Bharathiraja, the Indian film director who shaped Tamil cinema with his realistic and sensitive depictions of rural life, died on June 10, 2026, at the age of 84.
Born Chinnasaamy Periyamaya Thevar on July 17, 1941, in Theni Allinagaram in what was then Madras Presidency, he began his career in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile and went on to work as a director, producer, screenwriter and actor. Widely known as Iyakkunar Imayam and also called Bharathi Rajaa, he remained active in film through 2026.
His honours included the Padma Shri, the Nandi Award and Filmfare Awards South.