Malayalam Actor Savithri Sreedharan Dies at 78

Kozhikode, September 23, 2026: Malayalam actor Savithri Sreedharan, widely recognised for her memorable performances in films including Sudani from Nigeria, died at her residence in Mankavu, Kozhikode, on Wednesday. She was 78.

Sreedharan had been bedridden for a prolonged period and died due to age-related ailments, according to reports.

She earned widespread acclaim for portraying Jameela, the mother of the titular character in Sudani from Nigeria. Her performance brought her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress and a Special Jury Mention at the 66th National Film Awards.

Sreedharan was also part of several Malayalam films, including Valiyangadi, Dakini, Mera Naam Shaji, Virus, Ittymaani: Made in China, Pada and Paappan.

Alongside cinema, Sreedharan had a theatre career spanning nearly five decades. She began her stage journey with Karutha Velicham, staged by Valayanad Kala Samithi, before spending almost two decades in amateur theatre.

She entered professional theatre in 1984 through K.T. Mohammed’s Kalinga Theatre, appearing in its production Ithu Bhoomiyanu. She subsequently worked with several prominent professional theatre groups.

Her performance in Aniyara earned her the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Best Actress as well as the Kerala State Government’s Best Theatre Actress award.

Her contribution to both theatre and Malayalam cinema established her as a respected character actor whose performances earned critical recognition over the years.

Sreedharan’s mortal remains will be kept at Kozhikode Town Hall from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, allowing members of the public to pay their last respects.