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KPAC Lalitha Passes Away: Malayalam Cinema Mourns The Legendary Actress' Demise
KPAC Lalitha, one of the most-loved actresses in the Malayalam film industry passed away. The 74-year-old breathed her last at her son Siddharth Bharathan's residence in Tripunithura, Kochi on Tuesday (February 22, 2022). KPAC Lalitha, who was battling with liver alignment for the past couple of years, had also suffered memory loss recently.
The veteran actress was married to the late legendary filmmaker Bharathan. KPAC Lalitha is survived by son Siddharth Bharathan, who is an actor and filmmaker by profession, and daughter Sree Kutty. The final rites of the National award-winning actress is expected to be held at Kochi on February 23, Wednesday.
KPAC Lalitha was born as one of the five children of photographer K Ananthan Nair and Bhargavi Amma on February 25, 1947. The legendary actress was originally named Maheshwari Amma. KPAC Lalitha started learning classical dance at a very young age. She dropped out of school after completing her 7th standard, to join Kalamandalam Ramachandran's Indian Dance Academy in Kollam.
The actress kickstarted her theatre career as a teenager with a play titled Bali, which was produced by Changanassery Geedha Arts Club. She later collaborated with Pratibha Arts Club, before joining the legendary theatre group KPAC. It was during her stint with KPAC, she changed her stage name to Lalitha, upon the suggestion of veteran actor-director Thoppil Bhasi. KPAC Lalitha made her debut in films with the 1970-released movie Koottukudumbam.
In a career that spanned over 5 decades, the legendary actress has won several awards and accolades including two National Film Awards (for Amaram in 1991 and Shantham in 2000) for Best Supporting Actress and four Kerala State Film Awards. KPAC Lalitha had also served as the Chair Person of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
