Tamil actor and politician JK Rithesh dies of cardiac arrest; celebs, fans express condolence over shocking death

Tamil actor and politician JK Rithesh died on Saturday, April 13, due to cardiac arrest. He was 46. He is survived by his wife and 11-year-old son. 

As per the reports, he complained of severe chest pain during an election campaign in Ramanathapuram and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. However, the treatment failed to save his life, TV reports add. 

Being born in Sri Lanka in 1973, his family migrated to Rameswaram in the mid 1970s. After completing Diploma in Civil Engineering, he turned to acting, debuting with the Chinni Jayanth-directorial Kaanal Neer.

He then acted in Nayagan and Pen Singam. However, he took a break from the acting after foraying into politics. He won from the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency from the DMK ticket in 2009.

Two years later, JK Ritesh was dragged into a land-grabbing case and accused of cheating a US citizen. In 2014, he left the DMK and joined the AIADMK. 

After close to a decade, he returned to acting with a negative role in RJ Balaji's political satire LKG. 

Personal Life

JK Rithesh married Jotheeswari in 2007. They were blessed with a son named Roshan a year later. His sudden death has come as a shock to his well-wishers and friends. 

Celebrities and fans have expressed their condolence on Twitter and some of which can be read below:

Suja Varunee: I will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain

Vishal: Life is so bloody unpredictable.unable to believe the news of my good friend #JKRitheesh s Demise. shocking. got to know him during Nadigar sangam elections. My deepest condolences to his wife and kids.i pray God to give them strength at this tough time. May his soul RIP

Krish: Actor/Producer/Politician Mr. JK Rithesh has passed away in Ramanadhapuram.. He is Such a nice person.. Sincere condolences.. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

KhushbuSundar Tweeted: Shocked to hear the sudden and very sad demise of actor and #AIADMK member #JKRitesh.. had met him just 2 days back.. life is so unpredictable..my thoughts are with his family and young kids..may the force be with them and give them the strength to cope with the loss.. #RIP

RJ Balaji tweeted: will miss you sir. You treated me like your own brother. Not got even a rupee to act in LKG. So much love, care and warmth. You were a great human being. God is so cruel to take you away from your beautiful family with three children. Feel terrible.
Shocked and devastated hearing the news about the loss of JK Rithesh sir. Not able to beleive. He was just 46. Gone too soon. He was like a brother to me and blessing to the lives of many. He helped and changed so many lives. No words to describe the pain.

Kaushik LM: Tamil news channels have also started reporting the #JKRithesh passing away news.. @RJ_Balaji used to say during #LKG promotions that JKR was a really good, helpful man. Life can be so uncertain. Just 46 and a heart attack.. May his soul RIP

Manis : Shocked by seeing the news about demise of #JKRithesh may his soul rest in peace #RIPJKRithesh