Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh passed away at the age of 75 on May 29, 2025, after experiencing low blood pressure and breathing difficulties. He was en route to a Chennai hospital when he succumbed to his health complications. His mortal remains are being taken to his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. The funeral will be held after his daughter returns from the United States. Rajesh is survived by his son and daughter; his wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, passed away in 2012.
Superstar Rajinikanth expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The sudden demise of my close friend, actor Rajesh, has come as a shock to me. It brings immense sorrow. He was a wonderful human being – may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar also mourned his death, writing, “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”
Rajesh’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he acted in over 100 Tamil films. He was introduced by the legendary filmmaker K. Balachander in the critically acclaimed film “Aval Oru Thodarkadhai.” Some of his notable works include “Thanneer Thanneer,” “Andha 7 Naatkal,” and “Payanangal Mudivadhillai.”
