Bantwal, Sep 11, 2016: Well-known Tulu theatre and film artiste Rajesh Bantwal from Kanapade in Navoor village is no more. Rajesh who was ailing since some time passed away at a private hospital in Mangaluru on September 9. He was 45 years of age and was a bachelor. Rajesh is survived by his mother and three sisters.
Rajesh who was in the theatrical field for nearly 28 years made his foray through the play Kumkuma of late Shantaram Kalladka. He shot to limelight through the Tulu play ’Asal Eru’ a Marathi drama which was translated to Tulu by Vijaykumar Kodialbail. In this play Rajesh had played four roles and won much appreciation. His role of Vasu in ’Mande Balipuji,’ Malayali man’s role in ’Bhoje Budiyerege’ and his acting in the play ’Pudar Deethije’ were also widely lauded.
His role of Driver Babanna in the Tulu movie ’Oriyardori Asal’ is also worth remembering. He had acted in films like Viddu, Ekka Sakka and Kadala Mage and Kannada serials Mukta Mukta, Hasiru Siri Honnu and Tulu serial Gottaanaga Porthandu.
Rajesh was active in Aasare Kalavider team and Navoor Kalanidhi Kalaavider troupe.