B. Saroja Devi, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Vishnu Prasad: Popular South Indian celebrities who passed away in 2025

In 2025, the South Indian film industry lost some of its most respected and talented artists. These actors, writers, and performers had given decades of their lives to cinema and were loved by audiences across languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi breathed her last on July 14, 2025, at her residence in Bengaluru at the age of 87, after battling age‑related ailments. Known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” in Kannada and “Kannadathu Paingili” in Tamil, she lit up the screen for over seven decades. She featured in over 200 films, earning Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honors.

Malayalam and Tamil film actor Ravikumar Menon passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 71. He had been battling lung cancer and breathed his last in Kochi, Kerala. He was best remembered for his charming screen presence and roles. Over his career, in his entire acting career, he acted in more than 100 films across Malayalam and Tamil cinema.

Malayalam actor Vishnu Prasad passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 49, after battling a severe liver-related illness. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi while awaiting a liver transplant. Known for his powerful negative roles. He was a respected name in Malayalam cinema and television. His untimely demise left fans and colleagues deeply saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from co-stars and the TV industry.

Popular Kannada actor and theater personality Sarigama Viji, also known as R. Vijaykumar, left the mortal world on January 15, 2025, at the age of 77. He was suffering from a lung infection and succumbed to multiple organ failure. He was known for his work in Kannada television and theater, and also, he acted in numerous stage plays and TV shows.

Legendary Telugu actress, singer, and producer C. Krishnaveni left the mortal world on 16 February, 2025, at the age of 100. She was one of the first women producers in South Indian cinema and was active during the early days of Telugu films, and her demise marked the end of a glorious era in Telugu film history.

Veteran Tamil film and television actor Rajesh left for the heavenly abode on May 29, 2025, at the age of 75. He breathed his last in Chennai following a sudden heart attack. Rajesh was known for his calm screen presence and the grace with which he carried every role. His work spanned nearly five decades, making him a beloved name in Tamil households.

Tamil actor Supergood Subramani, known for his character roles, left the mortal world on May 10, 2025, at the age of 58. He had been suffering from cancer and breathed his last in Chennai. Subramani was admired for his performances in films like Pisaasu, Pariyerum Perumal, and Jai Bhim.

Veteran Kannada comedy actor Bank Janardhan left the mortal world on April 13, 2025, at the age of 76. He was known for his iconic comic roles, and his contribution to Kannada cinema spanned over four decades. He was struggling with health complications and breathed his last at his residence in Bengaluru.

Renowned Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao left for the heavenly abode on July 13, 2025, at his Hyderabad residence, aged 83, after a prolonged illness. His illustrious career spanned over four decades with more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. He received the Padma Shri in 2015 and won nine esteemed Nandi Awards.

Siva Shakthi Datta, the respected Telugu lyricist and writer, left for the heavenly abode on July 7, 2025, at the age of 92. He was the father of popular director S.S. Rajamouli has contributed lyrics to many hit films, including Baahubali and RRR. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Hyderabad after age-related health issues. Known for his spiritual mindset and literary depth, Datta was admired across the Telugu film industry.