Leelavathi is an Indian actress who worked in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. She has acted in more than 600 films throughout her career for more than 50 years. She is known for her memorable performances in Bhaktha Kumbara, Mana mechida Madadi and Santa Tukaram. She has been the recipient of the Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1999 and Filmfare Awards.
Bhakta Kumbara is a 1974 Indian Kannada-language biographical film directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy. The film stars Rajkumar and Leelavathi. Actress Sridevi, as a child artist, essayed the role of Muktha Bai thereby making her Kannada film debut. The film was produced by N. R. Anuradha Devi under Lakshmi Film Combines. Bhakta Kumbara marked the eighth collaboration between Dr. Rajkumar and director Hunsur Krishnamurthy.
Shivarathri Mahathme is a 1964 Indian Kannada-language film directed by P. R. Kaundinya. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi and K. S. Ashwath. The movie was dubbed in Telugu in 1965 as Shivarathri Mahatyam.
Eradu Nakshatragalu is a 1983 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. The film stars Rajkumar, Ambika and Puneeth Rajkumar. The movie is famous for its evergreen songs which were composed by G. K. Venkatesh. The film was a major success at the box office upon its release. The plot of the movie is based on the popular novel The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. Puneeth Rajkumar played a double role in the movie and remains his only double-role movie in which both the characters appear together on-screen.
Gaali Gopura is a 1962 Kannada-language film directed and produced by B. R. Panthulu. The film starred Rajkumar, Kalyan Kumar, Leelavathi and R. Nagendra Rao. Actor Udaya Kumar made a brief guest appearance. Acclaimed director Puttanna Kanagal had assisted Panthulu for this film.
Bhookailasa is a 1958 Indian Kannada language film directed by K. Shankar and produced by A. V. Meiyappan under the banner of AVM Productions. It stars Rajkumar, Kalyan Kumar and K. S. Ashwath in pivotal roles.The movie is a depiction of the legend prevalent in Gokarna, Karnataka and is also referred to as Gokarna Mahakshetra. It is based on the famous Kannada stage play Bhookailasa by Sri Sahitya Samrajya Nataka Mandali of Mysore which A. V. Meiyappan had earlier adapted into the Telugu movie titled Bhookailas in 1940. A. V. Meiyappan also shot the movie simultaneously in Telugu as Bhookailas starring N. T. Rama Rao.
Sipayi Ramu is 1972 Indian Kannada language film directed by Y. R. Swamy, based on the novel Barale Innu Yamune? by Nuggehalli Pankaja. It stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi and Aarathi. The supporting cast includes K. S. Ashwath, Shivaram, Vajramuni and Thoogudeepa Srinivas. At the 1971-72 Karnataka State Film Awards, the film was awarded the Third Best Film and Best Actress (Leelavathi).
Abba Aa Hudugi is a 1959 Indian Kannada-language film written, directed and produced by H. L. N. Sinha based on his own play of the same name. It stars Rajashankar in his debut role, Rajkumar in an extended cameo along with Narasimharaju, Mynavathi and Pandari Bai. It is considered a landmark film in Kannada cinema. Critics have noted that the theme of the movie is loosely based on William Shakespeare 's The Taming of the Shrew. The film was dubbed in Tamil with the title Mangaikku Maangalyame Pradhaanam and was released in 1960. Dialogues were written by S. A. Subbaraman. Jeevan composed the music; while Puratchidasan wrote the lyrics. In short, this film also marked the only Kannada film for Malayalam actress Sukumari.
Nanda Deepa is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film, directed by M. R. Vittal, making his first venture in film direction. The film was produced and written by actor Vadiraj and co-produced by Jawahar for Sri Bharathi Chitra studio house in its debut production. The film stars Rajkumar and Harini, along with Leelavathi and Udaykumar playing other pivotal roles.
Professor Huchuraya is a 1974 Indian Kannada-language comedy-drama film directed by M. R. Vittal and produced by actor Narasimharaju. The story is written by Narendra Babu. Besides Narasimharaju as the protagonist, the film features Vishnuvardhan, Manjula, R. Nagendra Rao and Balakrishna in prominent roles. The film was widely appreciated for its songs and story upon release. The songs tuned by Rajan–Nagendra were huge hits.
Ranadheera Kantheerava is a 1960 Kannada-language historical drama biographical film directed by the editor-turned-director N. C. Rajan and written by G. V. Iyer. It is one of the most popular films of acclaimed Kannada actor Rajkumar, who plays the role of an emperor Kanthirava Narasaraja I of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore who was fondly named as Ranadheera Kantheerava. The film depicts the life of Kantheerava, who is known for his immense physical strength through wrestling. The movie was credited to be one of the most authentic historical films made since it was entirely based on the documents found in the Mysore Palace. The film also stars Udaykumar, Balakrishna, Leelavathi, Narasimharaju and Sandhya in the prominent roles.
Kitturu Chennamma is a 1961 Indian Kannada-language historical drama film directed and produced by B. R. Panthulu. It stars B. Saroja Devi as Kittur Chennamma, an Indian freedom fighter who led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824, and died in captivity in 1829. Dr. Rajkumar played the role of Raja Mallasarja whereas Raja Shankar played the role of his son.
Kanyarathna is a 1963 Indian Kannada language film directed by J. D. Thotan in his directorial debut. It stars Dr. Rajkumar and Leelavathi. The supporting cast features Rajashankar, Balakrishna, Dikki Madhava Rao, Rathnakar and Sowcar Janaki.
Vidhivilasa is a 1962 Kannada language swashbuckler film directed by S. V. Mahesh. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi and K. S. Ashwath. The film is based on the story of a King who confronts destiny (fate), which appears to him in the form of a young lady, by challenging it on how he would die. The King tries in vain all means at his disposal to prevent events that destiny foretold would happen. Finally, destiny wins, employing a twisted turn of events. The film has musical score by T. Padman. The story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics were written by H. L. Narayana Rao who happens to be the father of actor Vishnuvardhan.
Kantheredu Nodu is a 1961 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by T. V. Singh Thakur and produced by A. K. Velan. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi, Balakrishna and Rajasree. The film has musical score by G. K. Venkatesh.
Mana Mecchida Madadi is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by K. R. Seetharama Sastry and produced by N. B. Vathsalan and N. Ramachandra. The film stars Rajkumar, Udaykumar, K. S. Ashwath and Balakrishna. The film has musical score by Vijaya Bhaskar.
Vathsalya is a 1965 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by Y. R. Swamy. The film stars Rajkumar, Udaykumar, Narasimharaju and Shivaraj. The film has musical score by Vijaya Krishnamurthy. The film was a remake of the Tamil film Pasamalar. It was a big hit. This is the only movie in which Leelavathi played the role of Rajkumar's sister.
Premamayi is a 1966 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by M. R. Vittal and produced by Srikanth Nahatha and Srikanth Patel. The film stars Rajkumar, K. S. Ashwath, Leelavathi and Jayanthi. The film has musical score by R. Sudarshanam. This is the only movie where Leelavathi played the role of Rajkumar's sister-in-law. The movie is an official adaptation of the National Award winning 1964 Malayalam movie Kudumbini.
Thoogudeepa is a 1966 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by K. S. L. Swamy in his directorial debut, and produced by R. G. Keshava Murthy. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi, Narasimharaju and Udaykumar. The film has musical score by Vijaya Bhaskar. The movie is based on a Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee.
Thumbida Koda is a 1964 Indian Kannada-language film directed by N. C. Rajan and produced by G. K. Venkatesh & Friends. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi, K. S. Ashwath, Narasimharaju and Balakrishna.
