FIFA 2026As the world gathers once again under the banner of the FIFA World Cup, it is worth remembering that football’s greatest gift is not entertainment alone, but its stubborn faith in possibility. In an age fractured by wars, inequalities and anxieties, the tournament remains a rare arena where hope still dares to outrun pedigree.R. Narayanan,Navi MumbaiBharathirajaThe passing of Bharathiraja, at 84, marks the fall of the curtain on a towering chapter in Tamil cinema. His films drew viewers into the emotional fabric of agrarian communities, capturing their aspirations, relationships and conflicts with uncommon authenticity. His camera roamed through fields, dusty pathways and hamlets, while his narratives explored the human bonds that held rural society together.Bharathiraja also challenged entrenched social evils, thereby sparking conversations beyond the screen. He broke away from studio-bound filmmaking, embraced real locations and ushered in a refreshing realism that transformed Tamil cinema.By turning local stories into universal experiences, Bharathiraja has created an enduring legacy.Raju Kolluru,Godarigunta, Kakinada, A.P. Published - June 12, 2026 12:24 am IST