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Tamil Actor Manoj Bharathiraja Passes Away Due to Cardiac Arrest at 48
Updated on: 26 March, 2025 12:12 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Manoj Bharathiraja Death
The Tamil film industry has lost a talented actor with the sudden passing of Manoj Bharathiraja at the age of 48. The actor, known for his roles in films such as Taj Mahal, Samudhiram, Alli Arjuna, and Varushamellam Vasantham, suffered a fatal heart attack in Chennai on Tuesday evening. His demise has left the film fraternity and his fans in deep sorrow.
Over the years, he starred in several memorable films such as Kadal Pookkal, Samudhiram, Eera Nilam, and Varushamellam Vasantham. He later transitioned into supporting roles in movies like Vaaimai, Eeswaran, Maanaadu, and Viruman. Apart from acting, he also gained experience as an assistant director under Shankar for the blockbuster film Enthiran.
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His manager confirmed the tragic news, stating, "Manoj recently had bypass surgery and was recuperating. However, he succumbed to a heart attack at his residence, much to the shock of everyone. Bharathiraja Sir is on the way to his residence from Neelankarai. The funeral and other processions are yet to be decided."
His passing has left his family, fans, and colleagues devastated. He is survived by his wife, Ashwathi (alias Nandana), and two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani.
Several celebrities and prominent figures have expressed their condolences. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin shared a heartfelt statement: "Having been introduced in his father’s directorial film, Taj Mahal, he carved an identity for himself by acting in films such as Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna, Varushamellam Vasantham. He also tried his hand at directing films. I express my condolences to director Bharathiraja, his family members, and his friends from the film industry."
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Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who was a close collaborator of Bharathiraja, said, "We cannot stop it [death]. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace."
Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu also mourned his passing and shared on social media, "Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle family and friends... may ur soul RIP."
Manoj Bharathiraja was last seen in the Tamil web series Snakes and Ladders in 2024. He had a career spanning over two decades, during which he showcased his versatility as an actor and a filmmaker. His untimely demise is a huge loss to Tamil cinema.
His contributions to the film industry, along with the legacy of his father, will always be remembered. Fans and well-wishers continue to pay tribute to the talented actor, remembering him for his performances and his dedication to cinema.
May his soul rest in peace.
A Promising Actor with a Strong Legacy
Born in 1976 to veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja and his wife Chandraleela, Manoj was destined to be part of the Tamil film industry. He made his acting debut in 1999 with Taj Mahal, a film directed by his father. Though the film did not fare well at the box office, it was remembered for A.R. Rahman’s soulful music and Bharathiraja’s artistic picturization. Despite the film’s performance, Manoj’s acting talent was recognised, and he soon established his presence in the industry.Over the years, he starred in several memorable films such as Kadal Pookkal, Samudhiram, Eera Nilam, and Varushamellam Vasantham. He later transitioned into supporting roles in movies like Vaaimai, Eeswaran, Maanaadu, and Viruman. Apart from acting, he also gained experience as an assistant director under Shankar for the blockbuster film Enthiran.
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Health Struggles and Untimely Demise
Manoj Bharathiraja had been dealing with health issues and had recently undergone a bypass surgery. He was recuperating at his home in Chetpet, Chennai, when he suffered a sudden heart attack.His manager confirmed the tragic news, stating, "Manoj recently had bypass surgery and was recuperating. However, he succumbed to a heart attack at his residence, much to the shock of everyone. Bharathiraja Sir is on the way to his residence from Neelankarai. The funeral and other processions are yet to be decided."
His passing has left his family, fans, and colleagues devastated. He is survived by his wife, Ashwathi (alias Nandana), and two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani.
Several celebrities and prominent figures have expressed their condolences. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin shared a heartfelt statement: "Having been introduced in his father’s directorial film, Taj Mahal, he carved an identity for himself by acting in films such as Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna, Varushamellam Vasantham. He also tried his hand at directing films. I express my condolences to director Bharathiraja, his family members, and his friends from the film industry."
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Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who was a close collaborator of Bharathiraja, said, "We cannot stop it [death]. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace."
Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu also mourned his passing and shared on social media, "Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle family and friends... may ur soul RIP."
Manoj Bharathiraja was last seen in the Tamil web series Snakes and Ladders in 2024. He had a career spanning over two decades, during which he showcased his versatility as an actor and a filmmaker. His untimely demise is a huge loss to Tamil cinema.
His contributions to the film industry, along with the legacy of his father, will always be remembered. Fans and well-wishers continue to pay tribute to the talented actor, remembering him for his performances and his dedication to cinema.
May his soul rest in peace.
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