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Vatsala Rajagopal, Who Made Her Film Debut at 60 with Roja, Dies at 93
The stage veteran debuted in cinema at around 60 and went on to appear in more than 400 films, according to reports.
Veteran Tamil actor Vatsala Rajagopal died in Chennai on Friday, October 30, 2026, at age 93. Her mortal remains are kept at her residence in Pallavaram for public homage.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Vatsala moved to Chennai in 1953, working as a clerk at the Accountant General's office before beginning her stage career in 1979. Filmmaker Mani Ratnam discovered her around age 60.
In her 1992 debut, Roja, Vatsala played the grandmother of the lead opposite Arvind Swamy and Madhoo. She appeared in over 400 films, including Anniyan, Sathi Leelavathi, and Mozhi.
The actor also found a new audience through television, appearing in popular serials such as Chithi, Anandham, and Vasantham. She was frequently cast as an affectionate grandmother figure on screen until 2013.
Tributes are pouring in on social media from the Tamil film fraternity honoring the late actor. Her final rites are scheduled to be held at the Chrompet burial ground this evening.
Veteran actress Vatsala Rajagopal, known for her role in blockbuster films like "Roja," passed away on Friday. She had established herself not only in films but also on television.