Radikaa Sarathkumar Demands Media Protocols After Mobbing At Bhagyaraj Funeral

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, veteran actor Radikaa Sarathkumar has criticized the media's invasive behavior during the mourning of late actor-writer-director Bhagyaraj, calling on government and film industry bodies to establish strict privacy protocols at funerals. Bhagyaraj passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 73 after suffering a massive heart attack.

The actor’s criticism followed the release of several visuals showing her visibly annoyed by media personnel invading the premises where Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains were kept. Videos shared on social media platforms showed Radikaa being mobbed by a crowd of onlookers and photographers.

During the incident, Radikaa was seen pleading with media personnel to respect the privacy of the mourning family and friends. "If TRP is what you care about, we will act in films and ensure you get it. But please give us some privacy," she said.

In a statement posted on her X handle, Radikaa bid an emotional goodbye to Bhagyaraj and expressed frustration over the media's conduct. "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," she wrote.

She appealed to the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Film Producers Council, the Nadigar Sangam, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), and the Press Council of India to take necessary steps to prevent such invasions of privacy. Radikaa urged these organizations to draft collective management guidelines and establish restraining orders at funeral venues. "The government and industry need to sit and chart protocols and collective management, and give all dignity to the departed soul," she added.

The incident highlights a growing trend over the last few years, where media personnel eager to shoot visuals of celebrity guests paying tribute have repeatedly mobbed funeral premises and invaded the privacy of grieving families.

Radikaa and Bhagyaraj shared a long history of professional collaborations. Bhagyaraj worked as an assistant director on Radikaa’s debut film, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, and wrote the stories for Niram Maratha Pookkal and Ilamai Kolam. The two also starred together in Bhama Rukmani, Kumari Pennin Ullathile, Indru Poi Naalai Vaa, Poi Satchi, and Dhavani Kanavugal.