Veteran Malayalam Actor-Director E.A. Rajendran Passes Away at 71

Veteran Malayalam actor and director E.A. Rajendran, a luminary in Kerala's performing arts, passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam. He had been battling prolonged age-related ailments for a considerable period, undergoing treatment for health issues including kidney and respiratory problems. The news of his demise has evoked widespread grief across the Malayalam film, television, and theatre communities. Rajendran's artistic journey began at a young age in Thrissur, where he was born to Ayyappan and Sumathi in Thrithallur. His early interest in performing arts led him to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he graduated with first rank in acting. He further honed his skills by pursuing a television course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, bridging the gap between stage and screen. His career spanned over four decades, during which he significantly contributed to Malayalam cinema, television, and particularly theatre. He appeared in approximately 60 films, excelling in both villainous and nuanced character roles. Some of his notable film credits include 'Greeshmam', which marked his debut in 1981, followed by a significant return with Jayaraj's critically acclaimed 'Kaliyattam'. He was also recognized for his performances in films like 'Pranayavarnangal', 'Daya', and 'Pattabhishekam'. His last known appearance was in Jayaraj's 'Oru Perumgaliyattam'. Beyond his acting prowess, E.A. Rajendran was a formidable force in the professional theatre circuit. He was closely associated with Kalidasa Kalakendram, a renowned theatre troupe founded by his father-in-law, O. Madhavan. His directorial skills were also acknowledged, earning him the Kerala State Government Award for Best Play in 1987 for his adaptation of a Russian novel. Rajendran also made his mark in public service, having served as the Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation. A key personal detail frequently highlighted in reports is his relationship with actor and Kollam MLA M. Mukesh. E.A. Rajendran was Mukesh's brother-in-law, married to Sandhya, O. Madhavan's daughter and Mukesh's sister. Mukesh himself shared condolences on social media, acknowledging Rajendran's contributions as an artist and director of Kalidasa Kalakendram. In a 2025 interview, Rajendran had addressed concerns about his health and noticeable weight loss, clarifying that it was an intentional measure to manage his sugar levels as per medical advice. He is survived by his wife, Sandhya Rajendran, and their son, Divyadarshan, who is also an actor. The mortal remains of E.A. Rajendran will be kept for public homage in Kollam before being taken to his native village in Thrithallur, Thrissur. The funeral rites are scheduled to be held on Friday, March 27, at his residence in Thrithallur. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and many other prominent figures from the film and drama fraternities have expressed their condolences, remembering him as a disciplined artist who enriched Malayalam culture with his profound and versatile portrayals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest