#GoldenFrames: Pictorial biography of K. P. A. C. Lalitha

KPAC Lalitha was an exceptional actor in Malayalam cinema who could carry a sea of expressions and a voice to immortalise characters. She did more than 500 movies in a career spanning over five decades. The actress won two national awards and four State awards for best-supporting actress. Lalitha worked in almost all genres and made a special place for herself in every Malayali cinema lover’s heart.

In This Pic : K. P. A. C. Lalitha

Born as Maheshwari Amma on February 25, 1948, in Kayamkulam, to Kadakkatharayil Veettil K. Ananthan Nair and Bhargavi Amma started working as a theatre artist at the young age of ten.

(Actress KPAC Lalitha, who is known for her work in Malayalam cinema, in a still from her movie 'Maram,' 1972)

In This Pic : K. P. A. C. Lalitha

Lalitha was the eldest among five children; her four siblings were Indira, Babu, Rajan and Shyamala. Lalitha's father was a photographer from Kayamkulam, and her mother was a housewife from Aranmula.

(The young Maheshwari (real name: Maheshwari Amma) showed her acting prowess through the drama competitions at the inter-school level)

In This Pic : K. P. A. C. Lalitha

The actress spent most of her childhood at Ramapuram near Kayamkulam. Seeing her extraordinary dancing skills, her family migrated to Changanassery, Kottayam, for her to join a dance class. Lalitha learned to dance when she was a child under the guidance of Chellappan Pillai and then under Kalamandalam Gangadharan.

(Here's a throwback picture of KPAC Lalitha and Bharathan with their little baby)

In This Pic : K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Bharathan

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

Lalitha started acting in plays when she was ten years old. She made her first appearance on stage in 'Geethayude Bali.' She appeared in famous plays including ‘Ningal Enne Communistakki’, ‘Anubhavangal Palichakal’ and ‘Mooladhanam’.

(Legendary actress KPAC Lalitha played the role of Bhargavu in ‘Kaliyugam’, which was released in the year 1973. The film was directed by KS Sethumadhavan)

In This Pic : K. P. A. C. Lalitha