Latest news with #AvalOruThodarKathai
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
66 Films. A Doomed Love. A Shocking End — The Tragic Story Of ‘Fatafat' Jayalakshmi
Among the actresses fondly remembered in Tamil cinema is Neerajakshi Reddy, better known by her screen name 'Fatafat Jayalakshmi'. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, she was born in 1958 and began her acting career at the young age of 13 with the Telugu film Iddaru Ammayilu. Directed by SR Puttanna Kanagal, the film featured stars like Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Shoban Babu and Vanisree, and introduced her to audiences as Subraja. (News18 Tamil) 3/7 She later appeared in the Tamil film Irulum Oliyum, where she portrayed the character Neerja. Director K Balachander, known for launching powerful female talents, cast her in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, and renamed her Jayalakshmi. In the film, she occasionally referred to herself as 'Fatafat', a quirky nickname that stuck and eventually became part of her identity in the film industry. (News18 Tamil) Despite her rising stardom, Jayalakshmi's life ended in heartbreak. She died by suicide after reportedly overdosing on sleeping pills. It was believed that the reason behind her tragic decision was a failed romantic relationship, which left fans and the film industry deeply shocked and saddened. (News18 Tamil)
United News of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Popular Tamil actor Rajesh passes away, TN film fraternity mourns
Chennai, May 29 (UNI) Popular Tamil actor Rajesh, celebrated for his extensive contributions to Indian cinema and television, passed away on Thursday after a brief illness. 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. UNI GV 1718
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Actor Rajesh passes away: Rajinikanth pens an emotional note for his close friend
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death. The Kollywood industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Rajesh. The senior actor passed away in the early hours of May 29, reportedly due to respiratory issues. He was 75 years old and is survived by his children Diya and Deepak. Rajinikanth pens emotional note as he mourns the loss of his close friend News of actor Rajesh Williams ' passing has gone viral across social media and the internet. Countless fans, friends, and colleagues of the veteran star have been sharing heartfelt obituary messages. Now, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has penned a note on social media mourning the loss of his close friend. The Coolie actor expressed his grief and shock in a heartfelt message on X. He wrote, 'The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocks me and causes me great heartache. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in deepest condolences to his family and friends.' Rajesh worked in over 150 films in 50-year long career Rajesh made significant contributions not only to Tamil cinema but also to Telugu and Malayalam industries. Alongside his acting career, he worked as a dubbing artist and had a notable presence in television. A native of Tiruvarur district, Rajesh made his acting debut in 1974 with Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, starring Kamal Haasan. Although it was a small cameo, it earned him recognition. His big break as a lead actor came in 1979 with the film Kanni Paruvathile. Rajesh has worked with the leading stars of South cinema Over a career spanning more than five decades, Rajesh portrayed a wide range of characters. He frequently collaborated with stalwarts like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Thalapathy Vijay, Mohanlal, Vijay Sethupathi, and many others. His most recent appearance was in the 2024 Hindi film Merry Christmas, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Veteran actor Rajesh dies in Chennai at 75, Radhika Sarathkumar sends condolences
Veteran actor and businessman Rajesh Williams, who had acted in hundreds of Tamil and Malayalam films and TV serials, died in Chennai on Thursday (29 May). He was 75. Through his career, Rajesh was known for playing a range of roles as a lead actor and a supporting character artiste. Rajesh's nephew confirmed the news to DT Next that the actor-businessman died on Thursday. He had complained of low blood pressure in the morning and had died on the way to the hospital. He is survived by daughter Divya and son Deepak, who debuted as an actor in 2014. His wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, died in 2012. After news broke of his death, Radhika Sarathkumar mourned his passing on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, 'Deeply shocked and sudden to hear of #rajesh s unexpected demise. 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.' Producer-author G Dhananjayen posted, 'Very sad to read about the passing away of Actor #Rajesh sir, a fine actor and a respected person in film industry. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in peace sir.' Rajesh was born in 1949 to Williams Nattar and lily Grace Mankondar at Mannargudi, Tiruvarur. He worked as a high school teacher from 1972 to 1979. In 1974, he debuted as an actor with Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, but it was with a small role. He only got the opportunity to act as a lead in the 1979 film Kanni Paruvathile. He acted in the 1984 film Achamillai Achamillai, by K. Balachander. Rajesh also worked in TV shows like Micro Thodargal-Azhukku Vetti and Karthigai Deepam most recently. He was last seen in the Vijay Sethupathi, Katrina Kaif-starrer Merry Christmas by Sriram Raghavan as Yadhoom Uncle in the Tamil version of the film. Rajesh also ventured into the hotel and real estate businesses, becoming one of the leading builders in Chennai.
