Jacob Rajan

Who is Jacob Rajan?

Jacob Rajan, MNZM, is a New Zealand playwright and actor. His highly successful plays include the trilogy Krishnan's Dairy, The Candlestick Maker and The Pickle King. Another work was The Dentist's Chair. In 2002, he received the prestigious Laureate Art Award.

Rajan studied acting and at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. He graduated in 1994 and has since appeared in different stage and screen productions as well as touring internationally. He appeared as Dr. Ashwin Bhashar in the television soap Shortland Street

His most significant works has been the trilogy of plays which explore Indian themes, characters and stories.

Krishnan's Dairy, The Candlestick Maker and most recently The Guru Of Chai have been extremely popular plays in NZ. The Guru Of Chai was most recently shown at Selwyn College Theatre on February 12 and 13 2010.

In the 2013 New Year Honours, Rajan was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to theatre.