The funeral rites of the famous filmmaker Bharathiraja finished in his home town of Theni on Thursday (June 11). The late filmmaker, who breathed his last at the age of 84, was buried amid intense mourning from his family, filmmakers, politicians and many other admirers. His mortal remains were taken in a solemn procession from his residence to the burial ground near his farm, where emotional scenes unfolded as people gathered to bid farewell to the man who changed the face of Tamil cinema.
72 gun salute marks the last farewell to the director
As announced by the Tamil Nadu government, Bharathiraja was accorded full state honors during his last rites. The event reached an emotional moment when a 72-gun salute was presented in recognition of his immense contribution to cinema and society. Family members stood by the casket as honors were given. Rituals for the dead ended in the company of loved ones and his fans, marking the end of an era that defined generations of filmmakers.
Raadhika, Seeman, Vairamuthu and the filmmakers bid them a final farewell
Several famous personalities traveled to Theni to pay their last respects. Actor Raadhika Sarathkumar, politician Seeman, poet Vairamuthu, director Ram and director Vetrimaaran were present along with Bharathiraja’s family. His fans flocked to the streets around the place, paying their last respects to their idol. Some were emotional, others shouted slogans praising his unique contribution to Tamil cinema. Social media was also flooded with tributes, with fans calling him the ‘father of rural tales’ in Tamil films.
Vijay Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and others paid their last respects in Chennai
Before being taken to Theni for his last rites, Bharathiraja’s remains were kept at his residence in Chennai for public homage. The event was hugely attended where film personalities, political figures, friends and fans gathered to pay their last respects. Vijay, the film actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Rajnikanth, the Superstar, Kamal Haasan, Ilaiyaraaja, the famous music composer and many other stars and directors who came to pay their last respects were present.