Tag: past away

Tamil Cinema Legend Bharathiraja Dies at 84, Leaving Behind an Enduring Legacy

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly known as "Iyakkunar Imayam" (Director Supreme), Bharathiraja's death was confirmed by the Tamil Film Producers Council. He reportedly breathed his last at his residence in Chennai after battling prolonged health issues, including lung infections and respiratory complications. His health had reportedly declined significantly over the past year, particularly following the death of his only son, Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 48. Born on July 17, 1941, Bharathiraja was widely regarded as a pioneering force in Tamil cinema. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he transformed the industry's storytelling style by moving away from studio-bound productions and bringing authentic rural landscapes, cultures and characters to the forefront of Indian cinema. His groundbreaking directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, released in 1977, revolutionised Tamil filmmaking and is still considered one of the most important films in Indian cinema history. The film introduced a new wave of realism that influenced generations of filmmakers. Bharathiraja's unique vision helped launch and shape the careers of numerous actors who later became icons of Indian cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he worked with legendary stars such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sivaji Ganesan. His emphasis on natural performances and realistic storytelling earned him widespread admiration from audiences and critics alike. Beyond directing, Bharathiraja also established himself as a respected actor in later years. His final screen appearance was in the Malayalam film Thudarum, while the unreleased film Pulavar is expected to be his last acting project. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian arts and culture, Bharathiraja was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. More than a filmmaker, Bharathiraja was a visionary who reshaped Tamil cinema by giving a voice to rural India and bringing authenticity to the silver screen. His films captured the emotions, struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, creating stories that resonated across generations. With his passing, Indian cinema loses not only a celebrated director but also a cultural icon whose influence will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for years to come. His remarkable body of work remains a timeless testament to his artistry, innovation and enduring impact on the world of cinema. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly known as “Iyakkunar Imayam” (Director Supreme), Bharathiraja’s death was confirmed by the Tamil Film Producers Council. He reportedly breathed his last at his residence in […]

Former TV3 Journalist Karam Singh Walia Past Away

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 -- Veteran broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia died at his residence in Klang at 3.30 am today. He was 67. His passing was confirmed by his younger brother, Jasbant Singh, who is also Group Managing Editor (GME) of News and Current Affairs at Media Prima Berhad. Born in 1959 in Teluk Intan, Perak, Karam began his career as a broadcast journalist with TV3 in 1995 before retiring in 2014 due to health reasons. He was widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential environmental journalists, having won the Seri Angkasa Award twice as well as the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) Award for Best Environmental Television Journalist for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007. Karam was also a recipient of the Tabung Kasih @HAWANA in June 2024. Assistant Editor of News and Current Affairs at TV3, Juliana Sharin, said Karam’s passing would be deeply felt among colleagues, describing him as a figure who greatly inspired the field of journalism. “When I had the opportunity to work as part of the ‘Aduan Rakyat’ team, it was a source of pride and a valuable chance to learn from him. His voice was firm in upholding the truth. Today, that voice is no more. “Karam Singh Walia was not just a journalist. He was the voice of the people and the environment, as he did not merely report the news, but changed the way we see the world. His passing is deeply felt, but his legacy lives on,” she told Bernama when contacted. Meanwhile, TV3 news presenter Nur Jamalina Mohamad Jamali said although she had not worked closely with him, she was well aware of Karam’s approach and contributions throughout his career. She said he was known for his consistent environmental reporting, focusing on issues such as river pollution, illegal dumping and deforestation. “He was also known for his firm and principled reporting style, bringing attention to issues of public interest with clarity and confidence, without fear,” she said. She added that Karam maintained a strong presence on the ground, often reporting live from affected locations, which enhanced the depth and credibility of his reports. “His distinctive delivery style made his reports easily recognisable to viewers, including his trademark practice of ending reports with ‘pantun’ or concise, impactful remarks. “Karam Singh’s contributions helped raise public awareness on environmental issues, and his legacy continues to be felt within the country’s journalism community,” she said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Veteran broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia died at his residence in Klang at 3.30 am today. He was 67. His passing was confirmed by his younger brother, Jasbant Singh, who is also Group Managing Editor (GME) of News and Current Affairs at Media Prima Berhad. Born in 1959 in […]