‘I Am Alone Now’: South Actor Vinod After Mother Leelavathi's Demise

Veteran Kannada actress Leelavathi died at a private hospital in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru city on December 8. She died at the age of 85 years after suffering from ailments related to old age. She was living with her actor son Vinod Raj at Nelamangala for the past few years. Saddened by the demise of his mother, actor Vinod Raj said that he is now left alone in the world. He also thanked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for admitting his mother to the hospital, as per the report of NDTV.

Vinod Raj recalled the learnings of his mother. He said that his mother always taught him to help people who are in need. She preached about realizing the difficulties of other people and taking the required initiative for their help. According to several reports, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy D K Shivakumar, noted Kannada film actor Shiva Rajkumar and several others visited her at her residence to inquire about their health. Siddaramaiah mourned the death of the veteran actress and called it painful. He said that he visited her home and inquired about her health. “ Talked to her son Vinod Raj. I pray for her soul to rest in peace” said Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah as quoted in the report by NDTV. The former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, former chief ministers BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai too condoles the demise of Leelavathi.

Leelavathi was born in Belthangadi in Dakshina Kannada district. The actress is known for her roles in the movies Bhakta Kumbara, Santha Thukaram, Bhakta Prahlada, Mangalya Yoga and Mana Mechchida Madadi. Her journey started as a theatre artist after she joined Sri Sahitya Samrajya Drama Company. She debuted with the movies Chanchala Kumari and Nagakannika. She played small roles in the film. Later, she joined the drama company of Subbaiah Naidu. She played a small role in Bhakta Prahlada in 1958. The actress has worked in many movies with Kannada superstar Dr Rajkumar where she played a variety of roles. She had twice won the national award and state awards six times, according to family sources.