"Ethaanu Edartha EP (This is the real EP)" is a candid  conversation that offers a glimpse into the life of EP Jayarajan, a heavyweight both in Kerala’s CPM politics and in physique! In a chat with veteran journalist PP Sasindran on the final da of MBIFL 2025, EP was asked if he had always been this way. With a chuckle, he admitted that he is been well-built for a long time but is now working on shedding some weight by regulating his diet. "I’ve always enjoyed my food, but I’m making an effort now," he shared, adding with a grin, "Like my body, I also have a big heart!"

When asked about the frequent attacks against him, EP remarked that he has been targeted more than anyone else. "The attacks on me are actually attacks on the CPM," he said. Brushing off the criticism, he used a classic analogy: "People throw stones at mango trees that has mangoes on it!"

EP stated that the session title would accurately reflect his true self and thanked Mathrubhumi for organising a session on this theme. 

EP also clarified the controversy surrounding the LDF convener’s reported meeting with BJP’s Kerala in-charge, Prakash Javadekar, along with TG Nandakumar. "Javadekar just happened to drop in while passing that way, and it was merely a courtesy call. There was nothing more to it. I even asked him if he would be interested in a a cup of coffee. The media has blown the matter out of proportion," he stated.

He also addressed the uproar caused by the alleged "leak" of his autobiography, on the day of the Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls, putting the Left Democratic Front in an awkward position. "I have not completed my autobiography. I haven't even read the written portions, and nothing has been finalised. I learnt about this through the media and immediately contacted the concerned authority for clarification. This was a deliberate attempt to weaken the party’s image through me," he asserted.

Speaking about balancing his studies and politics, EP recalled that during his college days, he was actively involved in political activities. However, when he realised that managing both was becoming difficult, he quietly left his polytechnic studies in electrical engineering and fully committed himself to politics.

Referring to Artificial Intelligence, he described it as a step in the intellectual growth of humanity. “Intellectually, the human race is advancing rapidly, and our children are much more intelligent than us,” he opined, adding that science will continue to grow, further unravelling the mysteries of the universe. “It is the duty of communists to harness it for the welfare of humanity and to cultivate scientific sensibility among the people.”

He also revisited the much-debated remark he made about black tea and parippuvada over three and a half decades ago, which, according to him, had been widely misinterpreted at the time. “What I meant was that we should focus on developing the party rather than clinging to outdated practices. It is not necessary to eat such things or wear torn clothes to strengthen the party, we must think ahead. However, some political adversaries twisted my words and used them against me,” he said.

He went on to share his experiences as a stage actor and his deep appreciation for Kathaprasangam. And what about acting in a movie? “There’s nothing wrong with acting in a film. If I get an offer, why not give it a try?” he quipped.