Film director Bharathiraja laid to rest with state honours in Theni district

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Bidding farewell: Bharathiraja was laid to rest at his farmhouse in Theni district on Thursday (June 11, 2026). | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Film director Bharathiraja, who died in Chennai on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) at the age of 84, was laid to rest at his farmhouse in Theni district with full state honours on Thursday.

Scores of people from his native village had gathered in front of his farmhouse from as early as 6 a.m., when the mortal remains were brought by road from Chennai.

Many women mourners and elders wept uncontrollably on seeing the body. The police had a tough time controlling the crowd Deputy-Inspector General of Police (Dindigul Range) Sasi Mohan supervised the security arrangements. At least 1,000 policemen were deployed in and around the Ghat Road, and traffic was diverted in the vicinity.

Leaders of various political parties and members of cine-associations paid their last respects. Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam; Tamil Nadu Ministers Nirmal Kumar and Vanni Arasu; Theni Collector R. Vaithinathan; Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman; CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam; Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan; former AIADMK Ministers Sellur K. Raju and R.B. Udayakumar; actor Karunas; cine directors R.K. Selvamani, Vetrimaran, Parthiban, Amir, Ram and Pon Ram; actor Radhika and her sister Nirosha; and actor Vadivelu were present, among others.

The villagers, who recalled their association with Bharathiraja, said he was affectionate and would call each one of them by name. He used to help children pursue education, and during one of his visits in the recent years, he had enquired about an old friend.

Around 3 p.m., the family members performed the last rites, led by Bharathiraja’s daughter Janani. The body was laid to rest with the police gun salute.

Tamil cinema / Tamil Nadu / cinema / film making / arts, culture and entertainment / culture (general) / Tamil