Radhika Sarathkumar calls for protocols to be laid to control crowds, media at funerals
Chennai, June 29
Actress and producer Radhika Sarathkumar on Monday penned an emotional post on eminent director K Bhagyaraj, with whom she had been friends for over 50 years, even as she called for protocols to be laid with regard to crowd and media management at funerals.
Taking to her social media timelines to pen her thoughts on the demise of the iconic director, Radhika wrote, "Final goodbye to 50 years of a very special friendship, a great creator, an evolved writer, a person who drew wonderful boundaries in Cinema, a man I shared many laughs, wonderful work, who stood by my family always in his quiet loyal way."
She went on to say, "A shocking goodbye, for his family, friends, associates and fans. A place where all needed to digress and mourn in silence, turned into a circus, for all who came to pay their respects. Where and when do we change or rather changed to this callousness. The government and industry need to sit and chart protocols and collective management, and give all dignity to the departed soul. #tamilnadufilmproducerscouncil #fefsi #nadigarsangam #presscouncilofindia."
Radhika's appeal comes in the wake of those close to the eminent director, actor and screenplay writer having to often plead for privacy and silence to mourn the loss of a dear one.
For the unaware, one of India's finest screenplay writers and eminent Tamil film director and actor K Bhagyaraj passed away here on Saturday after suffering a major cardiac arrest. He was 73.
The veteran director and actor, who is considered to one of the legends of the Tamil film industry, is survived by his wife Poornima Bhagayaraj, son Shanthnu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj.
Sources close to the actor said that Bhagyaraj complained of chest pain after returning from his morning walk and was immediately rushed to a private hospital where he was declared dead.
The shocking news of his death has plunged the entire Tamil film industry in gloom.
What has compounded the pain is the fact that director Bhagyaraj's demise comes just 17 days after the passing away of his mentor K Bharathirajaa, another icon and trendsetter of Tamil cinema.
Several eminent actors, directors, producers and film industry professionals cutting across the country joined scores of fans in expressing their shock and grief over the sudden demise of the veteran director, considered to be a legend of Tamil cinema.
— IANS
Reader Comments
True, but protocols alone won't fix the underlying issue - our culture of turning personal grief into public spectacle. Fans need to show restraint too. Remember how K Balachander's funeral was also chaotic? Hope this sparks real change, not just a post.
Absolutely. The media should have basic sensitivity - crowds can't be controlled easily but reporters can be disciplined. Bhagyaraj sir's family shouldn't have to plead for privacy while grieving. Government and film bodies must act fast on this.
This resonates globally. In many countries, funerals of celebrities have strict protocols - no cameras, designated points for tributes. India has so much to learn. Radhika ji's call is timely and necessary. Respect for the departed should transcend spectacle.
While I support the idea, I feel we also need to educate the public. The 'circus' isn't just media - it's fans who mob the family for selfies and videos. Protocols work only if everyone cooperates. RIP Bhagyaraj sir, a legend we'll miss forever. 😢
Radhika ji has a valid point. But we must also remember that thousands genuinely want to pay respects. Maybe the solution is proper segregation - designated media area, family-only zone, and public viewing areas. A structured approach would honour everyone's sentiments.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.