19 Facts About Sukumari

Sukumari Amma was an Indian actress best known for her works in Malayalam and Tamil films.

Sukumari won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Tamil film Namma Gramam.

Sukumari died on 26 March 2013 in Chennai, following a heart attack.

Sukumari was born on 6 October 1940 in Nagercoil, Travancore, to Malayali parents Madhavan Nair and Sathyabhama Amma of Tharishuthala Valia Veedu in Kalkulam.

Sukumari studied at Poojappura LP School until second grade; she then moved to Madras, where she studied until fourth forum.

Sukumari had four sisters and one brother, Shankar.

Sukumari was noticed by a director when she visited the sets of a film with Padmini, and she made her film debut in the lead role in the Tamil film Or Iravu.

Sukumari acted in various Malayalam and Tamil Films of the black and white era, such as Udhyogastha, by P Venu, Chettathi, Kusruthikkuttan, Kunjali Marakkar, Thacholi Othenan, Yakshi and Karinizhal.

Sukumari later became popular after starring in various films of Priyadarshan such as Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Odarathammava Alariyam Boeing Boeing and Vandanam.

Sukumari appeared in various films directed by Balachandra Menon such as Manicheppu Thurannappol and Karyam Nissaram.

Sukumari played many notable mother roles most notably with Mammootty.

Sukumari mastered dance forms like Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Kerala Natanam and many musical instruments.

Sukumari is known for her stage career in her early days, most prominently as a member of Cho Ramaswamy's theatre group; Viveka Fine Arts.

Sukumari was a member of Y G Parthasarathy's and Pattu's drama troupe; United Amateur Artists, Rajasulochana's dance troupe; Pushpanjali, Travancore Sisters' Dancers of India troupe, T D Kusalakumari's troupe; and Padmini's independent dance drama troupe;Premanand Pictures etc.

On 26 March 2013, Sukumari died from a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Chennai, where she was receiving treatments for burns she had sustained while lighting a traditional lamp at her residence in February 2013.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who had co-starred with Sukumari, said in a condolence message that Sukumari had left a unique imprint on South Indian cinema and theatre with her talents.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala said Sukumari would be remembered for "the diversity of characters that she gave life to".

Communist Party of India State Secretary Pannian Ravindran said Sukumari was "an unforgettable acting genius".

Sukumari appeared in various print features, audio-visual endorsements, online promotions, commercial public campaigns etc.