E A Rajendran cause of death: Veteran Malayalam actor-director dies at 71 in Pattathanam, Kerala

Veteran Malayalam actor and director E A Rajendran passed away at the age of 71 after battling a prolonged illness. He died at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam, according to Manorama online. He left behind a rich legacy in theatre, cinema, and television. Rajendran was widely regarded as a versatile artist who dedicated decades of his life to the performing arts in Kerala.

Actor E A Rajendran passed away in Kerala

Rajendran began his journey in the world of theatre at a young age, showing an early interest in acting during his school days in Thrissur district. Born to Ayyappan and Sumathi, he actively participated in stage productions organised by his school’s literary society, which helped shape his passion for drama.



His talent and dedication led him to pursue formal training at the prestigious National School of Drama in Delhi, where he graduated with top honours. He later enhanced his skills by studying television production at the Film and Television Institute of India, gaining a deeper understanding of visual storytelling and direction.

All you need to E A Rajendran

A major chapter of Rajendran’s life was his association with Kalidasa Kalakendra, a theatre troupe founded by his father-in-law, noted drama teacher O. Madhavan. After marrying Sandhya, Madhavan’s daughter and the sister of actor Mukesh, Rajendran became deeply involved in the troupe’s activities.

He adapted several literary works into stage productions and played a key role in keeping the troupe active and relevant. In 1987, a play directed by him received the Kerala State Government Award for Best Drama, a significant achievement that highlighted his creative vision and directorial skills.


Although theatre remained his first love, Rajendran eventually moved into films and television, where he built a steady career. Over the years, he appeared in around 60 Malayalam films, portraying a variety of characters, including villains and strong supporting roles. His natural acting style made him a familiar face to audiences across different formats.

After an early appearance in films, Rajendran took a break from cinema before making a notable return with the film Kaliyattam, directed by Jayaraj. He later featured in films such as Pranayavarnangal and Daya.

Remembering his legacy

Beyond acting and direction, Rajendran also served as Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation. Colleagues and admirers remember him as a committed theatre personality who helped nurture stage culture in Kerala.