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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
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Veteran Tamil Actor Rajesh Passes Away At 75
Published By : IANS Last Updated: Rajesh breathed his last at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. His body has been placed there for the public to pay their final respects. Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, celebrated for his versatile performances across more than 150 films in South Indian cinema, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. Rajesh breathed his last at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. His body has been placed there for the public to pay their final respects. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia, had predeceased him. Born on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvarur district, Rajesh began his professional journey as a schoolteacher. However, driven by a passion for acting, he eventually left teaching and made a foray into films — a decision that marked the beginning of an illustrious and impactful career in Indian cinema. Rajesh made his acting debut in 'Aval Oru Thodarkathai' (1974), a critically-acclaimed Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. His talent was quickly recognised, and he went on to play the lead role in 'Kanni Paruvathile' (1979), produced by Rajkannu, which marked his breakthrough as a hero. Over the decades, Rajesh became a familiar and respected figure across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and other South Indian language films. Known for his expressive performances and commanding screen presence, he seamlessly transitioned between lead, supporting, and character roles. In addition to acting, Rajesh was also an accomplished dubbing artist, lending his voice to several notable projects. His deep, distinctive voice and emotive delivery added dimension to many characters. He shared screen space with several leading stars and worked under the direction of some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry. His association with director K. Balachander remained particularly significant. In 'Achamillai Achamillai', Rajesh delivered one of his most powerful performances, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal of political transformation. Rajesh also had memorable collaborations with actor Kamal Haasan, appearing in films such as 'Sathya', 'Mahanadhi', and 'Virumaandi', where his character roles left a lasting impression on audiences. Colleagues and fans alike remember Rajesh not only for his talent but also for his humility and dedication to the craft of cinema. His passing marks the end of an era, and the Tamil film industry mourns the loss of a true artist whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. First Published:
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Veteran actor Rajesh passes away at 75; Rajnikanth mourns death of ‘dear friend' says, ‘deeply saddened'
Veteran actor Rajesh, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to both film and television, passed away early this morning at the age of 75. Rajesh's nephew confirmed to DT Next that the veteran actor and businessman passed away on Thursday. Rajesh had reportedly complained of low blood pressure earlier in the morning and tragically died while being taken to the hospital. Born Rajesh Williams on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, he began his career as a schoolteacher before making his cinematic debut with a minor role in K. Balachander's 1974 classic Aval Oru Thodarkathai. Rajesh gained dominance with his breakthrough role in Kanni Paruvathile (1979) and went on to act in over 150 films throughout his illustrious career. The Tamil film fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its revered veterans. Superstar Rajinikanth, a long-time friend of Rajesh, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating, '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 peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends..' "Deeply shocked and saddened to hear of # Rajesh's unexpected demise. Shared so many movies together and had a deep respect for his wide knowledge of cinema and life, will be missed by family, friends and film fraternity. #RIP🙏🙏🙏," wrote Radikaa Sarathkumar. Deeply shocked and saddened to hear of #Rajesh's unexpected demise. Shared so many movies together and had a deep respect for his wide knowledge of cinema and life, will be missed by family, friends and film fraternity. Producer and author G. Dhananjayan expressed his sorrow over Rajesh's passing in a heartfelt post, writing, 'Very sad to read about the passing away of Actor #Rajesh sir, a fine actor and a respected person in the film industry. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in peace sir.' Rajesh's final film appearance was in the Hindi thriller Merry Christmas, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif. Key Takeaways Rajesh was a respected figure in the Tamil film industry, known for his extensive career and significant contributions. His passing highlights the close-knit relationships within the film community, as many colleagues express their grief. Rajesh's legacy will continue through his numerous films and the impact he had on his peers and fans.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
End of an era in South cinema as veteran Tamil actor Rajesh passes away at 75
Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, celebrated for his versatile performances across more than 150 films in South Indian cinema, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 75. Rajesh breathed his last at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. His body has been placed there for the public to pay their final respects. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia, had predeceased him. Born on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvarur district, Rajesh began his professional journey as a schoolteacher. However, driven by a passion for acting, he eventually left teaching and made a foray into films — a decision that marked the beginning of an illustrious and impactful career in Indian cinema. Rajesh made his acting debut in 'Aval Oru Thodarkathai' (1974), a critically-acclaimed Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. His talent was quickly recognised, and he went on to play the lead role in 'Kanni Paruvathile' (1979), produced by Rajkannu, which marked his breakthrough as a hero. Over the decades, Rajesh became a familiar and respected figure across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and other South Indian language films. Known for his expressive performances and commanding screen presence, he seamlessly transitioned between lead, supporting, and character roles. In addition to acting, Rajesh was also an accomplished dubbing artist, lending his voice to several notable projects. His deep, distinctive voice and emotive delivery added dimension to many characters. He shared screen space with several leading stars and worked under the direction of some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry. His association with director K. Balachander remained particularly significant. In 'Achamillai Achamillai', Rajesh delivered one of his most powerful performances, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal of political transformation. Rajesh also had memorable collaborations with actor Kamal Haasan, appearing in films such as 'Sathya', 'Mahanadhi', and 'Virumaandi', where his character roles left a lasting impression on audiences. Colleagues and fans alike remember Rajesh not only for his talent but also for his humility and dedication to the craft of cinema. His passing marks the end of an era, and the Tamil film industry mourns the loss of a true artist whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Tamil actor Rajesh passes away at 75, Rajinikanth says, ‘He was a wonderful person'
Actor Rajesh, who starred in more than 150 Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films over a five-decade-long career, died on Thursday in Chennai. He was 75. Rajesh's nephew confirmed his passing, stating that the actor died on Thursday. He had complained of low blood pressure and passed away en route to the hospital. Rajesh made his silver screen debut with K. Balachander's Aval Oru Thodarkathai (1974). He went on to play pivotal roles in films such as Kanni Paruvathile, Achamillai Achamillai, Andha 7 Naatkal, and Payanangal Mudivadhillai, among others. Over time, he transitioned to supporting roles, sharing screen space with leading actors across generations. The actor was also active in politics and real estate business. For the past two years, he had served as chairman of the Tamil Nadu government-backed M.G.R. Film and Television Institute. Several celebrities took to social media to mourn the demise of Rajesh. Actor Rajinikanth shared on X, 'The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, is shocking to me. It brings immense sadness. He was a wonderful person. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.' Actress Radikaa Sarathkumak wrote on X, '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 G Dhananjeyan posted on X, '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 is survived by his son Deepak and daughter Divya.
