Thiruvananthapuram: Legendary Malayalam actor Jagathy Sreekumar, widely regarded as the 'eternal youth of Malayalam comedy', turned 75 on Monday. His birthday will be celebrated without any visitors or big celebrations at his house in Peyad, Thiruvananthapuram.

Born under the month of Dhanu in Thrikketta star (according to the Malayalam calendar), Jagathy’s family traditionally observes his birthday on January 5. Close family members will gather at home for the occasion, with simple snacks and sweets prepared for the actor, while strictly adhering to the diet prescribed by doctors, his son Rajkumar said.

“Visitors will be permitted only when his health condition improves. He will be allowed to meet only close friends for now,” Rajkumar added.

Jagathy’s acting career was abruptly halted after a road accident near Kozhikode on March 10, 2012, which left him wheelchair-bound. Though his voice and presence on screen were silenced, his legacy remains deeply ingrained in the cultural memory of Kerala. For generations of Malayalis, the mere mention of Jagathy Sreekumar evokes hundreds of unforgettable comic moments.

Over a four-decade career, Jagathy appeared in thousands of Malayalam films, delivering an unmatched range of characters across comedy, satire, and supporting roles, making him one of the most prolific and influential actors in Malayalam cinema history.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair for the past 14 years, Jagathy continues to be a constant presence in the everyday lives of Malayalis through his films and iconic performances. In recent years, he briefly returned to the screen with a role in Mammootty’s film ‘CBI 5’, marking an emotional moment for fans.

Family members said the actor’s greatest joy this year was completing work on another new film, the shooting of which concluded recently in Kochi. The project, though modest in scale, holds deep personal significance, reaffirming Jagathy’s enduring connection with cinema.