Funeral rites of renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja concluded in his native town of Theni on Thursday (June 11). The late filmmaker, who breathed his last at the age of 84, was buried amidst heavy mourning from relatives, film artists, political leaders, and many more admirers. His mortal remains were taken in a solemn procession from his residence to the burial site near his farmhouse, where emotional scenes unfolded as people gathered to bid farewell to the man who changed the face of Tamil cinema.
72-gun salute marks final farewell to the director
As announced by the Tamil Nadu government, Bharathiraja was accorded full state honours during his final rites. The ceremony reached an emotional moment when a 72-gun salute was presented in recognition of his immense contribution to cinema and society. Family members stood beside the coffin as the honours were rendered. Rituals for the departed ended in the company of near and dear ones as well as his fans, marking the end of an era that defined generations of cineastes.
Raadhika, Seeman, Vairamuthu, and film personalities pay their last respects
Several prominent personalities travelled to Theni to pay their final respects. Actress Raadhika Sarathkumar, politician Seeman, poet Vairamuthu, director Ram, and director Vetrimaaran were among those present alongside Bharathiraja’s family. His fans flocked to the streets surrounding the location, bidding a last goodbye to their idol. Some were emotional, while others shouted slogans hailing his matchless contribution to Tamil cinema. Social media was also flooded with tributes, with fans calling him the “father of rural storytelling” in Tamil films.
Vijay, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and others paid their last respect in Chennai
Before being taken to Theni for his final rites, Bharathiraja’s mortal remains were kept at his Chennai residence for public homage. An overwhelming attendance was recorded at the event, where movie personalities, political figures, friends, and fans came together to pay their last respects. It was attended by Vijay, a film actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Rajnikanth, Superstar, Kamal Haasan, Ilaiyaraaja, the famous composer of music, and many other stars and directors who came there to pay their last respects.