K. Bhagyaraj Tied The Knot Twice, Late Actor-Director Lost His First Wife To Jaundice Years Ago

Actor and director, K. Bhagyaraj, has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 73 on June 27, 2026. Also known as Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj, he was hospitalised before his sudden demise after he had a heart attack. However, the medical authorities failed to revive him. K. Bhagyaraj was active in the film industry since 1977, and made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal, released in 1979.

Outside the film industry, K. Bhagyaraj’s personal life grabbed attention for various reasons over the years. He was the father of two children, Saranya and Shanthanu, born from his second marriage to actress Poornima Jayaram. He was previously married to the late actress Praveena Bhagyaraj. Keep reading to know more!

K. Bhagyaraj and Praveena Bhagyaraj were married for around two years

K. Bhagyaraj and Praveena Bhagyaraj reportedly met during the ‘70s when the former was rising as a director in the film industry. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in 1981. A few reports claimed that when Bhagyaraj was battling to have a successful career in the film industry, Praveena was the one who supported him. The pair’s relationship reportedly turned romantic after Bhagyaraj taught Tamil to Praveena.

While Praveena portrayed an uncredited role in Kamal Haasan’s Manmatha Leelai in 1976, she later became a popular face in the Malayalam film industry. She had multiple Malayalam films to her credit, including Manassoru Mayil, Choondakkari, Mattoru Karnan, Vishwaroopam, and more. She appeared in a Telugu film titled Seethapathi Samsaram and a Kannada film, Amarnath. Praveena Bhagyaraj passed away from jaundice in 1983. Praveena’s last film before her sudden demise was Mazha Nilaavu, also released in 1983.

K. Bhagyaraj and Poornima Jayaram were married for more than 40 years

Although K. Bhagyaraj and Poornima Jayaram never revealed a lot of details about their relationship, the pair collaborated in the Tamil romantic drama, Darling, Darling, Darling. The film, directed by Bhagyaraj, featured Poornima as the female lead alongside Suman. It was released in 1982, a year before Praveena Bhagyaraj passed away.

Bhagyaraj and Poornima exchanged vows in 1984. The latter also took a break from acting in 1985. However, she returned to the big screen in 2013, starting with the Tamil film, Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer. She continued appearing in other films, such as Jilla, Vaaimai, Mohini, Raatchasi, Rudhran, and more. Back in 2019, Poornima recalled her acting career, saying that she was also a model at the beginning of her career. She said:

“I wanted to become a big heroine in Bollywood. I came to Chennai for an audition for director K. Balachander sir’s film. It was Charu Haasan uncle who came to Chennai airport and picked me up. The friendship with Suhasini, which started back then, continues till now. In this situation, I got committed to director Basil sir’s film, Manjil Virinja Pookkal. The costume selection for the film was held at the Palm Grove Hotel in Chennai. When I saw a whole room full of different outfits for me, I was overwhelmed with excitement.”

K.Bhagyaraj's children have followed the footsteps of their parents

K. Bhagyaraj and Poornima Jayaram had two children, Saranya and Shanthanu. Saranya reportedly had a brief career as an actress, and she appeared in two films, Parijatham and Photographer. However, Shanthanu has been active in the Tamil industry for a long time. He started his journey as a child artist in Vettiya Madichu Kattu in 1998. Shanthanu has continued appearing in other films like Sakkarakatti, Kandaen, Ammavin Kaipesi, Paava Kadhaigal, and more.

Rest in peace, K. Bhagyaraj.

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PC: idlebrainjeevi/X, Mayil Music - Tamil/YouTube, poornimabhagyaraj/Instagram, Shanthnu Bhagyaraj/Facebook

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