Veteran Tamil filmmaker and actor K Bhagyaraj dies of heart attack at 73

Chennai: Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj died after suffering a heart attack in Chennai on Saturday. He was 73.

Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, former actor Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj.

The veteran filmmaker had remained active in public life until recently and had attended the wedding of Khushbu Sundar's daughter in Goa just days before his death.

Over a career spanning several decades, Bhagyaraj established himself as one of Tamil cinema's most influential filmmakers, earning acclaim for writing and directing films that combined humour, emotion and socially relevant themes.

Among his best-known works are Mundhanai Mudichu, Andha 7 Naatkal and Darling, Darling, Darling, all of which remain widely regarded as classics of Tamil cinema.

Known for his distinctive storytelling and relatable characters, Bhagyaraj left a lasting mark on the industry, influencing generations of filmmakers, writers and actors through his work both in front of and behind the camera.