Legendary film producer K Rajan has died at the age of 85. Police confirmed the circumstances of his death on Sunday (May 17) with reports confirming he committed suicide. As per the police report, it is said that Rajan asked his driver to stop the car when the vehicle reached Adayar Bridge. He jumped into the river from the bridge after getting out of the car. They later recovered his body and sent it for post-mortem.

His daughter A. Rajeswari subsequently spoke to media on Monday and indicated he was having financial difficulties and struggling with health issues. She revealed he had financed several small-budget films over the past few years, but did not have his money returned despite repeated attempts to recover it. She said the stress of this had impacted his health.

He had also recently suffered a heart attack and underwent surgery to install a pacemaker at Apollo Hospital on Wednesday May 13.

She indicated just two days ago, he had spoken to his son, K.R. Suresh Rajan, and said he was struggling with mounting hospital and medical bills, asking him to contact the debtors to retrieve the money on his behalf," Deccan Chronicle reported her as saying.

She confiirmed he told family members he was going for a walk on Sunday before the incident occurred. Police have registered a case, and a further investigation is underway.

The star began his career as a producer in the Tamil film industry in the early 1980s and is known for flicks such as Thangamana Thangachi and Chinna Poovai Killathe. He also turned his hand to directing on a few occassions. He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.

Tributes flooded in for the star as news of his death became public knowledge. Taking to X actor-politician Khushbu Sundar wrote: "Terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K.Rajan Sir.

"His passing away by suicide is extremely saddening. A very respectful person and a man who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. Very, very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanthi"

Actor and producer Vishal added: "Just heard the news of K Rajan sir's demise. Shocking to hear that he committed suicide. A bold speaker. Been the president of the distributor an association. Sad to hear this news. May his soul rest in peace. God bless."

Meanwhile former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin issued a statement in which he praised the producer for always fighting for the rights and welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.

"He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil," he wrote, adding that he consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.

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