Actor Rajesh Keshav airlifted to Vellore hospital for specialised treatment

Kochi: Actor and presenter Rajesh Keshav, who has been receiving treatment at a private hospital here following a heart attack, is being transferred to a hospital in Vellore, his friend and colleague Prathap Jayalekshmi revealed on Facebook.

Rajesh, who has been under medical care for the past 29 days, will be transported via air ambulance, accompanied by his younger brother Rupesh and sister-in-law Sindhu. Prathap Jayalekshmi urged fans and well-wishers to continue praying for his speedy recovery.

In a note on Facebook, Prathap Jayalekshmi said, "Our beloved Rajesh is beginning yet another journey today. Together, we’ve traveled joyfully to many countries and countless places. But this time, the journey is from Kochi to Vellore Hospital. Rajesh’s younger brother Rupesh and his wife Sindhu are by his side.

For the past 29 days, we are deeply grateful to the doctors at Lake Shore Hospital, Kochi, for their dedicated treatment; to the sisters—God’s own angels—who cared for Rajesh like a brother, like a son, round the clock; and to the other staff members and management who stood by us with support.

We hold close to our hearts the dear friends in our circle who arranged an air ambulance within a single night so Rajesh could be taken swiftly to Vellore. Our thanks also extend to Union Minister Shri Suresh Gopi, Shri SKN, Shri Yusuffali Sir, the Wayfarer Films team, Swaraj, Sreeni, Rajakrishnan, and so many other friends who coordinated every detail shoulder to shoulder with us. There are still countless names of dear friends left unmentioned…

The special ambulance equipped with a ventilator departed from Lake Shore. Passing Crown Plaza Hotel—where Rajesh had just performed before collapsing—then Vyttila and Palarivattom, it quickly reached Edappally. On the left stood Lulu Mall and Marriott—the very stage where Kochi cheered for him the loudest, the hotel where he had stayed… Would Rajesh recognize these paths as he passed them? Did the wail of the ambulance siren drown out his own voice? We cannot know..??

Crossing Aluva, the ambulance rushed onward to Nedumbassery. In just 15 minutes, all clearances, medical checks, and the loading of medicines and bags were completed. The ICATT team—captain, doctor, and others—stood ready with the air ambulance. With hope that they will reach in an hour and a half, the journey continues.

In Vellore, too, there are some great souls coordinating things. That story will be told later.

To all those who keep calling, messaging, and inquiring about Rajesh’s health, our love and gratitude. Please continue your prayers. Rajesh will return with his old spirit, in full health, very soon. Keep praying, keep waiting. "

He added that the specially equipped ambulance, complete with a ventilator, travelled past landmarks in Kochi, including Crown Plaza Hotel, Vyttila, Palarivattom, Lulu Mall, and Marriott, before reaching Edappally and Nedumbassery for clearance and loading. The ICATT team, including the pilot and doctor, were ready to begin the air journey, which is expected to take about 90 minutes.

"There are senior medical coordinators in Vellore managing his care, and I will provide updates later. Thank you to everyone calling and sending messages inquiring about Rajesh’s health. Please continue your prayers. We hope Rajesh will regain his usual enthusiasm and full health very soon," Prathap said.