This Tamil Actress, Once Linked To Kamal Haasan, Donated Her Fortune To Struggling Artists

Cinema has always been a realm of wonder, filled with magic, dreams, and glamour. However, behind the glamour lie tales of real struggle, courage, and unforeseen challenges. Many artists face hardships that test their resilience. Among them, a few rare souls dedicate their lives and wealth to others. One such unforgettable name is actress Srividya. (News18 Tamil)

Born on July 25, 1953, Srividya was the daughter of the celebrated Carnatic singer M.L. Vasanthakumari and the well-known comedian Krishnamurthy. Just a year after her birth, her father suffered a serious accident, leaving the family in financial distress. Her mother took on the household responsibilities, but the burden became overwhelming. To support her family, Srividya entered the film industry at the tender age of 14. (News18 Tamil)

She made her acting debut in Thiruvarutchelvan, starring alongside Sivaji Ganesan, and soon appeared in Pettarasi Pettamma. Her graceful presence, expressive acting, and excellent dancing quickly made her a sought-after star. With support from director Dasari Narayana Rao, Srividya continued to land major roles. (News18 Tamil)

A turning point in her career came with K. Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal, in which she starred alongside Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. The film was a massive success and later remade in Telugu, where Srividya reprised her role. During that period, she worked in many films with Kamal Haasan, and their on-screen chemistry extended off-screen too. (News18 Tamil)

The two reportedly shared a close bond. Srividya’s mother once advised her to “wait a little longer”, hinting at their relationship. However, fate had other plans. In an interview, Kamal Haasan said, “Srividya is my friend and my love. That will never change. There’s no rule that love must always end in marriage.” (News18 Tamil)

In 1978, Srividya married Malayalam director George Thomas and stepped away from films at his request. But soon after, her marriage turned turbulent. Financial troubles forced her to return to the industry. Matters worsened when her husband allegedly took advantage of her wealth, leading to their divorce in 1980. (News18 Tamil)

Despite personal setbacks, Srividya returned to cinema with strength and grace. She took on character roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films and delivered powerful performances in her second innings. (News18 Tamil)

However, in 2003, she was diagnosed with cancer. As her health declined, Srividya made a heartfelt decision. She decided to donate her entire life savings as scholarships for underprivileged students studying music and dance. With the help of actor Ganesh, she set up a trust to ensure the funds reached those in need. After battling cancer for three years, Srividya passed away in 2006 at the age of 53. (News18 Tamil)