Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
C
hief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the last rites of versatile actress of Kannada cinema,Leelavati,will be done with full state honours.
He was speaking to the media after paying his last respects to the mortal remains of veteran actress Smt Leelavati at Ravindra Kalakshetra today.
“When Leelavati was ill,I went to her residence and inquired about her well-being.I met his son Vinodraj and assured that the government was ready to help him. He said that Leelavati and Vinodraj’s mother-son relationship is ideal.
Natural Acting:
Leelavati,who made her debut from theatre to cinema, acted in more than 600 films.Known for her natural acting,she has acted in all language films of South India.
A multi-lingual artiste,Leelavati used to bring life to roles as the heroine and supporting actress.The Chief Minister recalled that Raj Kumar and Leelavati were a popular pair and he had watched many films including Gejjepooje,Kulvadhu,Bhakta Kumbara in his student village.
Love for animals:
Leelavati was a complete artist.She used to play historical,social and mythological characters with ease. Leelavati,who was involved in social activities,built hospitals and veterinary hospitals.
Leelavati,who was engaged in agricultural activities, loved animals.He said that her love for animals was in her blood”the CM said.
The embodiment of humanity:
The CM said that Leelavati, who was helping students’ education during Corona,was the epitome of humanity. She had a great quality of sharing what she earned with others.
He said that it was a tragedy that her talent was not given a national level award like the Padma Shri award.
‘Actress Leelavati’s death has come as a shock, not only the Kannada film industry but also the Indian film industry has suffered an irreparable loss due to Leelavati’s death.
May God give strength to his family and the fans to bear the loss,said the CM in his Condolence message.
