Veteran screen and theatre actor Rajesh Vivek died of a heart attack in Hyderabad on Thursday. He was 66.
"Rajesh passed away in Hyderabad due to a heart attack. He was shooting there for a south Indian film. It is very shocking news," friend Vishnu Sharma informed The Press Trust of India.
Born on 31 January, 1949, Vivek completed his degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from Jaunpur and was later introduced to the big screen by Shyam Benegal in "Junoon".
Largely known for his role in Aamir Khan's "Lagaan", he went on to essay a handful of supporting characters that will continue to remind us of him in the years to come. "Swades" (2004), "Jodha Akbar" (2008), and "Agneepath" (2012) were some of the other notable films he starred in.
Meanwhile, industry colleagues and celebs have been mourning his sudden death on Twitter. Below are a few posts:
Rishi Kapoor: Rajesh Vivek. Wonderful actor and a friend. R I P
Anupam Kher: Saddened to know about the demise of my friend, senior in NSD & a very fine actor Rajesh Vivek. He was a Mast Maula in true sense. RIP.
Tigmanshu Dhulia: Our senior from NSD Rajesh Vivek passed away have great memories of him while doing Bandit queen RIP Rajesh bhai
Satish Kaushik: We will miss #RajeshVivek for his great performances in theatre and films.my NSD senior who was just terrific in every role he did..Baba RIP
Ehsaan Noorani: And now #RajeshVivek is gone this is really sad
Ravindra Jadeja: #RajeshVivek We Will Always Remember Your Acting In Lagaan And Swadesh. You'll Be In Our Memories Forever. #RIP
Dipannita Sharma: not a good day.Another very talented veteran actor passes away #RajeshVivek of #Joshilay#lagaan&many more.R.I.P sir
Ashoke Pandit: Sad to know about the demise of #RajeshVivek, one of the finest actors & a great human being. Lived a faqir's life. RIP!
More details awaited.
