'''Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj (b. 1953)''' Top Tamil director once declared by [[MGR]] to be his cinematic heir. Dropped out of colleges in Coimbatore; was a rickshaw puller and a circus clown in Kakinada. In Madras, became assistant to G. Ramakrishna and [[Bharathirajaa]], débuting in the latter’s films as actor (first major role in [[Puthiya Varpugal]]) and scenarist (Kizhakke Pokum Rayil, Sigappu Rojakkal, both 1978; Niram Maratha Pookal, 1979; Oru Kaithiyin Diary, 1985) originally starring [[Kamalahasan]]. Directorial début with the hit Suvar Illatha Chitrangal established a distinctive style, with the director usually playing the comic underdog in rural dramas, often with a comic sidekick who undermines his pretensions to heroism. Also scored some of his films. Several were remade in Hindi, often by [[Bapu]]: (e.g. Andha 7 Natkal remade as Woh Saat Din, 1983; Thooral Ninnu Pochu as Mohabbat, 1985). Other remakes include Mundhanai Mudichu as [[K. Raghavendra Rao]]’s Masterji (1985) and Enga Chinna Raja as Indra Kumar’s 90s hit [[Beta]] (1992). Bhagyaraj’s big- budget Hindi [[Bachchan]] film [[Aakhri Raasta]] is a remake of Oru Kaithiyin Diary (1984). Made an abortive effort to enter politics (1989). Married Hindi/Tamil actress Poornima Jayaram. Edits and publishes the tabloid journal Bhagya. '''FILMOGRAPHY''' (* only act): 1979: Puthiya Varpugal*; Kanni Paruvathinile*; Suvar Illatha Chitrangal; 1980: Bhama Rukmini*; Kumari Pennin Ullathiley*; Oru Kai Osai; 1981: Mouna Geethangal; Indru Poyi Nalai Vaa; Veediyum Varai Kathiru; Andha Ezhu Natkal; 1982: Thooral Ninnu Pochu; Darling Darling Darling; Poyi Satchi; 1983: Mundhanai Mudichu; Thavani Kanavukal; 1984: Oomai Janangal*; Mayadari Mogudu; 1985: Chinna Veedu; Chithirame Chithirame; Aakhri Raasta; Naan Sigappu Manithan*; 1987: Enga Chinna Rasa; 1988: Vaddante Pelli; Idu Namma Alu*; 1989: Araro Ariraro; 1990: Avasara Police 100; Sundara Kandam; 1991: Pavunnu Pavanuthan; Rudra*; 1992: Ammavandachu*; Rasakutty; 1993: Veetile Visheshanga; 1995: Oru Oorile Oru Rajakumari. [[Director]]