Lalitha

Name: K. P. A. C. Lalitha
Birth Name: Maheshwari Amma
Date of Birth: 10th March 1947
Place of Birth: Kayamkulam, Kingdom of Travancore
Date of Death: 22nd February 2022
Place of Death: Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 1968–2022
Spouse: Bharathan (m. 1978; died 1998)
Children: 2; including Sidharth Bharathan

Early Life and Education

Maheshwari Amma, later known as K. P. A. C. Lalitha, was born on 10th March 1947 in Kayamkulam in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore. She was born to Kadaykatharayil Veettil Ananthan Nair and Bhargavi Amma as the eldest among five children. Her childhood was spent predominantly in Ramapuram near Kayamkulam. She displayed a keen interest in dance from a young age and received formal training under Chellappan Pillai and Kalamandalam Gangadharan.

Career

Lalitha's foray into the world of entertainment began at the tender age of 10 when she made her stage debut in the play "Geethayude Bali". She later joined the Kerala People's Arts Club (K. P. A. C.), a prominent leftist drama troupe in Kerala, where she earned the stage name Lalitha. Her transition to the silver screen occurred with the film adaptation of "Koottukudumbam" directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan.

Personal Life

In 1978, Lalitha married the noted Malayalam film director Bharathan, with whom she shared a life filled with love and creativity until his demise in 1998. The couple was blessed with two children, including Sidharth Bharathan, who followed in his parents' footsteps into the world of cinema.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her illustrious career, Lalitha garnered numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress and four Kerala State Film Awards. Her contributions to cinema were further recognized with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Filmfare Awards South.

Legacy and Demise

K. P. A. C. Lalitha's influence extended far beyond the silver screen. As the Chairperson of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, she played a pivotal role in promoting arts and culture in Kerala. Her demise on 22nd February 2022 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Conclusion

In remembrance of K. P. A. C. Lalitha, we celebrate a life dedicated to art, passion, and excellence. Her indomitable spirit and enduring contributions to Malayalam cinema will forever remain etched in the annals of history, ensuring that she is remembered as an icon for generations to come.