Chennai, May 29 -- Popular Tamil actor Rajesh, celebrated for his extensive contributions to Indian cinema and television, passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.

He was 75.

He is survived by a son and daughter.

His wife Joan Sylvia pre-deceased him in 2012.

Rajesh, who worked as a teacher in the Kellett Higher Secondary School in Chennai, taking classes for seventh and eighth standards before entering the tinsel world, complained of breathing difficulties.

He was rushed to a hospital but died on the way.

He has shown his versatility by donning a variety of roles including, hero, villain and in character roles and family dramas.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, also a prominent...