Tamil Actor Manoj Bharathiraja Dies at 48 from Cardiac Arrest

CHENNAI, India — Actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja passed away at the age of 48 due to cardiac arrest on the evening of March 25, 2025. Manoj, the son of renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja, died in his home, leaving the Tamil film industry and his fans in shock.

Reports indicate that Manoj had undergone open-heart surgery a month prior to his death and had been recovering at home. He reportedly experienced health issues in the days leading up to the fatal cardiac event.

Manoj Bharathiraja made his acting debut in 1999 with the film Taj Mahal, directed by his father. Over the years, he gained recognition through notable performances in films such as Alli Arjuna, Samudhiram, Eeswaran, and Viruman. In recent years, he transitioned into directing, with his directorial debut being the 2023 Tamil film Margazhi Thingal, which was well-received by critics.

The news of his passing was first reported by News18 Tamil Nadu on social media platform X, leading to an outpouring of condolences from fellow actors and fans alike. Dr. Jaison Philip tweeted, “Veteran Tamil Film Director Bharathiraja’s son, Actor/Director Manoj Bharathiraja has passed away at 48 yrs. Condolences to the bereaved.”

Manoj’s contributions to cinema extended beyond acting; he previously worked as an assistant director, gaining experience in the industry before pursuing his own career on screen. He studied theater arts at the University of South Florida and assisted his father in films such as Final Cut of Director in 2016.

In his personal life, Manoj married actress Nandana on November 19, 2006. Together, they had two daughters, Arthika and Mathivadani. The tragic news has deeply impacted his family and the broader film community, who are mourning the loss of a talent who followed in the footsteps of one of Tamil cinema’s giants.

As tributes pour in, the industry reflects on Manoj Bharathiraja’s life and legacy, recognizing both his artistic contributions and the profound loss felt by those who knew him.