Veteran Tamil Actor Rajesh Passes Away: Tamil film actor Rajesh has died at the age of 75. Reports indicate that his passing was due to a health issue related to low blood pressure. Rajesh entered the film industry with the highly regarded movie Aval Oru Thodarkathai, directed by K. Balachander. He subsequently took on his first lead role in the film Kannipparuvathile.
Throughout his career, he appeared in over 150 films in various languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Celebrated for his adaptability, Rajesh established himself as an actor, dubbing artist, writer, and television performer.
Notable performances from his career include roles in Andha Ezhu Naatkal, Payanangal Mudivathillai, Sathya, Virumaandi, and Mahanadhi. His final screen appearance was in the film Merry Christmas, alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif. In addition to his cinematic contributions, Rajesh was recognised for his active role in health awareness initiatives on social media, which garnered him a loyal fan base.
He frequently expressed his passion for books and reading. Members of the film community have been honouring Rajesh, recalling him as a talented artist, a kind-hearted person, and an inspiring figure.
Personal life
In 1983, he wed Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, who is the granddaughter of the renowned social reformist and Dravidian leader Pattukottai Davis Vanathirayar. They have a daughter named Divy and a son named Deepak, who made his acting debut in 2014. His wife passed away on August 6, 2012.
He was the first Tamil actor to construct a bungalow for film shooting in 1985 near KK Nagar, Chennai, which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran. Many film shoots in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi were completed at this location.
He eventually sold it in 1993, as he began his real estate business. In the early 90s, following the advice of his friend Jeppiaar, he ventured into the real estate industry and later established a hotel and construction business. He was involved in politics from 1987 to 1991, backing Janaki. Additionally, he is a follower of Karl Marx and visited the UK to pay his respects to the esteemed leader.
Biography
Rajesh was born in 1949 to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar in Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district, but his family originates from Anaikkadu in Thanjavur district. He received his education in Dindigul, Vadamadurai, Melanatham Aanaikadu, and Chinnamanur in Theni district. After completing his PUC at Karaikudi Alagappa College, he enrolled in Pachaiappas College, but unfortunately did not finish his college studies. From 1972 to 1979, he worked as a teacher at St Paul’s High School in Purasawalkam and later at Kellett Higher Secondary School in Triplicane.
In 1974, he had the opportunity to perform in the film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, although he was only given a minor role. His first film as a leading actor was Kanni Paruvathile (1979), produced by Rajkannu. Rajesh appeared in Achamillai Achamillai, directed by K. Balachander. Subsequently, he shifted to taking on character roles and acted alongside Kamal Haasan in films such as Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi.
Filmography
- Budget Padmanabhan (2000)
- Dheena (2001)
- Love Channel (2001)
- Citizen (2001)
- Ramana (2002)
- Red (2002)
- Saamy (2003)
- Anjaneya (2003)
- Sindhamal Sitharamal (2003)
- Parasuram (2003)
- Virumaandi (2004)
- Kovil (2004)
- Autograph (2004)
- Udhaya (2004)
- Maanasthan (2004)
- Chatrapathy (2004)
- Dreams (2004)
- Jananam (2004)
- Aayudham (2005)
- Ji (2005)
- Padhavi Paduthum Paadu (2005)
- Kaatrullavarai (2005)
- Sivakasi (2005)
- Mazhai (2005)
- E (2006)
- Dharmapuri (2006)
- Thirupathi (2006)
- Theenda Theenda (2006)
- Paramasivan (2006)
- Varalaaru (2006)
- 18 Vayasu Puyale (2007)
- Marudhamalai (2007)
- Arai En 305-il Kadavul (2008)
- Kannum Kannum (2008)
- Seval (2008)
- Anthony Yaar? (2009)
- Porkkalam (2010)
- Siddhu +2 (2010)
- Ochayee (2010)
- Mudhal Kadhal Mazhai (2010)
- Doo (2011)
- Kantha (2013)
- Jannal Oram (2013)
- Tenaliraman (2014)
- Thirudan Police (2014)
- Gethu (2016)
- Dharma Durai (2016)
- Sarkar (2018)
- Master (2021)
- Yaanai (2022)
- Rudhran (2023)
- Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir (2023)
- Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam (2023)
- Unnaal Ennaal (2023)
- Merry Christmas (2024)