J. K. Rithesh – The politician turned actor best known for his role in Tamil film LKG

J. K. Rithesh (1971 – 2019) was a politician and parliamentarian from Tamil Nadu, who had a brief career in Tamil films. His last appearance was for LKG, a political satire film directed by the debutant K. R. Prabhu, and he played the pivot character of politician Ramraj Pandian. He was earlier seen in Tamil movies – Kaanal Neer, Pen Singam and Nayagan. Yet his last and final role of LKG remains most memorable. He successfully contested 2009 Lok Sabha elections representing DMK from Ramanathpuram. He was going to gym when he had a chest pain and died of a massive heart attack in a private hospital. He was fully engaged in election campaign for Karunaas in the Thiruvudanai constituency for the past few days. He was only 48.

J. K. Rithesh was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka. His family shifted to Tamil Nadu in 1974, where his father worked in the agricultural sector. Rithesh completed Diploma in Civil Engineering before he forayed into politics. Rithesh received 294,945 votes in 2009 elections, where he defeated AIADMK candidate. However he switched to AIADMK with 2014 general elections. His political career is not free from controversies. A police case was registered against him for a cheating case of rupees 2.18 crore and he got arrested. Marked his film debut in 2007, he played lead role in his second release, Nayagan (2008).

J. K. Rithesh – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. His marriage with Jotheeswari and film debut happened in 2007, when he was 36 years old. He has one son.

2. He got elected to parliament as a candidate of DMK, and he changed his political affiliation towards AIADMK in the next parliamentary elections in 2014.

3. The actor was in the concept that there is no harm in showing politicians in bad light, but most important is never to spread misinformation. He stated so while he was helming the role of a politician in his last release, LKG.

4. He has been very active in  Nadigar Sangam and also participated in the Star Cricket.