Manoj Bharathiraja: Manoj Bharathiraja is an Indian actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. Born on September 11, 1976, he is the son of renowned Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja. Manoj made his acting debut in 1999 with the film Taj Mahal, directed by his father. Over the years, he has appeared in various Tamil films, show casing his acting skills across different genres. In addition to acting, Manoj has also ventured into directing, assisting in several film projects.
Manoj Bharathiraja Biography
Full name | Manoj Kumar Bharathiraja |
Name | Manoj Bharathiraja |
Gender | Male |
Profession | Film Actor, Film Director |
Date of Birth | September, 11, 1976 |
Date of Death | March 25, 2025 |
Age (as of 2025) | 48 years |
Birthplace | Kambam, Tamil Nadu, India |
Hometown | Kambam, Tamil Nadu, India |
Zodiac sign | Virgo |
Religion | Hinduism |
Nationality | Indian |
Physical Status
Height (approx.) | 5 feet 10 inches |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Manoj Bharathiraja Family
Father | Bharathiraja |
Mother | Chandraleela Bharathiraja |
Siblings | Sister- Janani |

Personal Information
Marital status | Married |
Marriage date | November 19, 2006 |
Wife/Spouse | Nandana |
Children | Daughters- Arthika and Mathivadani |
Early Life and Education
Manoj Bharathiraja was born on September 11, 1976, in Kambam, Tamil Nadu, India. He is the son of Bharathiraja, a legendary Tamil film maker and Chandraleela Bharathiraja. Manoj completed his schooling in Tamil Nadu. He pursuit theatre Art’s at the University of South Florida, USA, where he developed his patient for film making and acting.
Manoj Bharathiraja Career
Acting Career
Before becoming an actor in the Tamil film industry, Manoj work as an assistant actor. He studied theatre arts at the University of South Florida.
He made his acting debut in the 1999 Tamil film Taj Mahal, Taj Mahal, director by his father with himself a long side Riya Sen, who was making her debut as well. The film became a box office failure, although the soundtrack and background score of the film composed by A. R. Rahman was well received by critics as well as audience.
Subsquently, Manoj appeared in films such as Samuthiram, alongside Sarath Kumar and Murali and in Kadal Pokkal, director by his father, sharing screen space with Murali once again. The later became a box office but received much critical acclaim for which Bharathiraja was awarded the National Film award for Best screenplay. He then enacted the lead role in Saran’s Alli Arjuna, alongside Richa Pallod before Starring in the low budget productions Varushamellam Vasantham and Pallavan, which field to achieve commercial success.
Later, he starred n Sathyaraj’s Maha Nadigan in a cameo role and did a negative role in the unreleased Telugu film Lemon.
He worked as an assistant to his father in films such as final cut off director and noted filmmaker Mani Ratnam in Bombay. From 2008 till 2010, he worked as an assistant to director S. Shankar in his Magnum Opus Enthiran. Since 2007, it has been reported that Manoj was set to remake his father’s Sigappu Rojakkal but the film still remains in pre production. In 2012, his father signed him up to replace Ameer in his production Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum, as an antagonist, thus marking a return to films after 7 years sabbatical.
Directorial Debut
In 2023, Manoj Bharathiraja made his Directorial debut with “Margazhi Thingal”, a Tamil film produced by his father Bharathiraja. The movie was an important milestone in his career as he moved from acting to film making.
Filmography
Year | Title |
1999 | Taj Mahal |
2001 | Samudhiram Kedal Pokkal |
2002 | Alli Arjuna Varushamellam Vasantham |
2003 | Pallavan Eera Nilam |
2004 | Maha Nadigan |
2005 | Saadhuriyan |
2013 | Annakodi |
2015 | Baby Kathirvel Kaakha |
2016 | Ennama Katha Vudranung |
2019 | Champion |
2021 | Eeswaran Maanaadu |
2022 | Viruman |
Television
Year | Title |
2024 | Snacks and Ladders |
Manoj Bharathiraja Death
Manoj Bharathiraja passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 48 due to a cardiac arrest at his residence in Chetpet, Chennai. Reports indicate that he had under gone bypass surgery a few days prior and was in the process of recuperating.
Some Interesting Facts About Manoj Bharathiraja
- Before stepping into acting, Manoj Bharathiraja worked as an assistant director to Mani Ratnam for the film Bombay 1995 and also assistant his father Bharathiraja in film making.
- He pursuit theatre arts at the University of South Florida, USA which helped him understand the nuances of acting and filmmaking.
- While he started with romantic films, Manoj later took on supporting roles and character driving performances, providing his fertility as an actor.
- In 2006, he married actress Nandana, who was his co- star in Maayavi 2005.
- Manoj transitioned from acting to direction and made has a diectorial debut with Margazhi thingal in 2023, produced by his father.
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FAQs
Who is Manoj Bharathiraja?
Manoj Bharathiraja was an Indian actor and director known for his work in Tamil cinema. He was the son of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja.
When and where was Manoj Bharathiraja born?
He was born on September 11, 1976, in Kambam, Tamil Nadu, India.
Who is Manoj Bharathiraja’s Wife?
Manoj Bharathiraja’s Wife is Nandana.
How many children for Manoj Bharathiraja?
Manoj Bharathiraja had two daughters.