The legendary actor, known for over 150 films in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, breathed his last on May 29 while on his way to a hospital in Chennai.
Chennai, May 30 – The Tamil film industry is mourning the loss of one of its beloved veteran actors. Rajesh, who had a long and respected career in South Indian cinema, passed away on May 29 at the age of 75. The actor reportedly suffered a heart attack while being rushed to a hospital in Chennai after he complained of low blood pressure in the morning.
His nephew confirmed the news, saying that Rajesh was not feeling well and collapsed while being taken to the hospital. His body has been placed at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai, for public viewing, where fans, friends, and film fraternity members are expected to pay their final respects.
A Stellar Career Spanning Five Decades
Rajesh made his debut in 1974 with the Tamil film Aval Oru Thodarkathai, directed by the legendary K. Balachander. He got his first lead role in the 1979 film Kannipparuvathile and went on to act in over 150 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and other South Indian languages.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Tamil cinema transitioned from the MGR-Sivaji Ganesan era to the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan era, Rajesh found his own niche. Known for portraying realistic and grounded characters, he was often cast as the warm villager, the honest officer, or the compassionate father.
He acted alongside stars like Kamal Haasan in films such as Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi. His ability to express emotions with subtle expressions made him a favourite among filmmakers who wanted authenticity in their characters.
More Than Just an Actor
Apart from acting, Rajesh was a dubbing artist, author, teacher, and YouTuber. In later years, he also became active in the hotel and real estate business in Chennai. His versatility extended beyond the silver screen, and he made meaningful contributions in every role he took up.
Rajesh’s final appearance was in the Hindi film Merry Christmas, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, directed by Sriram Raghavan. Even in his final roles, he continued to charm audiences with his natural acting style.
A Personal Loss
Rajesh is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, passed away in 2012. The family has requested privacy as they cope with the loss.
Fans and fellow actors have been pouring in their condolences on social media, remembering him as a humble, dedicated, and down-to-earth person. Many are sharing memories of his iconic roles and meaningful performances.
Legacy That Lives On
Rajesh may no longer be with us, but his contribution to Indian cinema will continue to live through his films and the lives he touched. He was an actor who didn’t just play roles – he became them, making audiences believe in the characters he portrayed.
As Tamil cinema continues to evolve, Rajesh’s legacy will remain a shining example of honest and powerful storytelling. The industry has lost a gem, but his work will continue to inspire generations of actors to come.