Kamal Haasan pays tribute to Bharathiraja on his special day
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan paid an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja on his birth anniversary, a month after the director’s passing.
Sharing a message on X, Kamal reflected on their long-standing friendship, saying that although Bharathiraja was no longer present to receive birthday wishes, his films would continue to keep his memory alive. He added that he remembered their bond with deep gratitude and affection.
Bharathiraja passed away on June 10 following prolonged health issues. His condition had reportedly deteriorated after the death of his son, actor Manoj Bharathiraja, who suffered a cardiac arrest in March 2025 at the age of 48.
Over a filmmaking career spanning nearly five decades, Bharathiraja transformed Tamil cinema with his distinctive storytelling and introduced several actors and filmmakers to the industry. He made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977 and went on to deliver acclaimed films including Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam and Mudhal Mariyathai.
Kamal Haasan shared a memorable professional association with Bharathiraja. He starred in the director’s debut film 16 Vayathinile alongside Rajinikanth and Sridevi before reuniting with him for Sigappu Rojakkal, a psychological thriller that showcased Bharathiraja’s versatility beyond rural dramas. The duo later collaborated on Tik Tik Tik and Oru Kaidhiyin Diary.
Speaking at Bharathiraja’s funeral, Kamal remembered him as a close friend whose artistic legacy would endure for generations. He said that while the filmmaker was no longer physically present, his friendship and contributions to cinema would continue to be cherished.