Veteran Malayalam actor and director EA Rajendran died early on Thursday morning at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam. EA Rajendran was known to be a powerhouse in the Malayalam cinema and theatre circle. Despite battling physical ailments, his love and passion for the stage never faded as he continued to direct plays until his health no longer permitted.
EA Rajendran dies
Rajendran breathed his last at his home at the age of 71. Notably, he had been undergoing treatment for prolonged health issues. During a 2025 interview with YouTube channel Mainstream One, Rajendran opened up about the concerns regarding his health, clarifying that his weight loss was intentional. “I reduced weight as per the doctor’s advice to manage my sugar levels. Age is also catching up, and I need to stay careful,” he said.
Rajendran is survived by his wife, Sandhya Rajendran and son. He had earlier spoken about his son`s career, saying, “My son is acting now, and we are also running a production company. I am one of the leading producers of serials in South India.”
Notably, Rajendran was also the brother-in-law of popular actor and Kollam MLA, M Mukesh.
According to reports, Rajendran`s mortal remains will be kept for public homage in Kollam, after which they will be taken to his hometown in Thrissur later in the day. The funeral rites will be held on Friday, March 27, at his residence in Thrithallur, Thrissur.
About EA Rajendran
With a filmography spanning roughly 60 titles, Rajendran had earned a name for himself as a versatile force in Malayalam cinema, transitioning between menacing villains and nuanced character roles. Some of his most notable cinematic roles include Kaliiyattam, Pranayavarnangal and Pattabhishekam.
His creative roots reportedly trace back to Thrissur UP School, where he was a fixture in student theatre. After university, he joined the National School of Drama in Delhi, graduating at the top of his class. To bridge the gap between stage and screen, Rajendran completed his training with a specialised television course at the Film Institute in Pune.
He was also a prolific theatre director and a versatile contributor to various artistic disciplines. Additionally, he also served as Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director EA Rajendran dies at 71
