Veteran actor Jayanthi passes away

Actor Jayanthi, a popular actor in South cinema, passed away due to ill health on Monday morning. She was 76.

Popularly known as Abhinaya Sharadha, the actor was born as Kamala Kumari in Ballari to Balasubramanyam and Santhanalakshmi. The actor, who began her career with the Telugu film, Mangalya, made her Kannada debut with Jenu Goodu in 1963. Among her earliest films in Tamil was Yaanai Paagan (1960). She was known for strong performances in films like Bettada Huli, Miss Leelavathi and Bahaddur Gandu. In the Tamil industry, she was known for her collaborations with the late legend K Balachander, in films like Ethir Neechal, Bama Vijayam, Iru Kodugal, Velli Vizha and Punnagai.
Having acted in more than 500 films across languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi, Jayanthi was also noted for featuring alongside the late legendary Kannada actor, Dr Rajkumar, in over 40 films. She also proved her acting mettle in films like Vishnuvardhan's Naagarahaavu and Puttanna Kanagal’s Edakallu Guddada Mele.

In Tamil, she was frequently paired opposite Gemini Ganesan (Iru Kodugal, Kanna Nalama, Ganga Gowri). She acted with all major stars including MG Ramachandran (Padagotti, Mugaraasi), Muthuraman (Kalai Kovil, Kula Gowravam), Nagesh (Ethir Neechal, Neer Kumuzhi) and Jaishankar (Nil Gavani Kadhali, Kaadhal Paduthum Paadu). She was also part of a Tamil TV serial, Vasantham, and went on to be part of the American comedy-drama, Brown Nation (2016).

The actor won six Karnataka State Film Awards for Best Actress, and also, Best Supporting Actor awards for her roles in Anand and Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi. She was bestowed the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. The versatile Jayanthi also ventured into production and direction, and helmed films like Vijay in 1982 and En Swamy Aliyandre in 1989.

The actor is survived by her son Krishna Kumar.