India, June 27 -- Indian cinema has lost one of its most influential creative minds. Veteran filmmaker, actor and writer K. Bhagyaraj died in Chennai following a severe cardiac arrest, leaving fans and fellow artistes devastated. He was 73 years old. The tragedy comes only days after the passing of his mentor and dear friend, legendary director K. Bharathiraja, making the moment especially painful for those who knew them both.

K Bhagyaraj's mortal remains have been placed at his home in Nungambakkam, where family, friends, members of the film industry and thousands of fans have been arriving to bid an emotional farewell to the filmmaker affectionately known as the King of Screenplays. He will be given state honours.

Long before his deat...