Subbalakshmi, veteran Malayalam actress and Carnatic musician, dies aged 87

Leaving Malayalam cinema in a state of mourning, veteran actress Subbalakshmi died aged 87 on Thursday. She breathed her last at a private hospital in Kochi. She had been admitted to a hospital a few days ago due to age-related ailments.

Subbalakshmi’s career trajectory 

Subbalakshmi, also a Carnatic musician and a painter, was one of the distinguished supporting actresses in Malayalam cinema, often portraying roles of the grandmother with impressive delicacy and skill.

Having been involved in the arts since her early years, she retired from All India Radio (AIR) and began her career in film. Subbalakshmi’s first role came from a Horlicks advertisement that led to her film debut in Nandanam. She kept getting roles and went on to have success in almost two decades' worth of films. She was a dubbing artist as well.

Subbalakshmi was widely recognised for her roles in Malayalam movies, including popular films like Kalyanaraman (2002), Pandippada (2005) and Nandanam (2002). The late actress has left behind a lasting legacy, not only for her onscreen apperances but also as the mother of Thara Kalyan, a fellow actress in Malayalam films.

Subbalakshmi’s television roles 

In addition, the actress had a distinguished television career too, having starred in over 65 serials on Malayalam TV. Her significant roles in television series such as Sreemahabhagavatham, Kunjikkoonan, Oru Penninte Katha, and Seetha Kalyanam are still remembered with fondness by the audience. 

Her most recent role was as the lead in the Malayalam drama Sudhamani Supera, which is currently airing. Subbalakshmi is survived by her three children, one of whom is actress and dancer Thara Kalyan.

(with inputs from PTI)