Leelavathi (Kannada Actress) Biography, Age, Husband, Kids, Parents, Death Cause, Movies & More
Leelavathi, who passed away on 8 December 2023 at the age of 86, was one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses of Kannada cinema. She worked in more than 600 films (more than 400 in Kannada alone) for more than 50 years, spanning across Tamil and Telugu cinema as well.
She was known for her memorable performances in films like Bhakta Kumbara, Mana Mecchida Madadi, Santha Thukaram, Veera Kesari, and many more. She was also a film producer, writer, and philanthropist who contributed to the development of Kannada cinema and society.
Early Life and Family Background
She was born as Leela Kiran on 8 December 1937 in Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada district. She lost her parents at the age of six and was raised by her maternal uncle. She had a keen interest in acting since her childhood and participated in various cultural programs. She moved to Mangalore with her uncle when she was young and started her career as a child artist.
Leelavathi Wiki/Bio
| Name | Leela Kiran |
| Date of Birth | 1937 |
| Date of Death | December 8, 2023 |
| Place of Birth | Mangalore |
| Place of Death | Nelamangala |
| Profession | Actress |
| Languages | Kannada Tamil Telugu |
| leelavathi | |
| Wikipedia | Leelavathi_(actress) |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Acting Career
She got a small role in Chanchala Kumari (1958) directed by Shanker Singh and then acted in Naga Kannika (1958) directed by Subbainaidu. She later joined the troupe of Mahalinga Bhagavathar’s Sri Sahitya Samrajya Drama Company and got a chance to act in Bhakta Prahlada (1958), which marked her debut as a heroine.
She then acted in several films like Mangalya Yoga (1959), Dharma Vijaya (1959), Abba Aa Hudugi (1959), Raja Malaya Simha (1959) and Dashavtara (1960). She gained popularity as a leading lady with films like Santha Thukaram (1961), Kantheredu Nodu (1962), Kaivara Mahatme (1963), Gaali Gopura (1964) and Kanyarathna (1965).
She also worked with some of the most prominent actors in Kannada cinema like Rajkumar, Girish Karnad, Udaykumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ramesh Babu, Girish Shyam Murali, and others. She played various roles like daughter, sister-in-law, aunt, mother-in-law, and even God in some films. Some of her notable films are Bhoodana (1970), Kittur Chennamma (1971), Vathsalya (1972), Premamayi (1973), Kalitharu Henne (1974), Shravana Banthu (1975), Jwaalamukhi (1976) and many more.
She won several awards for her acting skills such as Karnataka State Award for Gejje Pooje (1980) and Doctor Krishna Award for Best Actress for Gejje Pooje at Filmfare Awards South. She also received the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from the Karnataka Government in 2000 and an honorary doctorate from Tumkur University in 2008.
Spouse & Children
Leelavathi married Mahalinga Bhagavatar, a renowned actor who played Lord Krishna’s role in many films directed by Rajkumar. They have one son named Vinod Raj who is also an actor, singer, and dancer. He has acted in films like Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kanasu Kananasaaru.
Leelavathi was known for her simplicity, humility, and generosity. She donated generously to various social causes such as education, health care, women empowerment, and environmental protection. She also supported many artists financially when they were struggling or facing difficulties.
Death
Actress Leela died at a private hospital in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru on 8 December 2023 at the age of 86. She died of a prolonged age-related illness. Her death was mourned by millions of fans across Karnataka who paid tribute to her legacy through social media posts.
Awards and Achievements
Leelavathi was a versatile and prolific actress who acted in more than 600 films in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu languages. She won several awards for her performances, including the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 from the Karnataka Government, the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada for Kannadada Kanda in 2006, and the honorary doctorate from the Tumkur University in 2008 for her contribution to the southern cinema. She was also conferred with various state awards and recognitions for her work.
Leelavathi received many awards and honors for her acting career. Some of them are:
- Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from Karnataka Government in 2000
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada for Kannadada Kanda in 2006
- Honorary Doctorate from Tumkur University in 2008
- Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2011
- Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress – Kannada for Gejje Pooje in 1999
- Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada for Doctor Krishna in 1999
What Happened to Leelavathi?
She was a legendary actress who worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries for more than 50 years. She passed away on 8 December 2023 at the age of 86 due to a prolonged age-related illness. She was suffering from age-related ailments and was being treated at her farmhouse in Soladevanahalli in Nelamangala. Her son Vinod Raj and many other celebrities visited her to enquire about her health and pay tribute to her legacy.
She was known for her memorable performances in Bhakta Kumbara, Mana Mecchida Madadi, and Santha Thukaram. She also received many awards and honors for her contribution to Kannada cinema, such as the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award, the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada, the Padma Shri, and the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress – Kannada.
Net worth and Income Sources
According to one source, Leelavathi’s net worth was estimated to be $1 million as of 2023. However, this figure may not be accurate or updated. Her income sources were mainly from her acting career, as well as from some business ventures and philanthropic activities. She also received donations from her fans and admirers over the years.
Death cause
She died at a private hospital in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru on 8 December 2023, aged 86. She died of a prolonged age-related illness. Her death was mourned by many celebrities, politicians, and fans across India and abroad. Her son Vinod Rajkumar announced her demise on social media and thanked everyone for their condolences.
Relationship with Dr Rajkumar
Leelavathi had a close relationship with Dr Rajkumar, who was one of her frequent co-stars in many films. They worked together in various roles such as daughter, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt, etc. According to her in Ravi Belegere’s book “Leela Vinoda”, they were “in love”, but due to professional reasons, he could not commit to her. She also mentioned that Dr Rajkumar visited her when she had just given birth to Vinod Rajkumar and that he compared baby Vinod Rajkumar’s voice to a singer’s.
