Radhika Sarathkumar slams ‘circus’ at K Bhagyaraj’s funeral, urges Vijay government to bring change
Actor Radhika Sarathkumar has strongly criticised the lack of dignity and privacy witnessed during the funeral of veteran filmmaker, actor and writer K Bhagyaraj. In an emotional social media post, she mourned the loss of her longtime friend while calling upon the Tamil Nadu government and film bodies to introduce clear protocols for such sensitive occasions.
Radhika began her note on X and Instagram by looking back at the special bond she shared with Bhagyaraj and honouring his contribution to cinema.
“Final goodbye, to 50 years of a very special friendship, a great creator, a evolved writer, a person who drew wonderful boundaries in Cinema, a man I shared many laughs, wonderful work, who stood by my family always in his quiet loyal way. A shocking goodbye, for his family, friends, associates and fans.”
Her tribute reflected both personal grief and admiration for a filmmaker widely celebrated for his distinctive writing, relatable storytelling and lasting influence on Tamil cinema.
The actor then expressed anger over the way the solemn gathering reportedly turned chaotic, making it difficult for family members, friends and colleagues to mourn in peace. She tagged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, the Film Producers’ Council, Nadigar Sangam, the Film Employees Federation of South India and other industry organisations.
“A place where all needed to digress and mourn in silence, turned into a circus, for all who came to pay their respects. Where and when do we change or rather changed to this callousness. The government and industry need to sit and chart protocols and collective management, and give all dignity to the departed soul.”
Her remarks came after visuals from the funeral showed people attempting to record Bhagyaraj’s grieving family during the procession. Actor Suhasini was also seen intervening as phones and cameras were pointed towards the family inside the hearse.
Call for protocols and privacy
Radhika had raised a similar concern following filmmaker Bharathiraja’s funeral earlier in June, highlighting the growing need to protect grieving families from intrusive filming and disorder.
Bhagyaraj died at the age of 73 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was cremated with full state honours at the Besant Nagar electric crematorium in Chennai. Chief Minister Vijay, Rajinikanth and several members of the Tamil film fraternity paid their respects, while film shoots were cancelled on Sunday as a mark of honour.
The celebrated filmmaker is survived by his wife, actor Poornima Bhagyaraj, daughter Saranya and son Shanthanu. Radhika’s appeal has now renewed discussion around whether governments and film associations should establish formal rules to ensure privacy, order and dignity at high-profile funerals.
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