Actor Rajesh – A Stalwart of Tamil Cinema
Actor Rajesh is a veteran Indian actor known for his work in Tamil and Malayalam films and television serials. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in more than 150 films in a wide range of roles—from romantic leads in his early years to powerful supporting and character roles later on. His calm screen presence and versatility made him a beloved figure in South Indian cinema.
Biography
Actor Rajesh was born in 1949 to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar in Mannargudi, located in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. However, his family roots trace back to Anaikkadu in the Thanjavur district. His early education took place across several towns, including Dindigul, Vadamadurai, Melanatham Aanaikadu, and Chinnamanur in Theni district. After completing his PUC at Alagappa College in Karaikudi, he enrolled in Pachaiyappa’s College in Chennai but couldn’t complete his degree.
Before entering films, Rajesh worked as a teacher at St. Paul’s High School in Purasawalkam and later at Kellett Higher Secondary School in Triplicane from 1972 to 1979. His passion for acting led him to a small role in the 1974 film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai. His breakthrough as a lead actor came with Kanni Paruvathile in 1979, which was produced by Rajkannu.
He gained recognition for his performance in Achamillai Achamillai, directed by the legendary K. Balachander. Over the years, he transitioned into character roles and acted alongside major stars, including Kamal Haasan in films like Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi.
Beyond cinema, Rajesh ventured into the hospitality and real estate industries, establishing himself as a successful builder in Chennai. He also expressed his literary side by writing biographies of Hollywood actors in Tamil.
A man of evolving beliefs, Rajesh was born a Christian, later embraced the rationalist ideas of Periyar, and eventually developed a deep interest in astrology. He has authored several books and articles on astrology, sharing his knowledge and perspectives with the public.
Personal Life
In 1983, Rajesh married Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, the granddaughter of renowned social reformer and Dravidian movement leader Pattukottai Davis Vanathirayar. The couple had two children—a daughter named Divya and a son named Deepak, who followed in his father’s footsteps and made his acting debut in 2014. Tragically, Rajesh’s wife passed away on 6 August 2012, marking a profound loss in his personal life.
Rajesh holds the distinction of being the first Tamil actor to construct a bungalow specifically for film shooting purposes. Built in 1985 near KK Nagar, Chennai, the house was grandly inaugurated by the then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran. It served as a popular shooting location for several Tamil, Malayalam, and even Hindi films. Eventually, Rajesh sold the property in 1993 as he ventured into the real estate business.
In the early 1990s, on the advice of his close friend Jeppiaar, Rajesh diversified into real estate, hotel management, and construction, becoming a successful entrepreneur beyond the silver screen. He was also politically active between 1987 and 1991, offering his support to Janaki Ramachandran, wife of M.G.R.
A man of many ideologies, Rajesh was deeply influenced by Karl Marx and even visited the United Kingdom to pay homage to the revolutionary leader. His personal journey reflects a unique blend of cinema, politics, business, and philosophical exploration.
FAQ
1. Is Aishwarya Rajesh the daughter of actor Rajesh?
Yes, Aishwarya Rajesh is the daughter of the late Telugu actor Rajesh145.
2. What is the business of actor Rajesh?
This depends on which actor Rajesh you are referring to:
- Rajesh (Telugu actor) (Aishwarya Rajesh’s father) was an actor and did not have a separate business; he was known for donating his film earnings to charity1.
- Rajesh (Tamil actor) is involved in real estate, hotel, and construction businesses, and is a leading builder in his city2.
3. What is the real name of Rajesh?
- For Rajesh (Telugu actor), his professional name is Rajesh; his full real name is not widely documented in public sources15.
- For Rajesh (Tamil actor), his real name is Rajesh, born to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar2.
- For Rajesh Kumar (TV actor), his real name is Rajesh Kumar.
4. Who is the first wife of Rajesh Kumar?
Rajesh Kumar, the television actor, is married to Madhavi Chopra. She is his wife and there is no public information about any previous marriage, so Madhavi Chopra is his first wife.
5. Is Aishwarya Rajesh Telugu or Tamil?
Aishwarya Rajesh was born into a Telugu family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She primarily works in Tamil cinema but has also acted in Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films. So, ethnically she is Telugu, but professionally she is most prominent in the Tamil film industry.
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