Popular Tamil actor Rajesh passes away, TN film fraternity mourns
He was 75.
He is survived by a son and daughter.
His wife Joan Sylvia pre-deceased him in 2012.
Rajesh, who worked as a teacher in the Kellett Higher Secondary School in Chennai, taking classes
for seventh and eighth standards before entering the tinsel world, complained of breathing difficulties.
He was rushed to a hospital but died on the way.
He has shown his versatility by donning a variety of roles including, hero, villain and in character
roles and family dramas.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, also a prominent
actor, leaders of various political parties, leading actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, actors,
producers, directors, lyricist Vairamuthu, among others paid their last respects to the departed soul
and offered their deepest condolences.
Born as Rajesh Williams on December 20, 1949, at Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu,
Rajesh began his professional journey as a school teacher before transitioning to acting.
He made his film debut with a minor role in iconic director K. Balachander's 'Aval Oru Thodar Kathai"
(1974).
His first lead role came in 'Kanni Paruvathile (1979), which marked the beginning of a prolific career.
Over the next five decades, Rajesh appeared in over 150 films across Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu
showcasing his versatility in both lead and supporting roles.
His notable films include 'Sathya', 'Mahanadhi', and 'Virumaandi', in which he shared screen space
with acclaimed actor Kamal Haasan.
In addition to his film career, Rajesh made significant contributions to television, with prominent roles
in serials such as Alaigal, Roja, and Karthigai Deepam.
Rajesh was also an author, writing biographies of Hollywood actors in Tamil, and was actively
involved in astrology, penning several books and articles on the subject.
Rajesh's body is kept at his Ramapuram residence in the where a large number of people, including
from the Tamil film world and political leaders, paid their last respects.
The final rites will be conducted after the arrival of his daughter from the United States.
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