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.
Ms. Sreedharan had a theatre career spanning nearly five decades. She made her stage debut with Karutha Velicham, staged by Valayanad Kala Samithi, and subsequently spent nearly two decades in amateur theatre.
She entered professional theatre in 1984 through K.T. Mohammed’s Kalinga Theatre and its production Ithu Bhoomiyanu. She later became part of several prominent professional theatre groups.
Her performance in the play Aniyara earned her the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi’s award for Best Actress as well as the State government’s award for the Best Theatre Actress.
Her body will be kept at the Town Hall from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday for the public to pay homage.
