Actor and Director Manoj Bharathi Passes Away

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Bharathi was the son of legendary director Bharathirajaa.
- He made his acting debut in 1999 with ‘Taj Mahal’.
- Manoj directed ‘Margazhi Thingal’ in 2023.
- He left behind a family including his wife and two daughters.
- His sudden death has shocked the Tamil film community.
Chennai, Mar 25 (NationPress) – In a devastating turn of events that has rocked the Tamil film industry, actor and director Manoj Bharathi, the son of esteemed Tamil filmmaker Bharathirajaa, tragically passed away on Tuesday evening due to a heart attack.
He was just 48 years old.
Industry insiders revealed that Manoj had undergone a heart surgery several months prior and was in the process of recovery.
He leaves behind his wife Nandana and two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani.
Manoj made his acting debut in 1999 with the romantic film ‘Taj Mahal’, directed by his father Bharathirajaa. The film featured Riya Sen as the leading lady and was penned by renowned director Mani Ratnam. It boasted music by A R Rahman and cinematography by B Kannan and Madhu Ambat.
Following ‘Taj Mahal’, Manoj starred in numerous films, becoming particularly known for titles such as ‘Kadal Pookal’, ‘Alli Arjuna’, ‘Viruman’, and ‘Maanaadu’.
In 2023, Manoj stepped into directing with ‘Margazhi Thingal’ after nearly two decades in front of the camera.
This film featured his father, Bharathirajaa, in a pivotal role along with newcomers Shyaam Selvan and Rakshana. The score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
The shocking news of Manoj Bharathi’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from political leaders, actors, and industry professionals alike.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his sorrow in a condolence message, stating, “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of actor and director Manoj Bharathi, son of director Bharathirajaa. Manoj, who debuted in his father’s film ‘Taj Mahal’, carved out his own legacy through performances in films like ‘Samuthiram’, ‘Alli Arjuna’, and ‘Varushamellam Vasantham’. His untimely death at a young age is a tragedy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to director Bharathirajaa, Manoj’s family, and his friends in the film community.”