K Bhagyaraj cremated with state honours, fans gather in large numbers on Chennai streets to take part in his funeral procession |

Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj was cremated with full state honors at Chennai’s Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium on Sunday, a day after he died following a cardiac arrest. He was 73 years old.On Sunday, Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains were taken in a funeral procession through the streets of Chennai to the crematorium. Actors R Parthiban and R Sarathkumar joined his family members to carry the casket during the procession. A floral tribute inscribed with the words “With love, yours, Bhagyaraj”, accompanied the court, along with a photograph of Bhagyaraj and the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.Before cremation, Bhagyaraj received all state honors in recognition of his immense contribution to Tamil cinema. His last rites were performed in the presence of family, colleagues and close friends from the industry.Bhagyaraj’s last journey witnessed an outpouring of grief from family members, colleagues, political leaders and thousands of admirers, who gathered to bid farewell to one of Tamil cinema’s most influential storytellers. His mortal remains were kept at his Nungambakkam residence on Saturday, where actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans paid their last respects throughout the day.Among those who visited his residence were Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, DhanushSivakarthikeyan, Karthi, R Sarathkumar, Khushbu Sundar, Sundar C and several other prominent members of the Tamil film industry. One of the most emotional moments was when Dhanush was seen breaking down while paying his respects, with footage of the actor struggling to hold back tears widely shared on social media.Soon after news of his demise broke on Saturday, tributes poured in from across the film fraternity and political circles. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Khushbu Sundar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Sivakarthikeyan, Venkat Prabhuand several others remembered Bhagyaraj as a visionary filmmaker, a gifted writer and a mentor whose films left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. Political leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, also expressed their condolences, recognizing his lasting contribution to the state’s cultural landscape.Born in Vellankoil in Erode district, Bhagyaraj built an extraordinary career spanning decades. He excelled as a director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer, and music composer, earning a reputation for his distinctive storytelling, relatable characters, and sharp humor. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.