Kamal Haasan mourns Bharathirajaa on birthday: 'His creations remain'
Synopsis
Kamal Haasan's birthday tribute to Bharathirajaa hit harder than most — because the legendary director passed away on 10 June 2025, just weeks before turning 84. Haasan's Tamil post, reflecting on a friendship 'he celebrated,' is a quiet reminder that Bharathirajaa's rural-rooted cinema and his eye for talent shaped the careers of Rajinikanth, Sridevi, and Haasan himself.
Key Takeaways
Kamal Haasan posted a tribute on X on 17 July 2025 recalling his friendship with director Bharathirajaa on what would have been the latter's 84th birthday .
Bharathirajaa passed away on 10 June 2025 , about a month before his birthday.
He was a Padma Shri awardee and winner of six National Awards , recognised as a trailblazer in Tamil and Indian cinema.
His debut film '16 Vayathinile' featured Kamal Haasan , Rajinikanth , and Sridevi and won him the Tamil Nadu state award for best direction.
Bharathirajaa directed approximately 44 films , including cult classics such as 'Mudhal Mariyadhai' , 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile' , and 'Karuthamma' .
Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan on 17 July 2025 penned a heartfelt tribute on X recalling his friendship with legendary Tamil director Bharathirajaa, who would have turned 84 on Friday — but passed away on 10 June 2025, just over a month before his birthday.
Kamal Haasan's Tribute
Writing in Tamil, Haasan posted: 'Indru nam piranthanaal Vaazhthukalai yaerka anbu nanbar Bharathirajaa nammidaiyae illaiyenninum, avar padaipukkal irrukindrana. Avar paratiya natpai en nenjam negizhndu ninaivukoorugiradhu.' Translated, this reads: 'Today, our dear friend Bharathirajaa is not among us to accept our birthday wishes. However, his creations are there. My heart fondly remembers our friendship which he celebrated.' The two had collaborated on several films over the course of their careers, and Haasan's post underscored a bond that extended well beyond the film set.
A Trailblazer in Tamil Cinema
Bharathirajaa, born Chinnasamy on 17 July 1941 in Alli Nagaram, Theni district, to Periya Mayathevar and Meenakshi Ammal alias Karuthammal, was widely regarded as a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema. A Padma Shri awardee and winner of six National Awards, he was celebrated for bringing rural Tamil life to the screen with authenticity and empathy. His opening line, 'En Iniya Tamil Makkale...', remains iconic in Tamil Nadu to this day.
A Career Spanning 44 Films
Over an illustrious career spanning roughly 44 films, Bharathirajaa delivered several cult classics — among them the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma', and 'Naadodi Thendral'. His very first film, '16 Vayathinile' — which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Sridevi — earned him the Tamil Nadu state award for best direction, an extraordinary debut by any measure.
Actor as Well as Director
Beyond the director's chair, Bharathirajaa was also a noted actor. He made his on-screen debut in 'Kallukkul Eeram' and subsequently appeared in films including 'Nizhalgal', 'Dhaavani Kanavugal', 'Idhayam', 'Aayudha Ezhuthu', 'Rettai Suzhi', 'Pandiya Naadu', 'Seethakaadhi', 'Maanaadu', 'Eeswaran', and 'Thiruchitrambalam'. He had reportedly been battling health issues for some time before his passing.
Legacy That Outlives Him
Bharathirajaa's ability to spot fresh talent — evident from the careers of Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Sridevi, all of whom featured in his debut — remains one of his most celebrated contributions to Indian cinema. As tributes pour in on what would have been his 84th birthday, his body of work continues to be revisited by new generations of Tamil film enthusiasts.
Point of View
Rajinikanth, Sridevi — deserves more than obituary footnotes. The mainstream conversation around Tamil cinema's golden era often centres on stars; Bharathirajaa's passing is a reminder that the architects behind the camera shaped that era just as decisively. His rural-realist aesthetic, largely sidelined in today's franchise-driven landscape, remains an unfinished conversation about what Tamil cinema could still be.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kamal Haasan post a tribute to Bharathirajaa on 17 July 2025?
17 July 2025 would have been director Bharathirajaa's 84th birthday. Haasan posted the tribute on X because Bharathirajaa passed away on 10 June 2025, about a month before the occasion, making it the first birthday since his death.
When did director Bharathirajaa pass away?
Bharathirajaa passed away on 10 June 2025. He had reportedly been battling health issues for some time before his death.
What films did Kamal Haasan and Bharathirajaa work on together?
The two collaborated on several films, most notably '16 Vayathinile' (1977), Bharathirajaa's debut directorial, which also featured Rajinikanth and Sridevi and won the Tamil Nadu state award for best direction.
What awards did Bharathirajaa win during his career?
Bharathirajaa won six National Awards and was conferred the Padma Shri. He also received the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile'.
What is Bharathirajaa's legacy in Tamil cinema?
Bharathirajaa is remembered as a trailblazer who brought rural Tamil life to mainstream cinema with authenticity. Over a career spanning around 44 films, he delivered cult classics including 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', and 'Karuthamma', and was widely credited with spotting and launching major acting talent.
