Veteran Director Bharathiraja Hospitalised

Veteran Tamil film director and actor Bharathiraja has been admitted to a private hospital in Chennai following age-related health issues.
He has been undergoing treatment for the past three days, and sources close to the family have confirmed that his condition is stable and that the hospitalisation is part of routine medical check-ups.
Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with the landmark Tamil film 16 Vayathinile, featuring Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi, which went on to redefine rural storytelling in Tamil cinema.
Over the decades, he has directed several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Muthal Mariyathai and Alaigal Oivathillai, and is credited with introducing actors such as Radhika to the industry.
In addition to his work as a director, Bharathiraja has remained active as an actor, appearing in several character roles in recent years.
He portrayed actor Dhanush’s grandfather in the film Tiruchitrambalam and has featured in multiple contemporary films.
The filmmaker faced a major personal loss with the sudden demise of his only son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, in March last year.
Following the tragedy, Bharathiraja spent a few months recuperating at his daughter’s residence in Malaysia before returning to Chennai.
Family members have stated that there is no immediate cause for concern and that Bharathiraja is responding well to treatment. Further updates on his health are awaited.