From cinema and music to politics and public life, Kerala lost several eminent personalities in 2025. Here is a list remembering their lives and lasting legacies.
Kerala: The year 2025 marked a period of profound loss for Kerala, with the passing of several eminent personalities who left an indelible imprint on its cultural, artistic and intellectual life. Celebrated actors, filmmakers, singers and performers who once shaped powerful narratives on screen and stage are no more, but their work continues to resonate with audiences. As Kerala mourns these losses, it also reflects on the enduring legacy they created across Malayalam cinema, literature, politics, music, medicine and public life. Several other influential figures from diverse fields who made lasting contributions to society also passed away during the year. Here is a list of notable personalities who died in Kerala in 2025.
- P Jayachandran (January 9): The evergreen romantic voice that defined an era in Malayalam music has fallen silent with the passing of legendary singer P Jayachandran on January 9. Renowned for his deep, soulful voice, he captivated generations through film songs, devotional music and light melodies. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he recorded over 16,000 songs, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.
- Director Shafi (January 25): Popular Malayalam filmmaker Shafi, known for crafting some of the industry’s most successful comedies, passed away on January 25, 2025. He began his career as an assistant director under Rajasenan and made his directorial debut with ‘One Man Show’ in 2001. Renowned for his humour-driven, mass-appeal films, his collaborations with actor Dileep—including 'Kalyanaraman', 'Marykkundoru Kunjaadu' and 'Two Countries' —secured his place in Malayalam cinema history.
- K K Kochu (March 13): Veteran Dalit thinker and award-winning author K K Kochu passed away at the age of 76. A prominent voice in Dalit and marginalised rights movements since the 1990s, his writings powerfully challenged entrenched social hierarchies and dominant narratives. He authored several influential Malayalam works spanning literature, politics and subaltern studies, leaving behind a significant intellectual legacy.
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Shaji N Karun (April 28): Renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away on April 28 at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with cancer. A towering figure in Malayalam cinema, he brought the industry national and international acclaim through his distinctive visual language. His debut ‘Piravi’ earned a Special Mention for the Golden Camera at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
- C S Radha Devi (July 7): Veteran singer, actress, and AIR artiste C S Radhadevi passed away at 93 in Thiruvananthapuram. She was a pioneering figure in Malayalam cinema and radio, remembered for her duets, acting, and decades of broadcasting.
- V S Achuthanandan (July 21): V S Achuthanandan, former Kerala Chief Minister and a towering icon of the communist movement, passed away at the age of 101. A veteran freedom fighter and uncompromising political figure, he remained a formidable presence in Kerala’s public life for decades.
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Kalabhavan Navas (August 1): Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas was found dead in a hotel room in Kochi. His sudden demise sent shockwaves across the Malayalam entertainment industry. Colleagues and fans remember him for his vibrant screen presence, sharp comic timing and contributions to cinema, television and stage performances.
- M K Sanoo (August 2): M K Sanoo, eminent Malayalam critic, biographer, orator and former Kerala Legislative Assembly member, passed away at the age of 97. He had been hospitalised for several days following complications from a fall. He was also a retired professor and a respected figure in Kerala’s intellectual and public life.
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Shanavas (August 4): Actor Shanavas, son of legendary Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, passed away after undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments. His death has been mourned by members of the film fraternity and fans alike. Shanawas was remembered for carrying forward his father’s cinematic legacy with dignity.
- Dr Shirley Vasu (September 4): Dr Shirley Vasu, Kerala’s first woman forensic surgeon, passed away at the age of 68 following a cardiac arrest. A towering figure in forensic medicine, she handled thousands of medico-legal cases, including the high-profile Soumya murder case.
- Shankar Krishnamurthy (September 13): Shankar Krishnamurthy, also known as Shiva Krishnamurthy, the creative force behind several of Kerala’s most iconic advertising slogans, passed away in Chennai. Born in 1939 in Alappuzha, he was a pioneer of modern Malayalam advertising. He was also the creator of the iconic Bhima Jewellery logo.
- T J S George (October 3): T J S George, veteran journalist, biographer and columnist who shaped Indian English journalism with his incisive commentary and uncompromising independence, passed away at the age of 97, due to age-related complications. Widely respected for his integrity and intellectual rigour, he left a lasting imprint on the country’s media landscape.
- Sanal Potty (December 2): Television anchor and journalist Sanal Potty passed away at the age of 55 while undergoing treatment for a long-standing kidney ailment. Widely known as a morning-show anchor, he later held senior editorial and production roles across television channels and most recently served as public relations manager at SCMS College, Kalamassery.
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Sreenivasan (December 20): Renowned Malayalam actor, screenwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan passed away in Kochi at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he appeared in more than 225 films, earning acclaim for his sharp social satire and memorable performances. Widely respected as a writer and director, his award-winning work blended humour with incisive social commentary and remains deeply influential in Malayalam cinema.
Published: 22 Dec 2025, 09:00 pm IST
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