Tamil stars mourn Sukumari's death

The death of veteran actress Sukumari has left every South Indian film industry mourning. She passed away at a private hospital in Chennai following cardiac arrest on Tuesday (March 26). She was recently admitted to the hospital after she sustained burn injuries while lighting a lamp in a temple recently.

Born in Nagercoil, Sukumari donned the grease paint at the age of 10. Her acting career in a lead role started in Tamil film Orarivu. Later, she moved to Malayalam film industry and became a popular name before venturing into all leading Indian film industries like - Telugu, Kannada and Bollywood. The silver line in her esteemed career was, Sukumari was comfortable in all the languages that she worked and dubbed her own voice for her characters. It is believed that she had acted in over 2,500 films in multiple languages.

Sukumari was a first cousin of the Travancore Sisters, Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini. She was also trained dancer in Keralanadanam, Kathakali and Bharathanatyam. She had also worked with many big names from Indian film industry. She had acted with present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa, in Pattikkada Pattanama. Some of Sukumari's best films include Ezhu Nirangal, Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil and Chiriyo Chiri.

The Government of India honoured her with Padmashri in 2003. She was also the recipient of many awards including Kalaimamani Award in 1991 and Kalai Selvam Award, both given by Govt of Tamil Nadu. Her last film in Tamil was Ponnar Shankar. Continue reading on the slideshow to how celebrities have reacted...

Shruti Hassan

RIP Sukumari maam - You will always be loved and remembered.

Priyamani

R.i.p Sukumari amma ! ! one of the finest actors in the malayalam industry!a huge void indeed for the industry!:(

Sridevi Kapoor

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of veteran actress Sukumari - co-star of Sridevi in many films and iconic star from Kerala.

Khushboo

Oh no!!!Sukumari chechi no more..what a power performer..done do many films with her..my 2nd film Varsham 16 gave me the chance to know her. RIP Sukumari chechi..u will be sorely missed..nobody can take ur place..u will stay in our hearts forever..

Sarath Kumar

We the artists family pay our respects to the sad demise of one of the doyen' of our film industry Madam Sukumari

Karthika

Completely heartbroken..RIP my favv n closest reel granma n a guniess record legendery actress Sukumari amma♥blessed to hav known her.

Radhika

A very strong and bold lady, hav seen her dance with legendary Padmini amma on stage. Fantastic dancer too.RIP Sukumari amma,great actress,great legacy AT&T wonderful human being, on a flight with her last month she was recommending.