Veteran Kannada actor 'Kalatapasvi' Rajesh passes away at 89 in Bengaluru

Veteran Kannada actor 'Kalatapasvi' Rajesh passed away in Bengaluru today. He was 89.

Veteran Kannada actor ‘Kalatapasvi’ Rajesh passed away today in Bengaluru. He was 89. He was admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru on February 9 due to respiratory problems and age-related ailments. As per reports, his health deteriorated this morning, Saturday, February 19.

Rajesh, who had been in the hospital for the past few days, was kept on a ventilator. Kannada cinema fans are devasted at the passing away of the veteran actor. As per sources, the final rites will be arranged at his Vidyaranyapura residence in Bengaluru at 6 pm this evening.

Born in Bengaluru on April 15, 1932, as Muni Chowdappa, Rajesh has acted in plays since his school and college days. He was later identified as Vidyasagar. He rose to popularity as ‘Kalatapasvi’ Rajesh in the film industry. He entered Kannada cinema in the 60s. He has won hundreds of film awards throughout his career.

Rajesh’s daughter Asha Rani is also a filmmaker. Actor Arjun Sarja was married to Asha Rani in 1988.

With over 150 films to his credit, Rajesh grew up watching stars like Thyagaraja Bhagavatar, Rajakumari, TR Mahalingam, and more, and decided to join the film industry. His interest in theatre saw him join Sudarshana Nataka Mandali. His first film was Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddha in 1963.