In a career spanning five decades, KPAC Lalitha starred in over 550 films in Malayalam and Tamil. She won two National film awards along with four Kerala state film awards.
(Photo:-twitter)
Renowned Malayalam actress KPAC Lalitha passes away on tuesday night at the age of 74. She was recently admitted to the hospital in Kochi, Kerala due to her ill-health and was later brought to her son Siddharth’s home in Kochi where she breathed her last. She was the chairperson of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
In a career spanning five decades, she starred in over 550 films in Malayalam and Tamil. She won two National film awards along with four Kerala state film awards.
She received National film awards for Best supporting actress for the films Amaram (1990) and Shantham (2000).
Four Kerala state awards came for her acting in the movies Neela Ponman, Onnum Lelle, Aaravam, Amaram, Kadinjool, Kalyanam, Godfather and Sandhesam.
KPAC Lalitha was born as Maheshwari Amma on february 25, 1947 in Kayamkulam of Alappuzha. Before theatre artist, she was a passionate dancer. She dropped out of school in 7th standard after she enrolled in a dance academy.
Later, she also joined the Kerala People’s Arts Club, a drama troupe in kerala. She was given the screen-name Lalitha and later, when she started acting in movies, the tag K.P.A.C. was added to her screen-name.
She made her acting debut with the film named Koottukudumbam. In 1978, she married to late Malayalam film director Bharathan.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and film fraternity mourned on the death of KPAC Lalitha.
“#KPACLalitha was not just an icon of Malayalam cinema. She was also one of the faces of the progressive art movement that has fought the conservative forces in our society. Till her last breath, she stood firm by those values. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,” Kerala CM tweeted alongwith Lalitha’s various photos.
“I have lost someone I cherish so much, respectfully with memories that will never leave,” Actor Mammootty tweeted in Malayalam.
“Rest in peace Lalitha aunty! It was a privilege to have shared the silver screen with you! One of the finest actors I’ve known,” Prithviraj Sukumaran paid tribute to Lalitha on twitter.
“Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary KPAC Lalitha aunty. My heartfelt condolences to the family,” Actress Keerthy Suresh tweeted.
KPAC Lalitha is survived by her son Siddharth and daughter Sreekutty Bharathan. Her son Siddharth is also a filmmaker and actor in the Malayalam cinema.
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