‘Rajesh is still bedridden, but he knows everything; you can read it from his face’

Prathap Jayalakshmi, friend of actor and television anchor Rajesh Keshav, came forward with a note about the latter’s health condition following a heart attack. Prathap in his note on Facebook said that Rajesh has been bedridden for a year, but despite being confined to bed, he is aware of everything happening around him. Rajesh collapsed on the night of August 24 last year.

Rajesh’s Onam
‘Rajesh has been bedridden for a year now, hasn’t he?” asked Sangeeth Jain from Wayfarer Films. It was during an event held in connection with the release of the film Lokah that Rajesh collapsed. How could we ever forget that night of August 24 last year?

Rajesh is still bedridden, but he is aware of everything. We are able to read that from his face. So, even though he cannot respond, we tell him everything that is happening--about our friends, the latest happenings in the film industry, the names of people who call asking about him, the messages they send… everything.

Sometimes he opens his eyes and listens attentively. At other times, he ends it all with his eyes only half-open. When he is in a good mood, he tightly holds our hand when we hold his. He also tries to smile slightly and move his lips.

His therapies are still continuing. Many of us spent time with Rajesh at Lakeshore Hospital in last Onam. This time too, Harikrishnan R Pillai came with his family to spend some time with him during Onam. Dr Sheena Devasia, who was our junior in college, was also there. Nihad Rahman called from Saudi Arabia, Rajeev Bhaskara Warrier called from Alappuzha, and Biju Katt called from Canada.

On Thiruvonam day, Sindhu stitched a long kurta and dressed Rajesh in it. With the help of a nurse, he was made to sit in a wheelchair. Rupesh gently moistened Rajesh’s lips with a little payasam.

Last year, on this very day, Rajesh was on ventilator. This year, there is at least the comfort of knowing that he is at home.

Everyone is waiting for that wonderful day when all the prayers and love showered upon Rajesh will finally bear fruit. That will be our real Onam.
Prathap Jayalakshmi