraja, his family, and friends from the film industry who are grieving the loss of their beloved son.”

Offering his condolences, actor and politician Sarathkumar wrote on X, “The sudden death of Manoj, the beloved son of Tamil director and close family friend Imayam Bharathiraja, due to a heart attack, is deeply heartbreaking. I remember the days when I played Manoj's elder brother in the movie Samudraam. The passing away of Ilaval, who played many different characters and fought till the end to make his mark, shows the precarious state of life. We have no words to console Bharathiraja and his family. I pray to the Almighty God that the departed soul of Manoj, who has passed away after causing a great loss to his family, relatives, friends and the film industry, may rest in peace.” 

Director Venkat Prabhu, Actress Khushbu Sundar remember Manoj Bharatiraja

Not only political leaders, members from the film fraternity also expressed their shock at the sudden passing of Manoj Bharathiraja. "Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 yrs. May God give the 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 actress Khusbhu Sundar on X.

The GOAT director Venkat Prabhu shared a photo with the late actor and wrote, "Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathirajauncle family and friends 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 may ur soul RIP."  

Manoj made his acting debut in the year 1999 through the romantic drama Taj Mahal, which was directed by his dad, Bharathiraja. 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.