Veteran Actor Rajesh Passes Away At 75; Rajinikanth, Radhika Sarathkumar Pay Tribute

Veteran actor Rajesh breathed his last in Chennai, early today (May 29) morning. As per a report in DT Next, his nephew confirmed the news. Rajesh had complained of low blood pressure in the morning and had passed away on the way to the hospital. He was 75.

Rajesh has completed more than five decades in the industry and has played lead and supporting roles in over 100 films.

He worked in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

Rajesh career

Rajesh made his film debut in 1974 with director K. Balachander's acclaimed Tamil film Aval Oru Thodarkathai, which had Kamal Haasan in the lead. He bagged his lead role in 1979 movie Kannipparuvathile. He also starred in Achamillai Achamillai and worked with Haasan in other acclaimed films like Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi.

Apart from being a renowned actor in films and television, he was also a writer, and a dubbing artist. He dubbed for several Tamil films between 2001 to 2016.

His other works include Andha Ezhu Naatkal, Payanangal Mudivathillai, Sathya, Virumaandi, Mahanadhi, and Thanneer Thanneer.

Rajesh left a mark on television by appearing in serials like Roja, Poove Unakkaga, Alaigal, Kana Kaanum Kaalangal and more.

Rajesh last appearance was in Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif starrer Merry Christmas (2024).

Social media is flooded with tributes from the members of the film fraternity. Actor Rajinikanth mourned Rajesh's death on social media. He wrote in Tamil, "The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocked me and caused me great heartache. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Radhika Sarathkumar is also "deeply shocked" to hear the unexpected demise of Rajesh. "Shared so many movies together and had a deep respect to his wide knowledge of cinema and life, will be missed by family, friends and film fraternity. #RIP," she wrote.

Rajesh is survived by daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, died in 2012. As per reports, his funeral will take place once his daughter returns from the US.