Media365
Manoj Bharathiraja’s death has come as a big shock to the Tamil film industry. The 48-year-old actor and director succumbed to cardiac arrest in Chennai on March 25. As per IANS, he had undergone a heart operation some months ago and was recuperating. Manoj Bharathi is survived by his wife, Nandana and his two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani.
Manoj Bharathiraja made his acting debut in the 1999 romantic drama Taj Mahal. The film was directed by his father, Bharathiraja. The film featured Riya Sen as the female lead and was written by ace director Mani Ratnam. It had music by A R Rahman and cinematography by B Kannan and Madhu Ambat. 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.
Manoj Bharathiraja recently made his directorial debut. He turned director for the 2023 film Margazhi Thingal after being an actor in the industry for almost 20 years. The film featured his dad Bharathirajaa in one of the lead roles along with newcomers Shyaam Selvan and Rakshana. The music for the film was by Ilaiyaraaja.
In November 2006, Manoj Bharathiraja tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend and actress Nadana. The duo featured together in the film Saadhuriyan. The couple’s reception in Chennai was a grand, star-studded affair. The couple has 2 daughters, Arthika and Mathivadani.
The news of Manoj Bharathiraja’s death has moved both the political and film industries alike. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his shock at the actor’s untimely passing. In his condolence message, he said, “I was deeply pained to learn of the demise of actor and director Manoj Bharathi, who is also the son of director Bharathirajaa. Manoj Bharathi, who got introduced through his dad’s film Taj Mahal, went on to create an identity for himself by consistently acting in a number of films such as Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna and Varushamellam Vasantham. He also attempted a number of things including direction. His unexpected demise at such a young age is shocking. I express my deepest condolences and consolation to director Bharathirajaa, Manoj’s family and friends in the film industry.”
Actor, producer, and politician Khushbu Sundar wrote, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is no longer with us. His untimely demise pains me. He was just 48 years old. May God give strength to his father, Thiru #Bharathiraaja, and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss. You will be missed, Manoj.” Director Venkat Prabhu shared a picture of Manoj with his friends and wrote, “Really shocking to hear the news… can’t believe you are no more, my brother. #Manoj gone tooooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja, uncle, family, and friends. May your soul rest in peace.”
Details about Manoj Bharathiraja’s last rites are awaited.
