King of script and dialogue writing K Bhagyaraj, who popularised drumstick as an aphrodisiac on screen, passes away

Plunging the Tamil film industry into mourning, acclaimed filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, hailed as the “King of Script and Dialogue Writing”, passed away following a massive cardiac arrest at a private hospital on Saturday.

He was 73. Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife, actor Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, and daughter Saranya. According to family sources, he was rushed to the hospital earlier in the day after experiencing severe health complications.

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Celebrated for his blockbuster films and compelling storytelling, Bhagyaraj was also remembered for popularising the humble drumstick, a staple vegetable used in sambar, as an aphrodisiac in his 1983 blockbuster Munthanai Mudichu (Knot of the Pallu). The film, which marked the debut of National Award-winning actor Urvashi, enjoyed a silver jubilee run in theatres and has remained firmly embedded in popular culture for decades.

His demise, coming close on the heels of the death of his mentor, legendary filmmaker K. Bharathiraja, on June 10, has cast a deep shadow over the Tamil film industry. Like Bharathiraja, Bhagyaraj also mentored and inspired a generation of successful actor-directors, including R. Parthiban and R. Pandiarajan.

During his brief stint in Bollywood, Bhagyaraj directed the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aakhree Raasta (1986), which also featured Sridevi and Jaya Prada. The film was based on the Tamil hit Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (A Convict’s Diary), starring Kamal Haasan in dual roles. While the screenplay was written by Bhagyaraj, the Tamil original was directed by Bharathiraja.

Born on January 7, 1953, in Vellankovil village of Erode district, Bhagyaraj began his career as an assistant director under Bharathiraja in 16 Vayathinile. He made his acting debut in Puthiya Vaarpugal (New Moulds) in 1979 and, in the same year, made his directorial debut with Suvarillatha Chithirangal (Paintings Without Walls). With films such as Kanni Paruvathile (At the Threshold of Womanhood), he established himself as one of Tamil cinema’s most distinctive storytellers.

Governor V.R. Arlekar, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, and DMK president M.K. Stalin were among the leaders who condoled Bhagyaraj’s death. In recognition of his immense contribution to Tamil cinema, the Tamil Nadu Government has announced that the late filmmaker will be accorded a state funeral. Earlier this month, Bharathiraja was also given a state funeral.