Tamil actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, son of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, passed away on March 25 in Chennai at age 48 due to a heart attack, profoundly impacting the industry, with tributes pouring in from celebrities and political figures alike.

Actor Kamal Haasan expressed his grief, saying, "I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Manoj Bharathiraja, the son of my soulmate and director Bharathiraja, who is also an actor. I express my heartfelt condolences to Bharathiraja, who is grieving the loss of his beloved son, as well as to his family and friends."

‘Chiyaan’ Vikram paid homage, reminiscing, "Today, I lost a dear friend, and the world lost an incredible storyteller. He may no longer walk among us, but he will always live in the laughter, the emotions, and the memories he gave us. Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be missed, but never forgotten."

Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu mourned the loss, writing, "Really shocking to hear the news… can't believe you are no more, my brother. #Manoj gone too soon… Deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle, family, and friends. May your soul rest in peace."

Khushbu Sundar, actor and politician, expressed her sorrow, stating, "Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is no longer with us. His untimely demise pains me. He was just 48 years old. May God give strength to Bharathiraja sir and his family to overcome this unbearable loss."

Vijay and Suriya were among those who attended Manoj's final rites, held on Wednesday, to offer their condolences in person. Survived by his wife, Ashwathi (Nandana), and their daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani, Manoj leaves behind a legacy marked by his impactful debut in the 1999 romantic drama Taj Mahal, directed by his father Bharathiraja, featuring Riya Sen, and with a screenplay by Mani Ratnam and music by A. R. Rahman.