Veteran Kannada actress Leelavathi passed away at a private hospital at Nelamangala, near Bengaluru, on Friday after a prolonged illness. She was 86. She was admitted to the hospital following respiratory complications. She is survived by her son, Vinod Raj, who is also an actor.

• Having acted in over 600 films, Leelavathi was also a part of several noted Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu projects. Following her stint in theatre, Leelavathi made her film debut in Bhakta Prahlada (1958). Her debut as a heroine in Kannada was Mangalya Yoga (1958).
• Ranadheera Kanteerava, a historical with Dr. Rajkumar in the lead role, was Leelavathi’s first noteworthy performance. She then forged a great on-screen chemistry with the Kannada thespian, acting in blockbusters such as Gaali Gopura, Kulavadhu, Veera Kesari, Bhagya Devathe and so on with him.
• Leelavathi was a recipient of Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award (in 2000) from the Karnataka government.