Kalpana

Full Name: Sharat Lata (Kalpana)
Date of Birth: 18 July 1943
Place of Birth: South Canara, Madras Presidency, British India (now Mangalore, Karnataka, India)
Date of Death: 12 May 1979 (aged 35)
Place of Death: Sankeshwar, Karnataka, India
Other Names: "Minugu Taare" (A Shining Star)
Occupation: Actress
Spouse(s):

• B. N. Viswanath
• Gudigeri Basavaraj

Career Highlights

Kalpana, affectionately known as "Minugu Taare" in the film fraternity, was a celebrated Indian actress primarily known for her work in Kannada cinema. Her career spanned from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, during which she garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

Early Life

Born as Sharat Lata on 18 July 1943, Kalpana was drawn to stage acting from a young age, inspired by her aunt Seethamma, an actress. Her passion for the performing arts led her to explore Indian classical dance and eventually pursue a career in film acting.

Career Milestones

Kalpana made her screen debut as a lead actress in the 1963 film "Saaku Magalu," directed by B. R. Panthulu. Throughout her career, she starred in numerous commercially successful and critically acclaimed films, notably alongside actor Rajkumar. Her performance as "Kaveri" in the award-winning film "Sharapanjara" (1971) earned her the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress.

Legacy

Despite her untimely demise on 12 May 1979, Kalpana's legacy endures in the hearts of Kannada film enthusiasts. Revered for her captivating performances and fashion sense, she remains a timeless icon of Indian cinema.