Thiruvananthapuram: Politicians of all stripes joined the growing chorus to bid Malayalam actor KPAC Lalitha a final goodbye.
The legendary actor, whose real name is Maheshwari Amma, succumbed to age-related ailments on Tuesday at her son's house in Thrippunithura in Ernakulam district.
She was 74.
Lalitha had acted in over 550 films in a career spanning over half a century.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Lalitha had the rare ability to endear herself to different generations with her acting skills.
He also recalled Lalitha's contributions as the chairperson of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan remarked that she was a unique genius who made each character stand out with her acting skills. "She was a school of natural acting," he added.
Culture Minister Saji Cherian noted that Lalitha's death has left a big void that can't be filled in the Malayalam film industry.
Lalitha had made her mark as a theatre artist before entering films and went on to become a household name in South Indian cinema, most popularly in Malayalam.
She won the national award for best-supporting actress twice besides securing four state awards.
Early life and career
Lalitha was born on February 25, 1947, at Ramapuram, near Kayamkulam, in Alappuzha district.
Her debut in theatre was through a play titled 'Bali' by Geetha Arts Club, Changanassery. She performed for Geetha and Prathiba Arts Troupe managed by SL Puram Sadanandan before arriving at the esteemed KPAC (Kerala People's Arts Club) that became etched onto her name.
Initially, she was a singer at KPAC and sang for the plays 'Mooladhanam' and 'Ningal Enne Communistakki'. Then she acted in the plays 'Swayamvaram', 'Anubhavangal Paalichakal', 'Koottukudumbam', 'Sharashayya', and 'Thulabharam'. It was then that she was christened 'Lalitha' by Thoppil Bhasi.
Legendary director, the late Bharathan was her husband.
She leaves behind her daughter Sreekutty and son Sidharth Bharathan.
Funeral on Wednesday
The actor will be cremated at her residence at Wadakkancherry on Wednesday. Public homage will be paid at her son director-actor Siddharth's house in Trippunithura, Kochi at 8 am, and later at Thrissur.
