The unexpected demise of popular Malayalam actress Kalpana on Monday morning has left the Malayalam film industry shocked.
The 51-year-old actress, who began her career as a child artist in 1983, has been hugely popular on and off screen due to her happy-go-lucky nature.
She was in Hyderabad to take part in a film shoot and to attend an awards function. But when the staff of a hotel she was staying in failed to get a response from her room, they forced open the door and saw her in an unconscious state.
Kalpana was rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared her dead. She is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, said film director Sibi Malayil.
Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) president and Lok Sabha member Innocent said: “We acted together in so many films ... [she played] my sister, wife and what not. Even though she might be referred as a comedy artist, I will rate her as a wonderful actor and a real spirited one, too.”
“I knew she had some health problems, but never knew she had a heart problem. It’s a very sad day for the Malayalam film industry.”
Veteran film actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma cried when she was told of Kalpana’s death.
“What’s that you are saying that Kalpana is no more ... No way, I just can’t believe it. She was always concerned about my health and see what has happened,” said Ponnamma.
Actress KPAC Lalitha said Kalpana will always be alive in her heart.
“She has been a very strong supporter for me in all my trials and tribulations. We used to be in regular touch, and this is heartbreaking for me,” said Lalitha.
According to another of Kalpana’s co-stars, Maniyanpilla Raju, her body would be brought to Kerala later in the day.
In a career spanning more than three decades, Kalpana had worked on more than 300 films. Her sisters Urvashi and Kalaranjini are also actresses.
Kalpana’s last film, Charlie, is running in Indian theatres now. She was known for her roles in comedy movies. Her most popular films include Dr. Pasupathy, Kouthuka Varthakal and Butterflies.
She won an Indian National Award for best supporting actress in the film Thanichalla Njan in 2012.
Survived by one daughter, Kalpana had separated from film director Anil Kumar in 2012.
Paruthiveeran star Priyamani took to Twitter to pay Kalpana an emotional tribute. “Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the sudden demise of one of my fav[ourite] actress Kalpana Chechi!what an actress!huge loss indeed!R.I.P. Chechi!”
Malayalam actor Prithviraj, who has also worked in Bollywood films like Raavan and Aurangzeb, wrote on his Facebook page, “R.I.P. Kalpana Chechi! A fine actor and a finer human being! We flew together in to Hyderabad on Sunday afternoon. and she was in such high spirits as always! You will be missed forever!!”
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar tweeted, “I am so shocked to hear about actress Kalpana’s sudden demise in Hyd [Hyderabad] So sudden, sympathies to sister Oorvasi and family. Great loss of talent.”
“Devastated to hear about Kalpana chechi. I’ve known her since I was a toddler and she would always tell me stories about my childhood. At a loss for words. When we shot the boat scene where Charlie kisses Mary, I remember her being so happy. She kept saying I would never give her kisses as a child,” actor Dulquar Salman wrote in his facebook page.
“Shocked and dismayed to hear of her demise. Always the one to surprise us, with her performances, words and her wit - onscreen and offscreen. A consummate artist - Kalpana. Rest in peace Chechi,” Indian National Award-winning Malayalam director Anjali Menon wrote.
