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

New Delhi, March 26, 2026: The Malayalam film and theatre community is in mourning following the demise of veteran actor and director E.A. Rajendran, who passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 71. He breathed his last at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam, after a prolonged battle with age-related illnesses.

A versatile artist who seamlessly bridged the worlds of professional theatre and mainstream cinema, Rajendran leaves behind a legacy defined by artistic depth and academic excellence.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born in Thrithallur, Thrissur, to Ayyappan and Sumathi, Rajendran’s passion for the performing arts was evident from his school days at Thrithallur UP School. Unlike many who enter the industry through chance, Rajendran was a formally trained powerhouse.

• National School of Drama (NSD): He was a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious NSD in Delhi, where he notably graduated with the first rank in acting.
• FTII Pune: To further refine his craft for the screen, he pursued a specialized television course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.

A Career of Two Acts

Rajendran’s cinematic journey is often described in two distinct phases. He made his debut in 1981 with V.R. Gopinath’s Greeshmam, but despite his immense talent, he faced a significant hiatus from the silver screen.

His “second act” began in the late 1990s with a powerful resurgence in Jayaraj’s award-winning film Kaliyattam (1997). This role reignited his career, leading to memorable performances in over 60 films, where he excelled in both villainous and character-driven roles.

Notable Filmography:

• Kaliyattam
• Pranayavarnangal
• Daya
• Pattabhishekam
• Narasimham
• Meesha Madhavan
• Thachiledathu Chundan

Legacy in Theatre and Television

While cinema brought him fame, theatre remained Rajendran’s soul. After marrying Sandhya, the daughter of legendary theatre personality O. Madhavan and sister of actor-MLA Mukesh, he became a pillar of the Kalidasa Kalakendram troupe in Kollam.

In 1987, his directorial prowess was officially recognized when his stage production—an adaptation of a Russian novel—won the Kerala State Government Award for Best Play. Beyond the arts, he also contributed to public service, serving as the Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation.

Personal Life and Final Days

E.A. Rajendran is survived by his wife, Sandhya Rajendran, and their son, Divyadarshan, who is also a popular actor in the Malayalam industry. In a 2025 interview, Rajendran had addressed public concerns regarding his health, clarifying that his visible weight loss was an intentional effort to manage his health under medical supervision.

His mortal remains are scheduled to be taken to his native home in Thrithallur, Thrissur, where the funeral rites will be performed on Friday.

The passing of E.A. Rajendran marks the end of an era for an artist who prioritized the “craft” of acting over the “glamour” of the industry. His contribution to the cultural fabric of Kerala remains an inspiration for aspiring theatre students and actors alike.