Actor collapses and dies on stage during drama performance in Kollam

KOLLAM: In a tragic incident, an actor collapsed and died on stage while performing a play during a club anniversary event. The deceased has been identified as PR Lagesh (62) from Champakulam, Alappuzha. He was a member of the Ambalappuzha Aksharajwala Drama Troupe. The incident occurred around 9:55 p.m. on the 20th.

Lagesh was performing in the play Vartha during the annual celebrations of the Premier Club at Kunnumpurathu Mukku in Chittayam, Peruman, when he suddenly collapsed. He was immediately taken to a private hospital in Anchalummoodu and later shifted to a hospital in Kollam, but could not be saved.

Lagesh was playing the role of Lopes in the play. He had also played a retired police officer in the same play.

Lagesh, who began his theatre career through the plays of Kanjirappally Amala, had been active in theatre for the past 20 years and joined Aksharajwala two years ago. Notably, veteran actor Thilakan had also performed in plays staged by Aksharajwala during his final years.

Lagesh began his career in the police department and later joined the health department. Alongside his government service, he remained active in theatre and cultural activities. After the post-mortem at the district hospital, the body was handed over to his family. The funeral will be held today at 2 p.m. at his house premises.

He was the son of the late Raghavan and Ammini. He is survived by his wife Rajalakshmi, children Aishwarya and Amal, and son-in-law Ananthu.