Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja’s son, Manoj Bharathiraja, passed away at his Chetpet residence in Chennai at around 4 pm on Tuesday evening. Manoj was just 48 years old. He is survived by his wife, Ashwathi, and daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani.
As per reports, Manoj underwent a bypass surgery a few days ago. Details about his last rites are awaited.
Manoj Bharathiraja made his acting debut with the 1999 romantic drama, ‘Taj Mahal’. The film was scripted and produced by Mani Ratnam, while AR Rahman composed the music.
Manoj went on to act in movies such as ‘Alli Arjuna’, ‘Varushamellam Vasantham’, ‘Maha Nadigan’, among others.
He was recently seen in director Venkat Prabhu’s ‘Maanaadu’ and Karthi’s ‘Viruman’. He was last seen in Prime Video’s ‘Snakes and Ladders’. He also directed ‘Margazhi Thingal’ that released in 2023.
Condolences have been pouring in on Manoj’s untimely demise. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X and wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mr Manoj Bharathi, son of actor and director Bharathiraja. He made his debut with the film Taj Mahal, directed by his father and went on to act in many films including Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna, Varushamellam Vasantham, creating a mark for himself. He also tried his hand at directing.”