Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 19: Movie actor Rajesh (82) who had bagged the title, 'Kalatapasvi' based on his memorable perforances, passed away at around 2.30 am on Saturday February 19.

He had been admitted into a private hospital recently after he fell seriously ill, said his son-in-law, Arjun Sarja.

His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Vidyaranyapura here till 6.30 pm today. Thereafter, the funeral will be performed, Sarja said.

Rajesh was recently seen in the movie, 'Old Monk', in which Srini was in the lead role. Because of ill health, Rajesh had stayed away from the filmdom for some time.

Rajesh had formed his own 'Shakti' drama troupe through which a number of plays including 'Nandadeepa', 'Kittur Rani C'hennamma' and 'Badavana Balu' were presented. Rajesh had also worked in the past as typist and shorthand writer in PWD.

Rajesh's first Kannada movie was 'Veera Sankalpa' released in the 1960s. After 'Namma Ooru' was released in 1968, he changed his name to Rajesh. He also worked as playback singer for this film. He acted in over 150 films. Considering his immense memorable contributions to Sandalwood, Karnatak University had bestowed on him the honorary doctorate in 2012. His daughter, Asharani, was in the lead role opposite Arjun Sarja in the movie, 'Ratha Saptami'. Aishwarya Sarja, daughter of Asharani and Arjun Sarja, also is an actress now.