Prominent Kannada actor Leelavathi, aged 85, known for her contributions to over 600 films, spanning Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu passed away on Friday evening at a private hospital in Nelamangala, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Sources reported that she had been grappling with age-related ailments and was admitted to the hospital, where she eventually succumbed.
Expressing shock and grief at her demise, Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted expressing, "Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Kannada film personality Leelavathi Ji. A true icon of cinema, she graced the silver screen with her versatile acting in numerous films. Her diverse roles and remarkable talent will always be remembered and admired. My thoughts are with her family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Born in Belthangadi, Karnataka, as Leela Kiran, Leelavathi developed a passion for acting at a young age. Starting her artistic journey on the stage, she ventured into the world of cinema in the late 1940s-1950s with movies like Chanchala Kumari and Naga Kannika. Her breakthrough came in 1958 with Subbaiah Naidu's Bhakta Prahlada. Over the years, she shared the screen with iconic stars of her era, such as Dr. Rajkumar, Udaykumar, Kalyan Kumar, NT Rama Rao, and others.
Throughout her career, which extended nearly six decades, Leelavathi contributed to over 600 films in various roles. Among her notable credits are Ranadheera Kanteerava, Rani Honnamma, Gejje Pooje, Mana Mecchida Madadi, Vathsalya, Sipayi Ramu, Bhakta Kumbara, Doctor Krishna and more.
In 2000, Leelavathi was honored with the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award by the Karnataka government. Subsequently in 2008, she received an honorary doctorate from Tumkur University. She is survived by her son Vinod Raj, who ventured into acting in 1987 with Dance Raja Dance.
The final ceremonies for Leelavathi will take place at her residence in Nelamangala. Her body will be made available for public viewing at her farmhouse.
