Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja has been hospitalised due to an unspecified illness and is on the road to recovery. After the hospital he’s been admitted to posted a video of the 84-year-old looking unrecognisable, fans were concerned. Filmmaker-actor JSK Satishkumar also re-shared the video and wished him good health.
Hospital shares video of unrecognisable Bharathiraja
Chennai’s Bharathirajaa Hospital posted a video of Bharathiraja on their Instagram. The video shows him looking unrecognisable as the doctor and hospital staff interact with him. The caption reads, “”Iyakkunar Imayam” Bharathiraja — Exclusive Glimpses from His Hospital Stay. The pride of Tamil cinema—the legendary director “Iyakkunar Imayam” Bharathiraja—had been undergoing treatment at Bharathiraja Hospital due to ill health. Thanks to the excellent medical care provided by his close friend and the hospital’s Managing Director, Dr. Nadesan, he returned home today in full health.”
JSK Satishkumar wishes him 100 years
The hospital also wrote, “The love and support showered upon him by his fans served as a tremendous source of strength during his recovery. It is truly heartening news that he is now doing well! Let us continue to pray for his continued good health.” Satishkumar re-shared the hospital’s video on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Happy to c our legend director #barathiraja sir recovered after a strong battle self confidence always win god bless wish u sir a healthy happy life to cross 100years.”
One fan wrote, “It’s really painful to see #Bharathiraja sir like this. Truly hoping he makes a strong and full recovery and returns to good health soon.” Another expressed shock, writing, “Seriously?? Is he bharathiraja?? The man who once ruled tamil cinema with his dynamic story telling way? Man! Its breaks my heart to see him like this. Couldn’t rajini and kamal just check him out?”
Bharathiraja’s previous hospitalisation
In December last year, Bharathiraja was hospitalised due to a lung infection and was admitted to the ICU. MGM Healthcare released a bulletin in January this year that read: “Mr Bharathiraja, renowned movie director, is presently admitted at MGM HEALTHCARE, Aminjikkarai, following complaints of breathlessness. He is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. His clinical condition is stable, and he continues to be under close monitoring by our team of medical experts. With appropriate supports, his vital parameters remain within normal limits. He is responding satisfactorily to the ongoing treatment. Further updates will be communicated as and when deemed necessary.”
The filmmaker’s son, actor-singer-filmmaker Manoj, passed away in March 2025 due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 48. He had undergone open-heart surgery at SIMS Hospital a month earlier and was recuperating at home. Visuals from his funeral showed a shattered Bharathiraja, with his brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, later remarking that he hadn’t been able to cope with the loss. The filmmaker also has a daughter named Janani.
