JOIN USNoted yesteryear actor S S Rajendran, (86), fondly known as SSR in cinema circles and by his fans, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in the city after prolonged illness. Family sources said the actor had been admitted to a private hospital for severe lung infection.
Rajendran made his big screen debut in Tamil film “Parasakthi” in 1952, in which legend Sivaji Ganesan also made his first appearance.
The veteran actor featured in more than 50 Tamil films. Noted among them were “Poompuhar”, “Rangoon Radha” and “Sivagangai Seemai”.
The actor, who was also actively involved in politics, is known as the first actor-legislator of Indian politics after winning the Theni Assembly seat in 1962.
Rajendran was also elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1970. During his political career, he was associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as well.
Describing Rajendran’s death as a big loss to Tamil cinema, AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha said with his clear pronunciation of dialogues the veteran held everyone in thrall.
Stating that he was shaken after hearing the news, DMK president M Karunanidhi said Rajendran stood beside him at different points of time in his life.
The Tamil film industry suspended all its operations including film shooting on Friday as a mark of respect to the deceased.
Political leaders including Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko, BJP state president Tamizhisai Sounderrajan and TNCC chief B S Gnanadesikan also condoled the death of the actor.