In pictures: Life and times of Kerala actress KPAC Lalitha, 'Lalithechi' to her co-stars in Malayalam cinema

KPAC Lalitha died on February 22, after having reportedly suffered from liver cirrhosis for some time. The actress was born Maheshwari Amma on February 25, 1948 in Kayamkulam, Kerala. A child with an affinity for the arts, she studied dance from a very young age.

The oldest of five children, Lalitha first acted in a play at the age of 10 according to early interviews. This was a dance sequence in a play called Geethayude Bali. Soon after, she left school following her father’s collapse which left him unable to work, and she had to shoulder the financial burdens of the family.

Looking to theatre for her livelihood, Lalitha successfully joined Kerala People's Arts Club (KPAC) at a young age. It was during this time that Thoppil Basi, a popular playwright, named her KPAC Lalitha. The tag was initially used to differentiate her from another actress with the same name in the industry. The KPAC is a communist leaning theatrical group in kerala.

At the age of 21, she started her career in Malayalam cinema in an adaptation of a KPAC play called Kootukudumbam in 1969. From having fans in splits with her comedic roles to playing emotionally charged scenes at various ages, KPAC Lalitha acted in over 550 movies during her career.

In 1978, the actress got married to one of Kerala’s most popular film directors of the time, Bharathan. Following her marriage she took a break from cinema and made a comeback in 1983. Bharathan directed KPAC Lalitha in Amaram (1991) which gave the star her first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

KPAC Lalitha is survived by her two children from her marriage to Bharathan. Her husband died in 1998, following which she took a brief break before returning to cinema and television. Lalitha’s son Siddharth also followed his parents’ career in film. Having had a short acting stint starting with Nammal (2002) he has since moved on to film direction.

She won her second National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Shantham (2001). She has also won four Kerala State Film Awards, one Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and many other local and regional awards throughout her career in theatre and cinema. Her autobiography, titled Katha Thudarum (Story To Be Continued) also got her a literary recognition with a Cherukard Award in 2013.

The actress has acted with almost all the big names in Malayalam cinema, including veterans Mohanlal and Mammootty. Her pairing with actor Innocent was very popular and the stars acted together in many movies. She was well-known for her comedic prowess and could hold her own against any star in the genre.

Apart from movies, she was a regular fixture in Malayalam television with the comedy serial Thateem Mutteem, in which Lalitha played the grandmother and matriarch of the family. Having continued working in cinema until very recently, Lalitha will be seen in upcoming Mammootty-starrer Bheeshma Parvam set to release this year.

KPAC Lalitha with husband and film director Bharathan: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan posted condolences and so did several other politicians in Kerala. Actors including Innocent, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Kunchacko Boban were among the stars who posted condolences along with both on and off-screen memories with the late actress.