Veteran actress Pushpalatha, celebrated for her performances in over 100 films in both lead and supporting roles, has passed away at the age of 87. According to The Business Standard, she died on Feb. 4; she had been receiving treatment for a long-term, age-related illness.
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Over a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years, the actress has starred in over 100 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.
Pushpalatha hails from Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, where her father worked as a brass and silver merchant. Born into a devout Chettinadu Catholic family, she was the fifth of eight siblings. A prodigy in the arts, she completed her training in Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) by the age of 9.
Pushpalatha Made Her Screen Debut 70 Years Ago
In 1955, she made her on-screen debut with a cameo appearance in the film Nalla Thangai, which was produced and directed by the renowned actor S. A. Natarajan.
#VINTAGEVISTAS AVM Rajan and Pushpalatha introduced Action King Arjun Sarja to the silver screen through their home production, Nandri (1984) besides Mahalakshmi, the star couple’s daughter. It was a remake of the Kannada film, Thaliya Bhagya (1984). pic.twitter.com/NxsIzgb5ZK
— r.s.prakash (@rs_prakash3) February 7, 2025
She made her debut in the movie Konga Nattu Thangam in 1962. Since then, she has appeared in over 100 films, taking on both lead and supporting roles. Some of her notable movies include Sarada, Paar Magaley Paar, Naanum Oru Penn, Yarukku Sontham, Thaaye Unakkaga, Karpooram, Jeevanaamsam, Dharisanam, Kalyanaraman, Sakalakalla Vallavan, Simla Special, Puthu Vellam, and Ammavum Neeye Appavum Neeye.
She also appeared in numerous Telugu and Malayalam films. Additionally, Pushpalatha ventured into film production, successfully producing two films.
On a personal note, she married actor AVM Rajan after the two fell in love while working together on the 1963 film Naanum Oru Penn. AVM Rajan and Pushpalatha were among the most celebrated star couples in Tamil cinema. While Pushpalatha was a devout Christian, AVM Rajan was a dedicated Hindu deeply devoted to Lord Muruga.
The couple shared two daughters, one of whom is the renowned Kannada actress Mahalakshmi.
Following her final performance in the 1999 film Poo Vaasam, Pushpalatha shifted her focus entirely to spirituality and social service.