Manoj Bharathiraja, son of filmmaker Bharathiraja, passes away at 48

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.