Leelavathi Biography

Leelavathi, originally named Leela Kiran, was a prominent Indian actress who made significant contributions to Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Over her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, she collaborated with acclaimed actors such as Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, M. G. Ramachandran, N. T. Rama Rao, Sivaji Ganeshan, Gemini Ganesan, Shankar Nag, Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, and others, appearing in over 600 films, with more than 400 in Kannada alone.

Leelavathi Age, Education, Family, Film Career and more

Her filmography includes memorable performances in iconic movies such as “Bhakta Kumbara,” “Mana Mecchida Madadi,” “Santha Thukaram,” “Nagarahavu,” and “Avargal.” Noteworthy accolades in her career include the prestigious Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1999 and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Family

Leelavathi, born on 26 November 1938 as Leela Kiran in Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, faced early adversity, losing her parents at the age of 6.

Film Career

Her journey into the film industry began with minor roles in films like “Chanchala Kumari” and Shanker Singh’s “Naga Kannika.” Relocating to Mysore to pursue acting, she joined Mahalinga Bhagavathar’s Sri Sahitya Samrajya Drama Company, eventually securing her breakthrough role in the 1958 Kannada film “Bhakta Prahlada” alongside Rajkumar.

Leelavathi portrayed diverse roles in her career, ranging from character roles in movies like “Gejje Pooje” and “Doctor Krishna” to lead roles in films such as “Santha Thukaram,” “Kantheredu Nodu,” “Kaivara Mahatme,” “Gaali Gopura,” “Kanyarathna,” “Kulavadhu,” “Veera Kesari,” and “Mana Mecchida Madadi.”

Her versatile collaboration with Rajkumar included playing various roles, such as heroine, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, paternal aunt, mother-in-law, and daughter-in-law in different films.

Awards and recognitions

Notable awards and recognitions include the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada for “Kannadada Kanda” in 2006, and an honorary doctorate from Tumkur University in 2008 for her outstanding contributions to Southern cinema.

Partial filmography

As actress

• First Film in Kannada: Mangalya Yoga
• First Film in Tamil: Pattinathaar
• First Film in Telugu: Marmayogi
• First Film in Malayalam: Pamasiraja
• First Film in Tulu: Saviradoorthi Savitri

As producer

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