Malayalam actress Sukumari passes away at 72

Veteran actress Sukumari, who has been a celebrated name in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, passed away on March 26 following a cardiac arrest in a private hospital in Chennai. She had been undergoing treatment for burn injuries which she received while lighting a lamp for her worship at her residence in Chennai.

Apart from doing pivotal roles in mainstream cinema, she had also been a prominent Bharatnatyam and Kathakali dancer. She made her debut in Tamil film withOrariviuand played key roles in black and white films such asChettathi,Kusruthikkuttan,Kunjali Marakkarand others. More than 3000 films have been enlisted to her name throughout her long-lasting career. Priyadarshan's filmsPoochakkoru Mookkuthi,Oodarathuammava AalariyamandBoeing Boeinghelped her rise to stardom. The actress is mostly known for her performance inNizahalkkuthuwhich was directed by world-class filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. She was honoured with the National Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2011 for the filmNamma Graamam. She was last seen in the filmDiamond Necklacedirected by Lal Jose, where she played the character of the hero's grandmother-in-law.

In 2005, Sukumari was awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from both Filmfare and Asianet Film Awards. She also received Padma Shri in 2003. Though the veteran actress is not with us anymore, she will be always remembered through her extraordinary films. May her soul rest in peace.