Kerala actor Savithri Sreedharan dies at 78

Acclaimed Malayalam film and theatre actor Savithri Sreedharan has passed away at the age of 78. She was widely recognized for her award-winning performance in the film 'Sudani from Nigeria'.
Why it matters
Sreedharan was a respected figure in Indian regional cinema and theatre, and her death marks a significant loss for the Malayalam arts community.
Actor Savithri Sreedharan, who won wide recognition for her roles in Malayalam films, including Sudani from Nigeria , died at her residence at Mankavu in Kozhikkode, Keralam, on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). She was 78. She had been bedridden for a long time and died of age-related ailments.
Ms. Sreedharan’s portrayal of Jameela, the mother of the titular character in Sudani from Nigeria , won her critical acclaim. She received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress and a Special Jury Mention at the 66th National Film Awards for her performance in the film.
She also acted in films including Valiyangadi , Dakini , Mera Naam Shaji , Virus , Ittymaani: Made in China , Pada and Paappan .
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