Veteran Tamil Actor Rajesh Passes Away At 75, Rajinikanth Mourns His Death
Updated on: 29 May, 2025 02:57 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Veteran actor Rajesh dies at 75
South Indian superstar and veteran actor Rajesh passed away on Thursday, May 29, after suffering from age-related ailments. The 75-year-old breathed his last in Chennai. For the uninitiated, Rajesh has acted in hundreds of Tamil and Malayalam films and TV serials.
Throughout his five-decade-long career in the movie business, the veteran star was known for playing a range of characters, both main leads and supporting artistes.
Rajesh`s nephew confirmed the heartbreaking news of his death to DT Next. He had complained about low blood pressure in the morning and died on the way to the hospital. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak, who made his debut in 2014. His wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, died in 2012.
After the news of his death went viral, actress Radhika Sarathkumar mourned his passing. She took to X (formerly Twitter) and penned a heartfelt note.
Her tweet read, “Deeply shocked and sudden 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; he will be missed by family, friends and the film fraternity. #RIP.”
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??? pic.twitter.com/o0IQQaQtTU
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) May 29, 2025
Producer-author G. Dhananjayen also wrote, “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.”
Superstar Rajinikanth also shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor in his tweet.
"The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocks me. It gives me immense pain. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends," his post read.
என்னுடைய நெருங்கிய நண்பர், நடிகர் ராஜேஷ் அவர்களின் அகால மரணச் செய்தி எனக்கு அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. மிகுந்த மன வேதனையைத் தருகிறது.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 29, 2025
அருமையான மனிதர், அவருடைய ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும்.
அவருடைய குடும்பத்தினருக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும் என்னுடைய ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள்.#ActorRajesh
More about Rajesh`s career
The late actor was born to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar at Mannargudi, Tiruvarur, on December 20, 1949. He worked as a school teacher from 1972 to 1979.
In 1974, he made his debut with a small role in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai. It was in 1979 when he got the opportunity to play the lead in Kanni Paruvathile.
Rajesh has also acted in several TV serials such as Micro Thodargal-Azhukku Vetti and Karthigai Deepam. He has worked in over 150 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, spanning an illustrious career over five decades.
He was also an executive member of Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Film Artistes Association). He was last seen alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif in Merry Christmas.
Radio City extends its heartfelt condolences to the actor`s friends and family. Rest in peace, Rajesh.
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