Tamil Actor Rajesh : Tamil cinema mourns the loss of one of its most respected and versatile actors, Rajesh, who passed away at the age of 75. According to early reports, the veteran actor died due to complications related to low blood pressure, a condition he had reportedly been managing in recent times.
Rajesh began his illustrious journey in Indian cinema with a small role in K. Balachander’s iconic film Aval Oru Thodarkathai (1974). Though his screen time was brief, it marked the beginning of a career that would span over five decades. He got his first break as a lead actor in the 1979 film Kannipparuvathile, produced by Rajkannu, and quickly rose to prominence in Tamil cinema during the 1980s.
With over 150 films to his credit, Rajesh’s body of work includes performances in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films. He showcased his range by taking on everything from romantic leads to intense character roles. Some of his most memorable performances came in critically acclaimed films such as Andha Ezhu Naatkal, Payanangal Mudivathillai, Achamillai Achamillai, Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi, where he shared the screen with legends like Kamal Haasan.
In addition to films, Rajesh made a mark in the television industry and was also a prolific writer and dubbing artist. He authored Tamil-language biographies of famous Hollywood actors and penned several articles and books on astrology, a subject he had developed a deep passion for later in life. His multifaceted talents extended beyond the screen and stage, reflecting a man deeply curious about the world around him.
Rajesh also enjoyed a successful stint as a businessman, having ventured into real estate, hospitality, and construction in the 1990s. Notably, he was the first Tamil actor to construct a dedicated film shooting bungalow in KK Nagar, Chennai, which was inaugurated by then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran.
Despite his many achievements, Rajesh was deeply grounded in his personal beliefs. Born a Christian, he later aligned himself with the rationalist ideologies of Periyar, and eventually became a devoted follower of astrological sciences. He was politically active for a brief period between 1987 and 1991, supporting Janaki Ramachandran.
On the personal front, Rajesh married Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar in 1983. She was the granddaughter of Dravidian reformist Pattukottai Davis Vanathirayar. The couple had two children—Divya and Deepak, the latter of whom entered the film industry in 2014. His wife passed away in 2012, a loss that deeply affected him.
In recent years, Rajesh remained active on social media, especially promoting health awareness, and was admired for his intellectual insights and philosophical reflections. Fans often looked forward to his posts on wellness, spirituality, and cinema.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the film fraternity. Celebrities, filmmakers, and fans alike are remembering Rajesh as not just an actor, but as a scholar, mentor, and gentleman—a towering presence both on and off the screen.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and cinephiles alike.
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