Manoj Bharathiraja.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Manoj Bharathiraja, Tamil actor and son of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja, passed away at the age of 48 in Chennai on Tuesday (March 25). The actor, who had recently undergone bypass surgery, was recuperating at his home in Chetpet when he suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) evening.
Born to Bharathiraja and Chandraleela in 1976, Manoj made his acting debut in his father’s 1999 film Taj Mahal. Though the film tanked at the box office, AR Rahman’s evergreen music and Bharathiraja’s picturisation of the songs were enough for Manoj to make a memorable impression among the Tamil audiences.
In a career marked by many ups and downs, Manoj starred in films such as Samudhiram, Kadal Pookkal, Varushamellam Vasantham, and Eera Nilam.
After a few stints as a lead actor, Manoj transitioned into a supporting actor and starred in films such as Vaaimai, Eeswaran, Maanaadu, and Viruman.
In 2023, Manoj made his directorial debut with the romantic drama Margazhi Thingal, starring his father Bharathiraja, along with Suseenthiran and newcomers Shyam Selvan and Rakshana.
Manoj was last seen in the Prime Video series Snakes & Ladders. He is survived by his wife, actor Nandana, and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani.
Chief Minister condoles death
Actors, celebrities, technicians and politicians condoled the passing away of renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja’s son, Manoj Bharathiraja’s on Tuesday here in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that he was shocked to hear of the death of Manoj at such a young age.
“Having been introduced in his father’s directorial film, Taj Mahal, he carved an identity for himself by acting in films such as Samuthiram, Alli Arjuna, Varushamellam Vasantham. He also tried his hand at directing films. I express my condolences to director Bharathiraja and his family members and his friends from the film industry,” he said.
Tamil Manila Congress president G.K. Vasan and Tamil Nadu BJP president, K. Annamalai, also offered their condolences.
Actor Khushbu Sundar said, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us any more. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 years. May God give the strength to his father Thiru Bharathiraja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable painful loss. You will be missed Manoj. Rest in peace. Om.”
Music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who was also Mr. Bharathiraja’s close collaborator, said, “We cannot stop it [death]. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace.”
Actor Soori said that he had known Mr. Manoj as someone who never threw his weight around despite his background.
“I had worked in the art department when he made his debut with Taj Mahal. He was a great human being. I knew that Manoj had some health issues, but never expected him to pass away. No father should have to see his son’s death. I wish God gives him strength,” he said.
Veteran actor Thyagarajan said that it was a big shock to him. “I had known Manoj from his young days. I helped get him l admission in Don Bosco. I have seen him from such a young age. This has affected me a lot. He had great respect for his dad. I am unable to process his death.”
Published – March 25, 2025 08:51 pm IST
