Actor-Director Manoj Bharathiraja Dies at 48 from Cardiac Arrest

Chennai: Tamil actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja, who is the son of legendary director Bharathiraja, died on March 25, 2025, at the age of 48 from cardiac arrest. He had recently undergone open-heart surgery a month ago and was recuperating at home when he had a fatal heart attack.

Born on September 11, 1976, in Tamil Nadu’s Kambam, Manoj Bharathiraja began his acting career in 1999 with the movie Taj Mahal under the direction of his father. He acted in a number of Tamil movies over the years and gained appreciation for his role in Alli Arjuna, Samudhiram, Eeswaran, and Viruman. Recently, he stepped into direction with the 2023 Tamil movie Margazhi Thingal, which was well received by critics.

Manoj Bharathiraja has left behind his wife, Nandana, an actress he married on 19th November 2006, and the two daughters of his, Arthika and Mathivadani. His unexpected death left everyone in the film industry as well as his fan base in severe shock. Filmmakers’ professionals, along with political representatives, showed condolence towards this loss.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the actor’s death, remembering his contributions to Tamil cinema. “Manoj Bharathiraja was a great artist who carried on his father’s tradition with elegance. His untimely death is a massive loss to the industry,” the CM said. Senior actors and directors like Kamal Haasan, Ilaiyaraaja, and director Bharathiraja himself, paid their respects and recalled Manoj’s legacy in Tamil cinema.

The last rites are to be conducted at his father’s house in Neelankarai, Chennai, opposite actor Vijay’s residence. Several celebrities from the Tamil film fraternity are likely to pay their last respects.

Manoj Bharathiraja’s death is a great loss to Tamil cinema. His life, though brief, made its mark on the industry, both as a director and actor. He will be remembered for his commitment to storytelling and his talent at bringing characters to life on the screen. His work will continue to inspire upcoming generations within the Tamil film industry.

Fans and well-wishers continue to post their tributes on social media, recalling his great performances and how he contributed to Tamil cinema. The film fraternity laments the loss of a talented actor who had so much more to give.