Padma Shri Icons: India has witnessed the loss of three cultural stalwarts this month, as Padma Shri awardees Sanu Lama, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and B. Saroja Devi passed away in just three days, leaving behind irreplaceable legacies in literature and cinema.

Nepali Writer Sanu Lama:

Veteran Nepali writer Sanu Lama breathed his last on July 12 in Siliguri while undergoing treatment. He was 85. Known in literary circles by his pen name, Lama, born Gadulsingh Lama in 1939 in Sikkim, made significant contributions to Nepali literature despite working as an engineer by profession. He published acclaimed short story collections like Sampad, Jogika, and Mrigatrishna, alongside an autobiography and travelogue. His stories found readers in multiple Indian languages. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2005.

Kota Srinivasa Rao:

Just a day later, on July 13, Telugu cinema legend Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 in Hyderabad. Known for his powerful screen presence and versatility, Kota appeared in over 750 films during a career that spanned four decades. From villainous roles to comic timing and character depth, he mastered every genre. He was last seen in the 2023 film Suvarna Sundari. Awarded the Padma Shri in 2015, Kota remained active in cinema until recently. Celebrities and fans gathered at his residence to bid him a heartfelt farewell.

Also Read: Kota Srinivas Rao Was an MLA: Why Did He Quit Politics?

B. Saroja Devi

On July 14, the Indian film industry lost one of its brightest icons, B. Saroja Devi, who passed away at 87 in Bengaluru. Revered as Abhinaya Saraswati, she starred in more than 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages. From Nadodi Mannan to Jagadeka Veeruni Katha, her screen presence captivated generations. She received the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. As the country bids farewell to these cultural giants, their timeless contributions continue to echo through literature, cinema, and public memory.

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