Director Bharathiraja Laid to Rest with State Honors

Renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja, 84, passed away yesterday morning after a period of illness. His body was initially placed in Neelankarai, Chennai, where Chief Minister Vijay, cabinet ministers, leaders from other political parties, film personalities, and the public paid their last respects. Subsequently, his remains were transported from Chennai to his native village for burial. Preparations were made at his farmhouse in Katrode, near Vathalagundu in Theni district, where his body was again made available for public homage. On the day of the burial, numerous film celebrities, political figures, fans, and the general public gathered to pay their tributes. Ministers Nirmal Kumar and Vanni Arasu represented the government, laying wreaths as a mark of respect. Following the final rites, a police band played, and a procession accompanied his body to the burial site. A 72-gun salute was rendered as a state honor before his body was interred at his farmhouse. Prominent personalities including Seeman, Bhagyaraj, Parthiban, Vairamuthu, and Vadivelu, along with government officials and ministers, were present until the completion of the burial ceremony.