‘A Funeral Is a Farewell, Not a photo opportunity’: Radikaa Sarathkumar slams paparazzi after K Bhagyaraj’s last rites

Chennai: Veteran actress Radikaa Sarathkumar has strongly criticised the conduct of some members of the media and onlookers during the funeral of legendary filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, saying that moments of grief should never be treated as opportunities for photographs or social media content.

Bhagyaraj, one of Tamil cinema’s most respected filmmakers and actors, passed away on June 27 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 73 years old. His last rites were held on June 28 at the Besant Nagar crematorium in Chennai, where he was accorded full state honours. Several prominent actors, filmmakers and technicians from the Tamil film industry gathered to pay their final respects.

‘Compassion Must Be Greater Than Content’

Following the funeral, videos circulating online showed Radikaa confronting people who continued recording videos and taking photographs despite repeated appeals for privacy.

Expressing her disappointment, the actress said that there must be clear boundaries when covering such emotionally sensitive moments.

Speaking about the incident, Radikaa remarked that a funeral is meant to be a farewell, not a photo opportunity. She stressed that compassion should always come before the desire to create content, especially when a grieving family is trying to bid goodbye to a loved one.

Appeal for Funeral Coverage Guidelines

Radikaa later paid tribute to K. Bhagyaraj on social media while once again raising concerns over the manner in which the funeral was covered.

She described the situation as turning into a “circus” and urged the government to establish clear protocols for media coverage during funerals to ensure grieving families receive the dignity and privacy they deserve.

Other Actors Also Requested Privacy

Actor Suhasini Mani Ratnam was also seen requesting people to stop recording videos during the funeral procession after cameras were directed toward Bhagyaraj’s wife Poornima Bhagyaraj and other grieving family members inside the hearse.

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Several members of the film fraternity echoed similar concerns, asking photographers and spectators to avoid intrusive behaviour during the final rites.

Not the First Time Radikaa Has Spoken Out

This is not the first occasion on which Radikaa has appealed for sensitivity during the funeral of a respected filmmaker.

Earlier this month, during the funeral of veteran director Bharathiraja, she had also urged members of the media to give the bereaved family enough personal space to mourn.

When Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains were brought to his residence before the cremation, Radikaa once again folded her hands and requested photographers to respect the family’s privacy.

She reminded everyone that while cinema may be their profession, actors and filmmakers are human beings first, and moments of personal loss should not be turned into public spectacles for ratings or online attention.

Remembering a Tamil Cinema Icon

K. Bhagyaraj was widely regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s finest storytellers. His films, celebrated for their relatable middle-class characters, engaging screenplays and memorable humour, left an enduring mark on Indian cinema.

His passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike, many of whom remembered him not only as a talented filmmaker but also as a warm and respected member of the industry.