Actor Udhaya pays tearful tribute to the legendary director Bharathiraja; thanks the Tamil Nadu government for according state honors at the funeral.
Actor Udhaya has paid his tearful tribute following the passing of the legendary director Bharathiraja today. Speaking about this, he said:
“The news of the passing of the legendary director Bharathiraja—whom I called ‘Appa’ (Father)—has left me in deep shock. He had only recently returned home after recovering in the hospital. We were all hopeful that he would bounce back to his old self, so the news of his passing this morning has caused immense grief.
I used to call him ‘Appa.’ He viewed not just Manoj, but me as a son as well. In fact, he considered many people in the film industry as his own children.
He once saw me while he was directing the film Captain Magan. Upon seeing me, he told my father, Mr. A.L. Azhagappan, ‘Udhaya could become an actor; he looks good. We should create a script like Alaigal Oivathillai and launch him as an actor.’ It was Bharathiraja Appa who first sowed the seed for me to become an actor. It was only after those words of his that I began to focus on acting.
He encouraged me not only as an actor but also as a director. After watching the short film Security that I directed, he praised me warmly, saying, ‘You have a real knack for direction.’ His words will remain etched in my mind forever. Whether it was the pooja (launch ceremony) for my films or for those of my younger brother A.L. Vijay, his blessings and support were always unfailingly present.
We had not yet recovered from the loss of his son Manoj when the death of Bharathiraja Appa plunged us into further sorrow. It must be said that he was utterly devastated by Manoj’s passing. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Each of his films serves as a lesson for the world of cinema. He introduced and encouraged countless actors, actresses, and technicians. He was truly a titan of direction—a legend. One could call him the ‘dictionary of cinema.’ Even though he has passed away, his…” His films and his renown will endure forever, serving as an example for future generations. He is a man whom time cannot erase. We will miss you, Appa.
Following the passing of the legendary director Bharathiraja, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Tamil Nadu Government—led by the Honorable Chief Minister Vijay Anna—for the decision to accord state honors during his funeral rites.
