Director Rajesh Pillai dies at 41

He was admitted to the hospital on February 25 and immediately put on the ventilator.

The director who is known for path-breaking Malayalam films such as “Traffic” and “Mili” was suffering from liver cirrhosis

Several actors who worked in his movies rushed to the hospital on hearing news about his demise at 11.45 am.

The filmmaker had contracted pneumonia during the post production of his latest film “Vettah” and it worsened his health condition.

His death comes a day after “Vettah”, starring Manju Warrier and Kunjacko Bobban, hit theatres. The film was completed while he was undergoing treatment.

His body will be cremated here tomorrow.

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, who starred in the yet-to-be released Hindi remake of “Traffic”, condoled Pillai’s death on Twitter.

So sad to hear an untimely demise of rajesh pillai dir of #traffic.may he rest in peace.

— Manoj Bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) February 27, 2016

His co-star of the film Divya Dutta wrote, “Lost a very dear director Rajesh Pillai… who directed me in the yet unreleased beautiful film#traffic! Rip dear sir!”

Lost a very dear director rajesh pillai… Who directed me in the yet unreleased beautiful film#traffic! Rip dear sir!

— Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) February 27, 2016