Hyderabad, June 27:Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and acclaimed screenwriter K Bhagyaraj passed away on Saturday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was 73.

According to sources close to the family, Bhagyaraj complained of severe chest pain early on Saturday morning and was rushed to a private hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Tamil cinema, Bhagyaraj was known for his exceptional storytelling, screenplay writing and memorable performances. Over the decades, he earned a reputation as one of India's finest screenwriters and directed several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

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

The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the Tamil film industry, with actors, filmmakers and fans mourning the loss of a cinematic legend.

Bhagyaraj's death comes just 17 days after the passing of his mentor, veteran filmmaker K. Bharathirajaa, making it a deeply emotional period for the Tamil film fraternity. The back-to-back loss of two iconic filmmakers has left the industry in mourning.