Famous Malayalam actress KPAC Lalitha has passed away. She was under treatment for a long time due to illness. KPAC Lalitha was born on March 10, 1947 in Idayaranmula, Kadantakkal Tharayil, Ramapuram, Kayamkulam, the daughter of Ananthan Nair and Bhargavi Amma. Her real name was Maheshwari. Maheshwari was named after her parents who performed bhajans at the Chengannur temple. Lalitha has been interested in dance since her school days. She first entered the dance floor at a school in Ramapuram. It started with the step towards the best revolutionary song of all time, ‘Ponnarivalampiliyil Kanneriyunnole’. At the age of 10, she came to KPAC from dance studies with the play ‘Bali’ by Changanassery Geetha. Maheshwari became KPAC Lalitha after joining KPAC. In a very short period of time, KPAC Lalitha gained attention in the theaters.
Thoppil Bhasi’s play Koottukudumbam was released in 1969 by K.S. Sethumadhavan, It was through the movie KPAC Lalitha made her film debut. Later she acted in ‘Ningalenne Communistakki’ and did a lot of films with Sathyan and Prem Nazeer, including Othenan’s son, Vazhve Mayam, Triveni, Anubhavangal Paalichakal, Oru Sundariyude Katha, Swayamvaram. KPAC Lalitha appeared mostly in supporting roles. Like Sukumari, Lalitha is known for her ability to perform comedies extravagantly.
In 1978, she became the wife of film director Bharathan. After Bharathan’s death in 1998, she took a break from cinema. But in 1999, she made a strong comeback with another film, Veendum Chila Veettu Karyangal directed by Sathyan Anthikkad. She has won numerous accolades, including the National Award for Best Supporting Actress twice. So far, Lalitha has acted in over 500 films in Malayalam and Tamil. Her children are the director and actor Siddharth Bharathan and Sreekutty.
Lalitha’s political career was with the CPM. There were rumors that he would be a candidate in the election. She is the current President of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.