Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71

Veteran actor and director E.A. Rajendran, known for his significant contributions to Malayalam cinema and theatre, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 71 in Pattathanam, Kollam, Kerala. Rajendran had been undergoing treatment for the past few months before his death. He is survived by his wife, Sandhya Rajendran, and their son, Divyadarshan. Rajendran was the brother-in-law of actor M. Mukesh and the son-in-law of renowned theatre director O. Madhavan. A graduate of both the National School of Drama in New Delhi and the Film and Television Institute of India, Rajendran initially made his mark as a theatre artist. He ventured into films with his debut in the 1981 movie *Greeshman* and went on to act in more than 50 films, including his last one, *Oru Perumkaliyattam* (2023). Rajendran’s dedication to the arts extended beyond cinema as he had worked with the State Horticulture Corporation. His passing has left a void in the Malayalam film and theatre industries, with tributes pouring in from various sections of the community. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences over the loss of the veteran actor and director.