Veteran Tamil film actor Rajesh passed away in Chennai on Thursday, May 29, following a sudden heart attack. He was 75. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia, had passed away earlier. His body has been kept at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai, for the public to pay their respects.
Born on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district, Rajesh began his career as a school teacher before transitioning into cinema. He made his screen debut in Aval Oru Thodarkathai (1974), directed by K. Balachander. His first lead role came in Kannipparuvathile (1979), produced by Rajkannu.
Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Rajesh acted in over 150 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. He was widely recognised for his versatility and character roles, earning praise for performances in films like Andha Ezhu Naatkal, Sathya, Payanangal Mudivathillai, Virumaandi, and Mahanadhi. His most recent appearance was in the Vijay Sethupathi–Katrina Kaif film Merry Christmas.
Rajesh was the first Tamil actor to build a bungalow for the purpose of movie shooting in 1985 near KK Nagar, Chennai, which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran
Apart from acting, Rajesh was a writer, dubbing artist, and television actor. In the latter half of his career he made a switch towards hotel and real estate business.
Rajesh collaborated with several top directors and actors during his career, including frequent work with K. Balachander and Kamal Haasan.
Published – May 29, 2025 11:35 am IST