Actor and Anchor Rajesh Keshav in Critical Condition After Cardiac Arrest in Kochi
Actor and television presenter Rajesh Keshav, 47, remains in critical condition after collapsing during a film promotional event in Kochi on Sunday night.
He was immediately taken to a city hospital after being found unconscious in the washroom of a hotel where the event was being held. Doctors diagnosed him with cardiac arrest and performed an emergency angioplasty.
Although his heart function has shown some improvement since the procedure, doctors revealed that his brain has been affected.
Hospital sources stated that his condition remains unchanged and that it may take at least another 48 hours before a clearer picture of his recovery emerges.
Sudden Collapse at Event
Rajesh was anchoring an event at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kochi when he suddenly collapsed on stage. Filmmaker Prathap Jayalakshmi, who was present at the event, later shared details of the incident and his health condition through a Facebook post.
According to the filmmaker, Rajesh was rushed to Lakeshore Hospital within 15–20 minutes of the collapse, where doctors immediately carried out angioplasty.
On Ventilator Support
Hospital sources confirmed that Rajesh is currently on ventilator support. Doctors noted that although his heart has been revived, the lack of blood supply to the brain for nearly half an hour during the cardiac arrest may have caused serious damage to brain cells.
A hospital statement added, “At present, his condition continues to remain critical since he has suffered some amount of brain damage from the cardiac arrest. Though his heart has regained its function, he has been put on ventilator support. The next 72 hours are very vital to see whether his brain regains its function on its own.”
The doctors are gradually reducing the dosage of medication and attempting to wean him off ventilator support. However, they emphasized that his progress will depend on how his brain responds in the coming days.
Emotional Message from Filmmaker
Filmmaker Prathap Jayalakshmi expressed his concern and hope for Rajesh’s recovery in a heartfelt social media post.
He wrote, “What our dear friend Rajesh needs now is your heartfelt prayers. It was at the end of the event at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kochi, on Sunday night that he collapsed. Within 15–20 minutes, he was rushed to Lakeshore Hospital.
“Doctors said the cardiac arrest happened as he collapsed. Angioplasty was done immediately. Since then, he’s been kept alive with the help of a ventilator. He hasn’t responded yet—except for some slight movements now and then. Doctors suspect that there might be mild damage to the brain due to the condition. We’ve realised now that what he needs the most to come back to life is our love and prayers.
The one who used to electrify the stage with his performance now lies still, relying on machines. It’s heartbreaking. But we know he will come back—if we all come together and hold him in our thoughts. He must return. He will return. Please come back, my dearest buddy.”
Rajesh Keshav’s Career
Apart from anchoring several major events, Rajesh Keshav has acted in a number of Malayalam films. His filmography includes Beautiful (2011) starring Jayasurya, Anoop Menon, and Meghana Raj, Trivandrum Lodge (2012), Hotel California (2013), Nee-Na (2015), and Thattum Purath Achuthan (2018).
According to IMDb, Rajesh has upcoming projects titled Shero and Oru Vadakkan Therottam.
He has also shared the stage with leading stars from across Indian cinema, including Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan, Sanjay Dutt, Suriya, Trisha Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rashmika Mandanna.
Uncertain Road to Recovery
As of now, the doctors remain cautious and stress that the next few days will be crucial. With his heart showing signs of recovery but his brain still under observation, Rajesh’s condition continues to be closely monitored.
His colleagues and fans have been urged to keep him in their prayers, with hopes that he will overcome this critical phase and return to the stage where he once captivated audiences with his energy and charisma.
