Saranya Sasi, the Malayalam actor, died on Monday in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, The Indian Express reported. She was 35.
According to the report, Saranya had been diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour in 2012 and had undergone as many as 11 major surgeries. Due to these operations, Saranya could not resume her work as an actor and was in a financial crisis. Several members of the industry and her friends helped her out during this time.
Although she could not go back to work as an actor, Saranya was an inspiration to cancer survivors and was a champion for mental health. She even started a YouTube channel during the lockdown to showcase her culinary skills.
Saranya was diagnosed with Covid-19 in May. While she recovered from the virus, she faced complications such as pneumonia and other respiratory issues. Her condition turned critical in the last couple of weeks, leading to her ultimate demise.
A popular TV actor, some of Saranya’s television shows include Manthrakodi, Seetha, and Harichandanam. She also played supporting roles in films such as Chotta Mumbai, Bombay, Chacko Randaman, and Thalappavu.
Several tributes have poured in from the film and television industries and others after news broke of the actor’s demise.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled her demise in a Facebook post and wrote in Malayalam, “Saranya’s battle with cancer without letting go of her self-confidence has generated inspiration and optimism for our society. When Kerala suffered monsoon-related damages, Saranya showed her social commitment and her care for other people by taking out money meant for her treatment and donating it to the CM relief fund. I join in the grief of her friends and family.”
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Actor Seema Nair, a close friend of Saranya’s, mourned her death and wrote, “No more prayers and efforts… She left…” Nair also shared pictures of the two of them together.
Actor Manju Warrier also shared her condolences on Facebook.