'I did not know where to run': Rajinikanth recalls UNTOLD story of K. Bhagyaraj saving 'Jailer 2' actor from mob

A felicitation function was held at Chennai's Kalaivanar Arangam to publicly honour K. Bhagyaraj, who has completed 50 years in Indian cinema across multiple avenues including acting, directing and screenplay writing. Tamil Naidu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin decorated Bhagyaraj with a shawl and a bouquet. The function saw a huge turnout from several celebrities like Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, Mohan Babu, etc. More than the professional background, the entire function was an emotional recognition and appreciation of K. Bhagyaraj.

Rajinikanth hails Bhagyaraj as the backbone of Tamil cinema

Speaking at the event, Rajinikanth paid rich tribute to Bhagyaraj’s mastery over screenwriting. “In the 1970s, three kings entered Tamil cinema Ilaiyaraaja, Bharathiraja, and Bhagyaraj. Each ruled a different domain: music, direction, and screenwriting,” he said. While Ilayaraja changed music, and Bharathiraja changed movies and screenplay writing, Bhagyaraj was the only one who has been a writer, director, actor, and music composer at the same time. Rajnikanth said that the screenplay was the spine of the movie, but he was the spine who gave the movie a spine in terms of story and emotions.

Pioneering screenplays and path-breaking female-centric narratives

Rajinikanth also highlighted Bhagyaraj's trailblazing approach to writing female characters. While other movies only concentrated on the male sides, giving little space for the female leads to shine among the men, Bhagyaraj brought life, energy, and heroism to the female acts. Films like 'Mundhanai Mudichu', '7 Naatkal', 'Thooral Ninnu Pochu' were considered masterpieces in that era. Rajinikanth laments that Bhagyaraj did not get the recognition he deserved; had it been in Hindi movies Bhagyaraj had such activity, Bhagyaraj could have been the counterpart of Salim-Javed.

Rajinikanth recalls a tense 1995 public incident and mob threat

The most emotional part of the speech was when Rajinikanth recounted an incident that took place in 1995. At the event held to pay tribute to the legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan in Chennai, Rajinikanth admitted to speaking in an emotional and passionate manner which led to heightened sentiments. Subsequently, on a jeep ride with the crowds getting out of control, there was stone pelting, and disorder. “Everybody had gone away. I did not know where to run,” recalled Rajinikanth.

How did Bhagyaraj step in and ensure Rajinikanth’s safety?

It was then that Bhagyaraj stepped in. Raising his voice at the police personnel present, Bhagyaraj reportedly warned them against standing by as a fellow artist was being harassed, insisting they escort Rajinikanth safely home. His intervention worked immediately, the police acted, and Rajinikanth was taken home without harm. “I can never forget that day,” Rajinikanth concluded emotionally. “He didn’t just save me from a mob; he showed what it truly means to stand up for another human being.” The speech reaffirmed Bhagyaraj’s stature not only as a cinematic legend but also as a man of rare courage and compassion.