National Award-winning actor Savithri Sreedharan dies at 78

Savithri Sreedharan

Malayalam theatre and cinema actor Savithri Sreedharan has passed away at her Kozhikode residence. The veteran actress was 78 at the time of her death. She reportedlt died due to age-related ailments. The Minister for Agriculture of Kerala T Siddique condoled the actor's death via a Facebook post, calling it as an irreparable loss to the Malayalam art world.

Savithri Sreedharan death

In his post, T Siddique wrote, "The demise of this beloved artiste, who left her own distinctive mark on both theatre and cinema, is an irreparable loss to the Malayalam art world. Heartfelt tributes."

For the unversed, Savithri was best known for her memorable role of Jamila in the critically acclaimed film Sudani from Nigeria. Her performance in the film even earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress. Additionally, she also received a Special Mention at the National Film Awards.

Notably, before making her mark in cinema, the actress had been actively involved in professional theatre for more than four decades.

Savithri Sreedharan's career

Savithri made her film debut back in 1991 with legendary writer-director MT Vasudevan Nair's Kadavu. Hoever, she did not immediately pursue a career in cinema. Instead, the actress continued to remain a prominent figure in theatre, wherein she built a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. Savithri's work on stage eventually earned her multiple Kerala State Awards for Best Stage Actress, as well as the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Drama (Best Actress).

Savithri made her comeback on the big screen in 2010 starring in a small role in director Salim Baba's Valiyangadi. However, it was her character of Jameela in Sudani from Nigeria that brought her widespread recognition, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress and a National Film Award Special Mention in the feature film category.

Savithri later also appeared in films such as Dakini, Mera Naam Shaji, Virus, Ittymaani: Made in China, Pada and Paappan. Most recently, she was seen in Pappan Narippatta's Vayasethrayaayi Muppathiee, which was released in 2024.

Notably, Savithri was predeceased by her husband, Sreedharan, who died several years ago.