Veteran actress Kalpana Ranjani, who made audience laugh and weep with her power-packed performances, will be laid to rest in Hyderabad today. Photo: Viral Bhayani
Kalpana started her acting career in 1980 and her first movie was Aravindan's film Pokkuveyil'. She went on to act in more than 300 films and won the National Award in India for the Best Supporting actress in 2012 for Thanichalla Njan.
When asked if she had any health issues, Urvashi said, “She had malfunctioning of one of her heart valves, but took treatment and was fighting fit. I don't really know what went wrong on this fateful dayâ€. Urvashi reached their native Kochi to be with her mother. Kalpana's body will be flown to Kochi.
Speaking to DC, Kalpana's younger sister and actress Urvashi who was in a state of shock said, “Chechi's staff had gone to wake her up to get ready for the day's shoot but found her still sleeping. Initially, they did not disturb her. Later, they felt something had gone wrong and went near her and checked, they realized she was not alright and rushed to the hospital. It is very unfortunate!â€
Sources said she was found unconscious by a hotel staff and was rushed to Apollo Hospital but died on the way.
Kalpana passed away on Monday, of a heart attack. She reportedly arrived in Hyderabad on Sunday afternoon to shoot a bilingual film Oopri' in Telugu and Thozha' in Tamil.
Karthi, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Nasser, Kavya Madhavan, Kaveri, Shweta Menon, Roma, Abhirami, director Sibi Malayil and a few others were clicked at the grounds.
Her mortal remains will be cremated at the Thripunithara Puthiyakavu crematorium.
A handful of stars from the South Indian film industry gathered at the Layam Ground to pay their final respects. Kalpana's body was kept on display for a few hours before her funeral ceremony, which is expected to start at 5 pm.
Veteran actress Kalpana Ranjani, who made audience laugh and weep with her power-packed performances, will be laid to rest in Hyderabad today. Photo: Viral Bhayani