Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja’s son Manoj Bharathiraja passes away at 48; Film industry mourns his loss
His sudden death has left the film industry and fans in deep shock. Many actors, politicians and technicians expressed their grief and offered condolences to his family.
Hyderabad: Tamil actor and filmmaker Manoj Bharathiraja, son of legendary director and actor Bharathiraja, passed away at the age of 48 on Tuesday, March 25. He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Chetpet, Chennai, while recovering from recent bypass surgery.
His sudden death has left the film industry and fans in deep shock. Many actors, politicians and technicians expressed their grief and offered condolences to his family.
Chief Minister and Political Leaders Express Shock
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin shared his sorrow over Manoj’s untimely passing. “I am shocked to hear about his death at such a young age. Having started his career in his father’s film Taj Mahal, he created a name for himself through movies like Samudhiram and Varushamellam Vasantham. My condolences to Bharathiraja and his family.”
நடிகரும் இயக்குநர் பாரதிராஜா அவர்களின் மகனுமான திரு. மனோஜ் பாரதி அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தி அறிந்து மிகவும் வருத்தமுற்றேன்.
தனது தந்தையின் இயக்கத்தில் தாஜ்மகால் திரைப்படம் மூலம் அறிமுகமாகி, சமுத்திரம், அல்லி அர்ஜுனா, வருஷமெல்லாம் வசந்தம் எனத் தொடர்ந்து பல திரைப்படங்களில் நடித்து… pic.twitter.com/KFnwUPM3tQ
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 25, 2025
Tamil Maanila Congress president G K Vasan and Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai also expressed their condolences.
Film Industry Mourns
Actress Khushbu Sundar was deeply saddened by the news. “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is no more. His untimely demise is painful. May God give strength to Bharathiraja Sir and his family to bear this unbearable loss. You will be missed, Manoj. Rest in peace.”
Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 yrs. May God give the strength to his father Thiru #Bharathiraaja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable painful loss. You will be missed Manoj.
Rest in peace.
Om… pic.twitter.com/Cu3lApdsiE— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) March 25, 2025
Actor and Politician Pawan Kalyan also shared his grief. “I am shocked to hear about Manoj’s sudden death. I pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Bharathiraja’s family.”
Actress Simran also expressed her sadness. “Extremely shocked to hear about the passing of Manoj Bharathiraja. Heartfelt condolences to Bharathiraja Sir and the grieving family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
Extremely shocked to hear the news of the untimely demise of Manoj Bharathiraja.
Heartfelt condolences to Bharathiraja sir and the grieving family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Simran (@SimranbaggaOffc) March 25, 2025
Director Venkat Prabhu posted an emotional message with a picture of Manoj. “Really shocking… can’t believe you are no more, my brother #Manoj. Gone too soon. Deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle, family, and friends. May your soul rest in peace.”
Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 yrs. May God give the strength to his father Thiru #Bharathiraaja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable painful loss. You will be missed Manoj.
Rest in peace.
Om… pic.twitter.com/Cu3lApdsiE— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) March 25, 2025
A Life in Cinema
Born in 1976 to Bharathiraja and Chandraleela, Manoj made his acting debut in 1999 with Taj Mahal. Over the years, he acted in films like Kadal Pookkal, Eera Nilam and Vaaimai. He later moved into supporting roles in movies such as Eeswaran, Maanaadu and Viruman.
In 2023, he made his directorial debut with Margazhi Thingal, featuring his father and newcomers Shyam Selvan and Rakshana. His last appearance was in the Prime Video series Snakes & Ladders.
Manoj is survived by his wife, former actress Nandana and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani. He and Nandana acted together in Saadhuriyan before getting married on November 19, 2006.
