Chennai, June 27 -- Veteran Tamil filmmaker-actor K. Bhagyaraj passed away on Saturday following a massive cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Chennai.

He was 73.

His demise has sent shockwaves across the Tamil film industry and among fans, marking the end of an era shaped by his distinctive storytelling and relatable characters.

He is survived by his wife Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, and daughter Saranya.

Family sources said he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing severe health complications earlier in the day.

Born as Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj on January 7, 1953, Bhagyaraj carved a niche in Indian cinema as a director, writer, and actor. He worked in more than 75 films and directed over 25, gaining popular...