‘Lagaan’ actor Rajesh Vivek dies of heart attack in Hyderabad

Lagaan's Rajesh Vivek was first introduced by Shyam Benegal in his film 'Junoon' (1978). He was 66.

Bollywood actor Rajesh Vivek, mainly known for his roles in superhits like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Swades’, died due to a heart attack in Hyderabad today. 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,” said Vivek’s friend Vishnu Sharma.

He played the post man in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Swades’, which released in year 2004.

In Aamir Khan’s film ‘Lagaan’, the actor played the role of an astrologer.

The actor was also seen in Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s film ‘Jodha Akbar’.

Vivek was first introduced by Shyam Benegal in his film ‘Junoon’ (1978).

Basically a theatre actor, he had also acted in popular television series ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ and in ‘Aghori’.

He made his mark as a villain in the beginning with films like ‘Veerana’ and ‘Joshilay’, often playing roles of henchman, but later on he started doing comic or supporting roles.

Some of his latest films include 'Bunty Aur Babli', 'Bhoot Unkle', 'What is Your Rashee', 'Agnipath', 'Son of Sardaar', 'Dishkiyaaun'.

He had played the role of a dreaded dacoit in 'Bandit Queen' (1994).