Actor Shanthnu Bhagyaraj has shared an emotional note expressing gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for standing by his family following the death of veteran filmmaker and actor K. Bhagyaraj, calling the gesture one he will cherish for life.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Shanthnu recalled the Chief Minister’s personal visit to the family’s Chennai residence after Bhagyaraj passed away on June 27, as well as the decision to accord the veteran filmmaker full state honours at his funeral. He said Vijay’s compassion and humility during the difficult moment left a lasting impact on the family.
As Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, reports, Shanthnu also shared a deeply personal memory, noting that Vijay had earlier presented the thali at his wedding, making him part of one of the happiest moments in his life, and later standing by the family during its most painful loss.
He wrote that words were not enough to express his gratitude, recalling how the Chief Minister sat beside his mother during the condolence visit, setting aside his official position to comfort the grieving family.
Shanthnu also said that receiving full state honours for his father was a matter of immense pride, calling it a “Himalayan honour” for an artist. He added that he would remain forever grateful for the dignity and respect shown to his father.
Veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj passed away due to a heart attack on June 27. Following the news, CM Vijay visited the family residence to offer condolences to Poornima Bhagyaraj and Shanthnu.
The funeral was attended by several prominent figures from the film industry and politics, including DMK president M.K. Stalin, Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush and Sivakumar.
Following government directions, Bhagyaraj was given full state honours during his final rites. His mortal remains were taken in a specially decorated vehicle featuring his portrait and writing pad, a symbol of his creative legacy. Thousands of fans lined the funeral route to pay their final respects.
The last rites were held at the Besant Nagar crematorium in Chennai, in the presence of Tamil Nadu ministers N. Anand and Rajmohan, with actor-director Parthiban and actor Sarath Kumar shouldering the mortal remains.
