Kulappulli Leela

Kulappulli Leela Biography

Kulappulli Leela is a popular character artist of Malayalam cinema, known for comic roles. She is quite popular for her distinct style of dialogue delivery as an uneducated lady style, often in abuse style. She has acted in more than 75 Malayalam films. Kasthurimaan, Thanthonni, Best actor, Chandrolsavam, Black, Udayon, Teja Bhai & Family, Soothradharan, Hariharan Pilla Happiyannu, Chathikkaatha Chandu, Shakespeare M.A. Malayalam, Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu, Mizhi Randilum, Kudumbasree Travels, Mambazhakkalam, Pulival Kalyanam, Sandwich, Manasinakkare, Nammal, Nadodimannan, Amen and Balram vs Tharadas are among her memorable roles. Her role in Pattanapravesham during 1980’s where she is seen romancing Sreenivasan was quite popular in those days.

Leela was born in Pannikode of Kozhikode district in a poor family. She lost her father at a younger age. She had to take the responsibility of whole family at a young age. She started working as a stage artist. As she is short, she had to face problems as a stage artist. As a cine artist, she feels that her role in Kasthurimaan is the most powerful role she portrayed on screen. Though this actress has good range for exhibiting her acting skills, she has been type casted as a servant or uneducated village lady shouting and using abuse language. Yet through her distinct style of dialogue delivery she has created a niche of her own.

Leela has also appeared in several popular television serials. ‘Ayaal Katha Ezhuthukayaanu’ directed by Kamal was her first credited film role. Leela has married twice. She was first married to Krishna Kumar and the couple had two children. But a tragedy happened in her life and she lost both her children. After that her husband also died. Leela later married Bhuvanachandran and currently resides at Paravur, Ernakulam.

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Updated: May 05, 2014