Latest news with #RajeshWilliams
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Indian actor Rajesh, veteran of over 150 films, dies at 75
Veteran south Indian actor Rajesh Williams, mononymously referred to as Rajesh, died on May 29, at a private hospital in Chennai. He was 75. The actor suffered a breathing difficulty in the wee hours, when he was rushed to the hospital, his family said. In a career lasting over five decades and nearly 150 films, Rajesh has acted in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu productions. The celebrated director K Balachander, credited with nurturing the acting careers of icons such as Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Sridevi, Jayaprada and Prakash Raj, introduced Rajesh to cinema. Some of the popular movies Rajesh starred in include 1981's Andha 7 Naatkal ("those seven days", remade in Hindi as Woh Saat Din), the 1974 cult classic Aval oru thodarkathai (she is a novel), Payanangal Mudivathillai (never-ending journeys), the celebrated political biopic of 1997 Iruvar (the duo), Ramana and Saamy (2001). Although he started his career as the lead actor, he went on to do supporting roles with aplomb. Actor Rajnikanth, an associate of Rajesh, expressed his condolences. "The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, is deeply shocking to me. It causes immense emotional pain. A wonderful human being, may his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," the extremely popular actor wrote in Tamil on X (formerly Twitter). à®�னà¯�னà¯�à®�à¯�ய நà¯�à®°à¯�à®�à¯�à®�ிய நணà¯�à®°à®°à¯�, நà®�ிà®�à®°à¯� ராà®�à¯�à®·à¯� à®�வரà¯�à®�ளினà¯� à®�à®�ால மரணà®�à¯� à®�à¯�யà¯�தி à®�னà®�à¯�à®�à¯� à®�திரà¯�à®�à¯�à®�ியளிà®�à¯�à®�ிறதà¯�. மிà®�à¯�நà¯�த மன வà¯�தனà¯�யà¯�தà¯� தரà¯�à®�ிறதà¯�. à®�à®°à¯�à®®à¯�யான மனிதரà¯�, à®�வரà¯�à®�à¯�ய à®�தà¯�மா à®�ாநà¯�தியà®�à¯�யà®�à¯�à®�à¯�à®®à¯�. à®�வரà¯�à®�à¯�ய à®�à¯�à®�à¯�à®®à¯�ரதà¯�தினரà¯�à®�à¯�à®�à¯�à®®à¯�, நணà¯�à®°à®°à¯�à®�ளà¯�à®�à¯�à®�à¯�à®®à¯� à®�னà¯�னà¯�à®�à¯�ய à®�à®´à¯�நà¯�த à®�னà¯�தாரà®�à¯�à®�ளà¯�. #ActorRajesh — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 29, 2025 Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin visited the late actor's house and paid his last respects. Stalin, India Today reported, condoled with the actor's family members. The funeral is expected to take place once the actor's daughter arrives from the US, the outlet said. Actor-producer and politician Radikaa Sarathkumar, who had worked with Rajesh in many films and tele-serials, too expressed her condolences. 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 ð���ð���ð��� — Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) May 29, 2025 Rajesh was also a voice artist, dubbing for the Malayalam actor Murali in the Tamil rom-com Dum Dum Dum (2001) and for Nedumudi Venu in Poi Solla Porom (we're going to lie), the Tamil remake of the Bollywood comedy drama Khosla ka ghosla. The actor is survived by two children—a son and a daughter.
Mint
6 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor Rajesh Death News: Karthigai Deepam actor Rajesh passes away at 75
Veteran actor Rajesh, known for his distinguished performances in both cinema and television, passed away early this morning at the age of 75. The veteran star reportedly experienced severe breathing difficulties and was being rushed to a hospital in Chennai when he tragically passed away en route. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Born as Rajesh Williams on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, Rajesh initially began his professional life as a schoolteacher before venturing into the world of cinema. His first film role was a minor part in the 1974 K. Balachander classic Aval Oru Thodarkathai. He rose to fame with his breakthrough performance in Kanni Paruvathile (1979) and went on to star in over 150 films spanning multiple decades. Some of his most acclaimed works include Thanneer Thanneer, Andha 7 Naatkal, Sathya, Mahanadi, and Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi. Known for his expressive performances and commanding screen presence, Rajesh carved a niche for himself as a versatile character actor. In recent years, he made a successful transition to television and became a household name among younger audiences for his role as Dharmalingam in the popular Tamil serial . The Tamil film fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its stalwarts. Superstar Rajinikanth, a long-time friend of Rajesh, took to social media to express his heartfelt condolences, stating, 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Rajesh. His contributions to Tamil cinema are unforgettable.' Rajesh's final film appearance was in the Hindi thriller Merry Christmas, starring and Katrina Kaif, marking a fitting conclusion to a career that transcended languages and generations. He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who will remember him as a pillar of Tamil cinema and television.
Hindustan Times
7 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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Veteran actor Rajesh passes away at 75; Tamil cinema mourns the loss of a legend
Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh passed away early this morning, May 29, after reportedly suffering from severe breathing difficulties. He was 75. As per a report on Filmibeat, the actor suffered a sudden respiratory issue at home, after which he was rushed by his family to Ramachandra Hospital. He tragically breathed his last on the way to the hospital. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the Tamil film fraternity and fans alike. Rajesh was had been a respected figure in the industry for decades, known for his versatile roles and enduring screen presence. Early Life Born on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, Rajesh Williams made his film debut in 1974 with a minor role in the critically acclaimed 'Aval Oru Thodarkathai,' directed by the legendary K Balachander. Over the years, he earned recognition and fame, receiving his first lead role in the 1979 film 'Kanni Paruvathile.' Career Spanning Decades His career spanned several decades, during which he delivered notable performances in many memorable films such as 'Andha 7 Naatkal,' 'Sathya,' 'Mahanadi,' and 'Virumandi.' He shared the screen with stalwarts like Kamal Haasan and Vijay, often portraying both character and paternal roles that resonated with audiences. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 인천 임플란트 특가! 33만원으로 건강한 치아 완성! [지금 알아보기] 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo Personal life Beyond his cinematic journey, Rajesh's personal life had its share of highs and lows. He married Joan Silvia in 1983, and the couple had two children, Divya and Deepak. Sadly, his wife passed away in 2012 due to health complications. Rajesh was not only passionate about acting but also ventured into real estate and was actively involved in running a YouTube channel in recent years. Interestingly, later in life, he developed a keen interest in astrology, authoring several books on the subject and discussing related topics on his channel, showcasing a different facet of his personality. Farewell to a Film Legend Rajesh's death marks the end of an era for many fans and colleagues who admired his dedication and talent. His body of work includes diverse roles in films like 'Nerukku Ner,' 'Deena,' 'Citizen,' 'Ramana,' 'Red,' 'Saamy,' 'Anjaneya,' 'Kovil,' 'Autograph,' 'Ji,' 'Sivakasi,' 'Thiruppathi,' 'Master,' and 'Yaathum Oore Yaavarum Kelir.' His last film was the Hindi movie 'Merry Christmas,' starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif. Kollywood mourns his loss deeply, remembering him as a remarkable actor who left a lasting impact on South Indian cinema. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
