Kalpana Ranjani

Biography:

Kalpana Ranjani (October 5, 1965 – January 25, 2016), known by her mononym Kalpana, was an acclaimed Indian actress prominent in South Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam and Tamil films. With a prolific career, she graced the screen in over 300 movies across various languages. At the 60th National Film Awards, she was honored with the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Thanichalla Njan” (2012).

Kalpana’s journey commenced in the late 1970s as a child artist. Despite aiming for lead roles, she became beloved for her comedic prowess, connecting strongly with audiences. She began as a child artist in “Vidarunna Mottukal” and transitioned into the mainstream with her debut in G. Aravindan’s “Pokkuveyil” (1980). Her acting repertoire comprised of critically acclaimed performances, especially in comic roles that garnered critical acclaim.

In the Tamil film industry, she marked her entry with the successful 1985 film “Chinna Veedu” alongside K. Bhagyaraj. Her memorable films include “Sathi Leelavathi” (1995) and “Kaliveedu” (1996). Kalpana even ventured into music, collaborating on an album with Usha Uthup. She documented her experiences in her memoir titled “Njan Kalpana.”

Aside from her on-screen presence, Kalpana was actively involved in social causes. She chaired “Janaseva Shishu Bhavan” and held an assistant chairperson role in “Street Birds.” An advocate of “Kudumbasree,” she was also the brand ambassador for “Leo Natura.” Her multi-faceted talents extended to singing, social work, and stage shows, endearing her to audiences far beyond her acting roles.