Versatile actor Rajesh (75) passes away

Actor Rajesh, the charismatic and versatile actor of more than 150 films, has passed away at the age of 75. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak.

Rajesh was born on 20 December 1949 and began his working life as a school teacher. He made his debut to films through K. Balachander’s 1974 directorial Avall oru Thodarkathai, which had Kamalhaasan, Sujatha, Jai Ganesh and Sri Priya in the lead roles.

He played his first lead role in B.V. Balaguru’s 1979 film, Kani Paruvathile scripted by K. Bhagyaraj where Rajesh shared the screen with K. Bhagyaraj and Vadivukkarasi.

After appearing in Thanimaram, Thai Pongal, Naane Naanthaan, he played a memorable second lead in K. Bhagyaraj’s critically acclaimed box-office success, Antha 7 Naatkal

Rajesh won widespread critical praise for his role opposite Saritha in K. Balachander’s 1984 film. Achchamillai Achchamillai.

Rajesh went on to play lead, second and supporting roles in various films, sharing the screen with – among others – Kamalhaasan, Ajithkumar, Vijay, Dhanush, Sathyaraj, Prabhu, Karthik, Vikram, Vijay Sethupathi and Arun Vijay.

Rajesh was also an accomplished dubbing artist. He also dubbed for Murali for five of his films.

Rajesh was born a Christian and later moved towards atheism. In the last decade, he has been a keen follower of astrology and has published numerous books and articles on the subject.

Rajesh was suffering from low blood pressure and experienced breathing difficulties earlier this morning. His wife, Joan Sylvia, passed away in 2012