K.P.A.C. Lalitha passes away

Renowned actress K.P.A.C. Lalitha died at her son's residence in Ernakulam on Tuesday night. The versatile actress, who has acted over 500 films, had been ailing for nearly a year. She was 74.

As a theatre actress, Lalitha started her career with K.P.A.C (Kerala People’s Art Club) drama troupe. She is the current chairman of the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi of Kerala. She is married to the late filmmaker Bharatan.

She has won the national award for best-supporting actor twice besides bagging four state awards. Born on February 25, 1947, at Ramapuram near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha, her given name was Maheshwariamma. Lalitha's father K Ananthan Nair was a photographer and her mother was Bhargavi Amma.

Lalitha made her debut in films in 1969 with the film 'Koottukudumbam'. Then she went on to act with legendry actors like Prem Nazir and Sathyan in a host of films. Her major films include 'Thriveni', 'Anubhavangal Paalichakal', 'Swayamvaram', 'Amaram', 'Manichithrathazhu', 'Kanalkattu', 'Manasinakkare', 'Shantham', 'Godfather', and 'Aaravam' to name a few.

Lalitha has also acted in several Tamil films including Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), Maniratnams Alaipayuthey (2000) and Kaatru Veliyidai (2017).

Her autobiography 'Katha Thudarum' (Story To Be Continued), won the Cherukad Award in 2013.She leaves behind her daughter Sreekutty and son Sidharth Bharathan, who is an actor and director.