Tamil actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja, son of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, passed away at his home in Chetpet, Chennai, on March 25, at the age of 48. Reports suggest he had undergone bypass surgery a few days prior and suffered a cardiac arrest around 4 PM on Tuesday. His untimely demise has left the Tamil film industry and his admirers in deep sorrow.

Manoj Bharathiraja’s love for cinema was deeply ingrained in him, being the son of a master storyteller. Before stepping into acting, he studied theatre arts at the University of South Florida and worked as an assistant director. His acting debut came under the direction of his father in Taj Mahal (1999), a poignant romantic drama that resonated with audiences. Starring alongside Riya Sen, the film explored love amid societal divides, featuring a stellar cast including Revathi, Radhika, and Ranjitha.

The film, penned by Mani Ratnam, was elevated by A.R. Rahman’s enchanting music. Though a sleeper hit at the time, its soundtrack remains a cherished classic. Over the years, Manoj continued to take on diverse roles, appearing in films like Maanaadu (2021) with Silambarasan TR and Viruman (2022) starring Karthi. He also ventured into digital platforms, featuring in the 2024 web series Snakes and Ladders.

Though Manoj Bharathiraja was admired for his performances, his true passion lay in direction. In a past interview, he reflected on how an unexpected call changed the course of his career:

"Susi sir wanted to meet me and narrated a one-line story of a film he was about to make. I instantly loved it. As I wondered about my role, he surprised me by saying that I would be directing it."


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His humility was evident in how he viewed himself in the industry:

"I am not hero material. When a role is written considering my physical appearance, I believe I can do justice to it. The hero phase was short-lived for me, but direction has always been my true calling."

Despite his dedication to cinema, Manoj carried the weight of his father’s expectations.

"Appa has always regretted that I couldn’t become a renowned actor. He has shaped so many actors in Kollywood. But acting was never my first choice; direction always was," he once shared.

In 2024, he made a splash with his role in the web series "Snakes and Ladders." Manoj tied the knot with his long-time friend, the talented Tamil actress Nandana, on November 19, 2006. After years of friendship, they took the plunge, and blessed with two daughters Arthika and Mathivadani.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and on the silver screen. Rest easy, Manoj.

Source / Image Credit : deccanchronicle, indiaglitz_tamil , Etemaad