“Lioness” Dedicates Season 3 Finale to Late Producer Rajeev Malhotra, Who Also Worked on “Yellowstone” and “Landman”

Rajeev Malhotra, a highly regarded producer and collaborator within the realm of television, passed away on July 28. His death prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues and friends, including a dedicated acknowledgement during the finale of the Paramount+ series, *Lioness*, which aired on September 20.

The end credits of the season 3 finale carried a poignant message: “This episode is dedicated to the memory of Rajeev Malhotra with the deepest appreciation for his tireless commitment and unwavering support. You will be missed, my friend.” This tribute coincided with the episode’s thrilling conclusion, which left fans on a significant cliffhanger and reintroduced a character last seen in the series’ initial season.

Malhotra’s professional journey saw him play an integral role in several projects helmed by acclaimed writer and director Taylor Sheridan, including the popular series *Yellowstone*, along with its prequel series, *1883* and *1923*, as well as *Landman*. He was a familiar face in the Sheridan family of productions and made notable contributions to television over the years.

According to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support his long-time partner, Catherine Jordan, Malhotra passed away peacefully at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, surrounded by family and close colleagues. The campaign indicates that he suffered a heart attack prior to his death, following a week of illness during which he continued to work diligently to fulfil production schedules.

David Derks, a fellow producer and cartoonist, announced Malhotra’s death on August 5 via social media. He disclosed that the production office of 101 Studios had confirmed the news, sharing that despite becoming unwell, Malhotra remained committed to his work until the end. Derks paid tribute to Malhotra’s unwavering dedication in the demanding world of television production, recalling late-night meetings and the high-pressure environment in which they both thrived.

Abe Kurien, who served as a dailies coordinator on several of Malhotra’s projects, also expressed his sorrow on social media. In a heartfelt post, Kurien reminisced about how Malhotra had initially hired him for his role on *Yellowstone* in 2020 and provided ongoing opportunities within the “Yellowstone Family.” He acknowledged Malhotra as a mentor, expressing a desire to honour his legacy.

Colleagues who visited him in his final days revealed the depth of affection and respect he garnered over his career, with more than 20 colleagues taking the time to pay their respects in person. This shows the impact Malhotra had on those in his professional circle, highlighting the strong sense of community within the industry.

The GoFundMe page underscores Malhotra’s substantial contributions to the Sheridan production universe over the last eight years, reflecting on his “remarkable dedication and commitment”. The funds are intended to assist Catherine Jordan, with whom Malhotra shared a partnership spanning 15 years. They met while collaborating on a Paramount project in 2011, forming a bond that evolved into a lasting relationship.

The outpouring of grief and remembrance from his peers indicates the profound influence Malhotra had on those who knew him, both personally and professionally. His legacy, marked by his passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft, will continue to resonate within the television industry.

All three seasons of *Lioness* are currently available for streaming on Paramount+, allowing fans to engage with the series while honouring Malhotra’s lasting impact on the show and the wider television landscape.