Actor Rajesh Keshav in Critical Condition After Cardiac Arrest

Renowned South Indian actor and presenter Rajesh Keshav is fighting for his life in a private hospital in Kochi, Kerala, following a cardiac arrest on August 24, 2025. The incident occurred during an event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kochi, where Keshav, exhausted after hosting, collapsed and was rushed to Lakeshore Hospital within 15–20 minutes. Doctors performed an emergency angioplasty, but Keshav remains on a ventilator with minimal response, raising concerns about potential brain damage. The news has sent shockwaves through the film industry, with colleagues, fans, and celebrities offering prayers for his recovery. This breaking news, trending across social media, highlights the outpouring of support for the beloved performer known for his vibrant stage presence.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place on the night of August 24, 2025, during a high-profile event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kochi, attended by celebrities, including actor Dulquer Salmaan. Rajesh Keshav, a familiar face in South Indian cinema and television, was hosting the event when he suddenly collapsed, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest. According to hospital sources, the collapse was immediate, and swift action by those present ensured he was rushed to Lakeshore Hospital within 15–20 minutes. Medical professionals confirmed the cardiac arrest and performed an angioplasty to restore blood flow. Despite the procedure, Keshav has been placed on a ventilator, with doctors noting only occasional minor movements, raising fears of neurological impact due to oxygen deprivation during the event.

The severity of Keshav’s condition has been detailed by his close friend and filmmaker Prathap Jayalakshmi, who shared an emotional post on social media. “Our dear friend Rajesh needs your prayers now. He collapsed at the end of the program held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sunday night. Doctors say he had a cardiac arrest when he collapsed. Since then, he has been on a ventilator and has not responded, except for occasional small movements,” Prathap wrote. He emphasized the need for collective prayers, stating, “He can’t be on a ventilator like this, who is performing so brilliantly on stage. If we all come together, he will wake up.” The post has garnered thousands of shares, with fans and industry peers rallying for Keshav’s recovery.

Rajesh Keshav’s Career and Public Persona

Rajesh Keshav, also known as RK, is a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, celebrated for his roles in Malayalam and Tamil films and his dynamic presence as a television presenter. Over the years, he has hosted numerous high-profile events, sharing stages with stars like Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rashmika Mandanna. His film credits include notable movies such as Beautiful (2011) with Jayasurya and Anoop Menon, Trivandrum Lodge (2012), Hotel California (2013), Nee-Na (2015), and Thattum Purath Achuthan (2018). According to IMDb, Keshav has upcoming projects, including Shero and Oru Vadakkan Therottam, showcasing his continued relevance in the industry.

Keshav’s charisma and ability to captivate audiences have made him a beloved figure, particularly in Kerala, where his hosting gigs for award shows and film promotions are highly sought after. His work spans major television networks like Disney, Star, Sun, and Zee, where he has anchored popular shows, earning a reputation for his wit and professionalism. The news of his critical condition has left fans and colleagues devastated, with many recalling his infectious energy and warm personality as defining traits.

Medical Updates and Concerns

Following the cardiac arrest, Rajesh Keshav underwent an emergency angioplasty to address blockages in his coronary arteries. Despite the procedure, his condition remains critical, with doctors monitoring him closely in the ICU at Lakeshore Hospital. The lack of significant response, except for minor movements, has led medical professionals to suspect mild brain damage due to oxygen deprivation during the cardiac event. A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, cutting off oxygen supply to vital organs, including the brain, which can lead to severe complications if not addressed immediately.

The hospital has not yet disclosed specific details about the type of cardiac issue or the extent of neurological impact, but sources indicate that Keshav’s condition is stable yet precarious. The use of a ventilator suggests that he is unable to breathe independently, a common scenario in severe cardiac cases. Medical experts emphasize that recovery from such an event depends on multiple factors, including the duration of oxygen deprivation, the effectiveness of immediate interventions like CPR, and the patient’s overall health. Fans are holding onto hope, inspired by Prathap’s call for prayers, as they await further updates from the hospital.

Outpouring of Support from Colleagues and Fans

The news of Rajesh Keshav’s critical condition has prompted an overwhelming response from the South Indian film industry and fans across social media platforms. Prominent actors, directors, and television personalities have shared messages of support, urging Keshav to fight back. A post on X by a fan read, “Rajesh Keshav is a gem of Malayalam cinema. His energy on stage is unmatched. Praying for his speedy recovery.” Another user wrote, “Heartbroken to hear about RK. He’s brought so much joy to us. Let’s all pray for his comeback.” The hashtag #PrayForRajeshKeshav has been trending, reflecting the widespread concern and affection for the actor.

Filmmaker Prathap Jayalakshmi’s emotional appeal has resonated deeply, with many echoing his sentiment that collective prayers and love can aid Keshav’s recovery. “He will come back. He will come back,” Prathap wrote, a sentiment shared by colleagues who have worked with Keshav over the years. The film community has also highlighted his contributions to fostering camaraderie, with many recalling his ability to light up events with his humor and charm. The outpouring of support underscores Keshav’s impact as a performer and a person, uniting fans and industry peers in hope for his recovery.

Understanding Cardiac Arrest and Its Implications

A cardiac arrest, as experienced by Rajesh Keshav, is a medical emergency where the heart stops beating, halting blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the body. Unlike a heart attack, which involves a blockage in blood flow to the heart, a cardiac arrest is often caused by an electrical malfunction, leading to sudden collapse. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, absence of pulse, and cessation of breathing. Immediate intervention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, is critical to restore heart function and prevent brain damage, which can occur within minutes of oxygen loss.

In Keshav’s case, the rapid response in transporting him to the hospital likely improved his chances of survival, though the suspected brain impact highlights the severity of the incident. Angioplasty, which involves inserting a stent to open blocked arteries, is a common procedure post-cardiac arrest to stabilize the heart. However, recovery can be prolonged, with risks of neurological complications depending on the duration of oxygen deprivation. Medical professionals stress the importance of lifestyle changes, regular health check-ups, and stress management to prevent such events, particularly for individuals in high-pressure professions like Keshav’s.

Impact on the Film Industry

Rajesh Keshav’s health crisis has cast a somber mood over the South Indian film industry, which is already navigating several challenges in 2025. His absence from upcoming events and projects, including Shero and Oru Vadakkan Therottam, raises concerns about potential delays or recasting, though the focus remains on his recovery. The industry has faced similar incidents recently, prompting discussions about the health and well-being of performers who often work under intense schedules and public scrutiny. Keshav’s situation serves as a reminder of the need for better health support systems for artists.

The incident has also sparked conversations about the pressures of hosting high-energy events, which require constant engagement and physical stamina. Colleagues have noted that Keshav’s dedication to his craft, often performing late into the night, may have contributed to his exhaustion. As the industry rallies around him, there is a growing call for awareness about heart health, particularly among public figures who face unique stressors. The hope is that Keshav’s recovery will inspire positive changes in how the industry supports its talent.