Malayalam actor Janardhanan opens up about 18-year extramarital affair: ‘My wife knew’

Kerala: Veteran Malayalam actor Janardhanan has revealed that he had an extramarital affair nearly 18 years ago, which, according to media reports, his wife was aware of. The actor, celebrated for his comic and villainous roles since the 1970s, is married to his relative Vijayalakshmi, with whom he shares two daughters.

“In those years, my wife had lost interest in physical intimacy, which led me to grow close to another woman. I am only human,” Janardhanan said in a video interview. He added that the affair lasted nearly 18 years and ended when the other woman chose to walk away due to fears of social stigma.

Janardhanan emphasised that aside from this episode, his life has been free of controversy, and no member of his family faced hardship because of the affair. He explained that he decided to speak openly about it at this stage of life as he has nothing to lose.

The actor also praised his wife for her personality and cooking skills, and reflected on the challenges they faced in securing their marriage while growing up in Vaikkom, in Kerala’s Kottayam district.

Janardhanan is best known for his roles in films such as Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, Meleparambil Aanveedu, Mannar Mathai Speaking, and Punjabi House. His latest appearance was in the Mohanlal-starrer Hridayapoorvam, which released in August.