KPAC Lalitha: Veteran Malayalam actress dies at 73

The Indian performer had appeared in more than 500 films over five decades

KPAC Lalitha, the veteran actress who has died three days before her 74th birthday. Photo: Phoenix Operands

The Malayalam actress received many awards throughout her career. Photo: Phoenix Operands

KPAC Lalitha in the film poster for Mikhael. Photo: Aan Mega Media

KPAC Lalitha had a long and decorated career spanning five decades. Photo: Phoenix Operands

The actress with her husband Bharathan. Photo: Phoenix Operands

KPAC Lalitha with Bharathan, who died in 1998. Photo: Phoenix Operands

With Bharathan and their daughter Sreekutty. Photo: Phoenix Operands

Indian actress Maheshwari Amma, best known by her stage name KPAC Lalitha, died on Tuesday, according to local media.

The Malayalam star had been suffering from liver-related problems and died just three days before her 74th birthday in Thrippunithura, Kerala.

The actress had a long and decorated career spanning five decades.

Born in 1948 in Kayamkulam, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, Ms Lalitha began her illustrious career at the Kerala People's Arts Club (Kpac), a left-wing theatrical movement that focused on spreading ideology through plays. When she made the move to the silver screen in 1969 the acronym stuck and she adopted the stage name KPAC Lalitha.

Appearing in more than 500 films, Ms Lalitha received a number of awards, including best supporting actress twice for her roles in Amaram (1990) and Shantham (2000). She also won four Kerala State Film Awards.

The Malayalam film community reacted to the news of her death with messages of condolence.

Fellow Indian actor and film producer Mammootty shared photos on social media, saying Ms Lalitha was “someone who was very dear” to him.

Ms Lalitha was married to Indian film director Bharathan, who died in 1998. She is survived by her daughter Sreekutty and son Sidharth, who is an actor and director.