Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj passed away on June 26, 2026, in Chennai at the age of 84, according to family sources. He had been hospitalized for age-related ailments.
Bhagyaraj, known for his sharp dialogues and socially relevant films, directed over 20 movies and acted in more than 100. His notable works include Mouna Geethangal (1981), Thooral Ninnu Pochu (1982), and Chinna Veedu (1985), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
Born on January 7, 1942, in Vellakoil, Tamil Nadu, Bhagyaraj began his career as a dialogue writer before becoming a director. He was also a mentor to several actors, including his son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj.
Tributes poured in from the Tamil film fraternity, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan expressing condolences. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also paid homage, calling Bhagyaraj a 'master storyteller.'
