A self-made actor, Leelavathi will be remembered as a farmer, animal lover, and a devoted mother

She grew up in her aunt’s care for some days before discontinuing her studies in the second standard. She was smitten by theatre and acting in films became her dream.

Following a couple of minor roles in films like Chanchala Kumari (1953) and Nagakannika (1949), Leelavathi joined Mahalinga Bhagavathar’s Sri Sahitya Samrajya Drama Company. She was still a teenager — around 16 years old — when she started working in Mysuru.

In an interview, she referred to the late Mahalinga Bhagavathar as her “Godfather”.

Related: Veteran Kannada actor Leelavathi passes away at the age of 85

Mysuru to Chennai

After Leelavathi established herself in Madras, a series of opportunities unfolded for her.

In 1958, she acted in Mangalya Yoga directed by PK Lal and featuring Balakrishna as the protagonist.

During the shooting at Madras’s Golden Studio, Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar spotted her. Impressed by her acting prowess, the legendary actor recommended a role for Leelavathi in one of his films.

This led to the 1960 film Randheera Kantheerava, a collaborative effort involving Rajkumar and other artistes.

Career breakthrough

Her initial career breakthrough came with a significant role in Subbainaidu’s 1958 movie Bhakta Prahlada, leading to opportunities in projects like Mangalya Yoga, Dharma Vijaya (1959) and Ranadheera Kanteerava.

It was her role in Rani Honnamma (1960) that elevated Leelavathi to the status of a leading heroine.

She shared the screen with legendary actors like Shivaji Ganesan, MG Ramachandran, NT Rama Rao, Gemini Ganeshan, and Dr Vishnuvardhan.

Her most on-screen appearances were alongside Kannada thespian Dr Rajkumar in multiple roles ranging from sister, mother, and daughter-in-law to mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

She acted alongside Dr Rajkumar in no less than 39 films.

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Tough times

Though Leelavathi is remembered for her unblemished career as an actor, she often faced questions about her married life.

She was a devoted mother.

According to reports, she once thought of killing herself and her only son Vinod Raj. However, a strong-willed person, she accepted the challenges life threw at her and emerged as a giver to society through her multiple public services in her own right.

Versatility

One of the finest actors in Kannada, Leelavathi portrayed varied roles — right from supporting artiste to heroine and aged characters.

From family dramas to mythology films, she did it all.

Like water, Leelavathi could easily fit into any role and genre, including comedy, romance, and even as a vamp.

Her emotional portrayal of characters was considered the finest.

She debuted as a producer for the film College Hero, featuring her son Vinod Raj in the year 1990.

Kannada Kanda (2006), Shukra (2007), and Yaaradhu (2009), all featuring her son, were bankrolled by her.

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Farmer and animal lover

Leelavathi with a cat. (X)

After shifting from Chennai, Leelavathi settled down in Soladevanahalli village.

She bought a farm and started developing it with the help of her son.

Leelavathi even did her bit by helping the needy who stayed around her place. She built a primary healthcare centre and a veterinary hospital, which was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shiva Kumar.

She had several pets and took care of them even in her old days.

The veteran actor once said she would feed even the ants with sugar and such was her love for animals.

Left alone

“I am finally being left alone,” Vinod Raj expressed following his mother’s demise.

Her mortal remains will be kept in Ambedkar Grounds at Nelamangala for the public to pay their final respects.

The last rites will be performed at her farm in Soladevanahalli on Saturday, 9 December.

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