Veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja died on Wednesday morning, June 10, in Chennai, following age-related health complications. The filmmaker was 84 at the time of his death. As the news about his death spread, many celebrities took to social media to remember the veteran filmmaker and pay their tributes. Meanwhile, Tamil superstars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Suriya were seen arriving at the filmmaker`s residence to pay their last respects.
Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Suriya pay thier last respects
Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Suriya were seen visiting his residence separately to bid farewell to the director. Rajinikanth, who shared a close bond with the filmmaker, expressed grief over the director’s passing while speaking to the media. Getting emotional, he shared his bond with the filmmaker, “He was my friend for nearly 50 years. He was like a child at heart. Whatever he felt, he would say it directly. He used to criticise me too. He would tell me, I like you as a person, but I don`t like your acting. That was the kind of honesty he had. Being around him was always joyful. People who speak so openly are very rare.”
Chennai | Veteran actor Rajinikanth paid his last respects to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja and expressed deep sorrow over the director`s demise
“Bharathiraja played a pivotal role in nurturing and elevating the South Indian film industry. He made the industry flourish and… pic.twitter.com/eehs0kBcT6
— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2026
The filmmaker also spoke about the filmmaker`s role in shaping the film industry, saying, “He made the industry flourish and gave it new life. Whenever directors, actors, or anyone from the film fraternity faced problems, he would stand up for them, fight for their rights, and help give a solution to their problems. His achievements and service to the industry will never fade. His name will forever remain etched in the hearts of the Tamil people. May his soul rest in peace.”
Rajinikanth also expressed his personal regret at not meeting the filmmaker one last time. “I never got the chance to see him one last time. That is something I will always regret. His passing was not sudden, but I still wish I had met him before he left us,” said Rajinikanth.
Bharathiraja Death: Kamal Haasan and Suriya visit Bharathiraja’s residence to pay their respects. pic.twitter.com/2IFZu0cLm1
— Madhuri Adnal (@madhuriadnal) June 10, 2026
Similarly, Kamal Haasan was seen looking heartbroken as he arrived at Bharathiraja`s residence. He brought a huge garland and paid his last respects. Addressing the media, Kamal Haasan said, “The gentleman is gone. But his friendship will continue, and his art will live on. I am not counting his loss; I am counting his profits. He was there, and he made films with me for which I am very grateful.”
Celebrities pay tributes
SS Rajamouli took to X to pay tribute and wrote, “Bharathiraja garu was a true pioneer who revolutionised cinema with his raw and uncompromising storytelling. Those unforgettable rural narratives, that fearless vision and the authenticity he brought to the screen will live on forever.”
Actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, wrote on X, “The news of the death of legendary film director and Padma Shri awardee Shri Bharathiraja is a huge loss for the Indian film industry (sic).”
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal also posted an emotional message on X that read, “A director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. Sharing screen space with Bharathiraja Sir in Thudarum was an honour I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations, and your presence will be deeply missed (sic).”
