Kannada Actress Leelavati Death: In what comes as shocking news for the Sandalwood industry and fans, legendary Kannada actress Leelavati passed away on Friday, December 8 in Bangaluru, due to age-related health issues.

She was admitted to the Nelamangala hospital and was visited by many actors from the industry.

Veteran Kannada actress Leelavati is no more

Veteran actress Leelavati breathed her last on Friday at a private in Nelamangala. She was 85. According to reports, the actress's last rites will be held at her Nelamangala estate, and her mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at her farmhouse.

The veteran thespian is a recipient of several honours, such as the Nandi Award for Lifetime Achievement. She was ailing from a respiratory illness.

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About Leelavati and works

Leelavati was born in 1937 as Leela Kiran and has worked in the Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu film industries. In a career spanning six decades, Leelavati acted in over 600 movies, more than 400 in Kannada alone.

She made her debut in 1958 with the Kannada movie Mangalya Yoga and went on to star in classic films like Bhakta Kumbara, Mana Mecchida Madadi, Santha Thukaram, Ranadheera Kanteerava, Rani Honnamma, Gaali Gopura, Naagarahaavu, Gejje Pooje, and more.

She was awarded the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 from the Karnataka government and many Filmfare Awards. Apart from acting, Leelavati has also produced films in Kannada, including Yaaradhu, College Hero, Kannadada Kanda, and Shukra.

She is survived by her son, Vinod Raj, who is also a renowned Kannada actor. She was married to Kannada actor Mahalinga Bhagavathar.

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