Renukamma is no more

Renukamma, eternal grandmother of Kannada cinema and TV, passed away. She was 73. Affected by a paralytic stroke, she breathed her last in her residence in Bylahongal at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Renukamma started her career at a very young age. When Mahatma Gandhi came to visit Belgaum for a cultural program, Renukamma, then 13, performed in front of him and won his appreciation. A theatre artist first, she forayed into films doing character roles and later entered the TV arena.

She started her film career with Girish Kasaravalli's Krourya. Later, she did several films including Thai Saheba, Veerappa Nayaka, Harake, Shabdavedi, Nammura Mandhara Hoove, Chandra Chakori, Chandramukhi Pranasahki, Prema Raga Hadu Gelathi, Darshan, Ranga SSLC, Arasu, Hoomale and Preethi Eke Bhoomi Melidhe in which she gave notable performances.