Sajeevan Sajana: A Cricketer’s Journey, Loss, and The Unwavering Support of Sivakarthikeyan 2025

And then there are moments in life where things feel overwhelming, but the generosity of people makes even the darkest days a little brighter. Doing one’s bit, Indian cricketer Sajeevan Sajana received exemplary support from actor Sivakarthikeyan during one of the toughest times of her life, the 2018 Wayanad floods. A poignant tale of resilience and camaraderie, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The 2018 Wayanad Floods: A Natural Disaster That Struck Hard

The 2018 Kerala floods were among the most devastating natural disasters to hit the region in recent history. The floods affected millions of lives, causing widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of property. For Sajeevan Sajana, the calamity struck closer to home as it washed away her family’s house and possessions, leaving her with nothing but the memories of a lifetime’s worth of personal belongings.

Born and raised in Kerala, a state known for its lush greenery, Sajana never anticipated that her world would change so drastically. Her family’s house in Wayanad was one of many that was devastated by the floodwaters, and she lost nearly everything. Most of her personal belongings, including her cherished trophies, cricket equipment, and mementos that she had collected over the years, were all destroyed.

For a professional athlete like Sajana, the loss of her cricket kit, which was essential for her career, was a blow that she didn’t know how to cope with. But just when it seemed like the odds were stacked against her, a familiar voice from the entertainment industry reached out to offer help—the voice of Sivakarthikeyan.

Sivakarthikeyan’s Timely Help: A Friend in Need

Sivakarthikeyan, a popular Tamil actor and producer, had worked with Sajeevan Sajana in the film Kanaa, a sports drama that told the story of a young woman striving to make a name for herself in the world of cricket. The film resonated deeply with Sajana, as it reflected her own dreams, struggles, and experiences in the world of cricket. Their professional bond as co-stars was about to transform into something even more meaningful as Sivakarthikeyan stepped up to help Sajana during her time of crisis.

In a candid interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Sajana shared how Sivakarthikeyan reached out to her when he learned about the floods that had ravaged her home and life. She recounted how the actor called her to ask if she needed any kind of help. As she explained to him the extent of her losses, including the destruction of her cricket equipment, Sivakarthikeyan was quick to offer his assistance.

Sajeevan recalled the conversation with Sivakarthikeyan fondly: “Sivakarthikeyan sir called me and asked me if I needed help. I told him, ‘Anna (brother), my cricket kit is completely gone, I just need new spikes.’ Within one week, I got new spikes.”

The fact that Sivakarthikeyan not only understood the gravity of the situation but took action so quickly meant the world to Sajana. The support came at a time when she was mentally and emotionally exhausted, especially because she was preparing for the Challenger Trophy, and the last thing she needed was to worry about how she would continue her cricket journey without the necessary equipment.

Sivakarthikeyan’s gesture was not just about providing cricket spikes; it was a moment that showcased the actor’s genuine concern for a colleague and friend, demonstrating that sometimes, kindness and compassion can be the most invaluable support during difficult times.

A Cricketer’s Struggles: Loss of Personal Belongings and Professional Setbacks

For Sajeevan Sajana, the flood wasn’t just a personal loss, but also a professional one. Losing her cricket equipment, including her bat, gloves, and spikes, was a setback that affected her career. Cricket, for her, was not just a sport but a way of life, and losing all her possessions in a single night was a blow that threatened to derail her future.

The 2018 floods had hit at the most inopportune time, just as Sajana was preparing for the prestigious Challenger Trophy, a tournament that could have further elevated her career. However, despite the emotional turmoil of the situation, Sajana was determined to continue pursuing her passion for cricket. With the help of Sivakarthikeyan and the support of her fellow cricketers, Sajana found the strength to carry on, even in the face of such adversity.

Her story is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport she loved, despite the challenges she faced. It also sheds light on the reality many athletes face: that behind the glamour and the victories are moments of struggle, both on and off the field.

The Movie Kanaa and Its Personal Significance

The film Kanaa, in which Sajeevan Sajana played herself, was a turning point in her career. The movie, which starred Sivakarthikeyan, Sathyaraj, and Aishwarya Rajesh, revolved around the story of a young girl who aspired to play cricket at the national level despite facing various obstacles. The film depicted themes of resilience, determination, and self-belief, which resonated deeply with Sajana’s own life.

In many ways, Kanaa was more than just a film for Sajana—it was a mirror that reflected her own dreams and struggles. Playing herself in the film allowed Sajana to connect with her fans on a deeper level, and it was an emotional experience for her to see her own journey on the big screen. The bond she formed with Sivakarthikeyan during the making of the film evolved into a lasting friendship, and the actor’s help after the floods only strengthened this connection.

The film also had a broader impact on the cricket community, as it brought attention to the challenges faced by women in sports, especially cricket. It showed that with the right mindset, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity.

Sivakarthikeyan’s Success Beyond the Silver Screen

While Sajeevan Sajana’s story of loss and support took center stage in this particular instance, Sivakarthikeyan’s generosity and character are not limited to this one act. The actor’s career trajectory in the Tamil film industry has been nothing short of inspiring. From his breakthrough role in Marina to his recent success in films like Amaran (2023), Sivakarthikeyan has proven himself to be a versatile actor and a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.

Amaran, a biographical army drama, became one of the biggest box-office successes in 2023. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by Kamal Haasan, the film garnered ₹220.05 crore in India and ₹333.67 crore globally. Sivakarthikeyan’s portrayal of Major Mukund Varadarajan earned him widespread acclaim and added another feather to his already impressive cap.

Following his success in Amaran, Sivakarthikeyan has continued to expand his horizons. He is currently working on multiple exciting projects, including an untitled film directed by AR Murugadoss and another collaboration with Sudha Kongara for the film Parasakthi.

Conclusion: The Power of Kindness and Support

The story of Sajeevan Sajana and Sivakarthikeyan is a powerful reminder of how kindness and empathy can create lasting bonds between individuals, even in the toughest of times. Sivakarthikeyan’s timely support when Sajana lost her home and cricket equipment during the 2018 Wayanad floods is an example of the positive impact that even small gestures can have on someone’s life.

In a world that often emphasizes competition and individual success, the friendship between Sajeevan Sajana and Sivakarthikeyan stands as a testament to the value of human connection, generosity, and the importance of looking out for one another. For Sajana, Sivakarthikeyan’s support was not just about material help—it was a source of emotional strength that helped her overcome the challenges that life threw her way. And for Sivakarthikeyan, this act of kindness showcased the depth of his character and his commitment to being a positive force in the lives of those around him.

Sajeevan’s journey as an athlete continues to inspire many, and Sivakarthikeyan’s story is equally inspiring, both as an actor and as a kind human being. Their bond is a testament to the fact that sometimes, even in the most challenging times, a little help from a friend can make all the difference.