Kalpana: The Incomparable Malayalam Actress Overshadowed by Her Sister Urvashi’s Stardom

Kalpana: The Incomparable Malayalam Actress Overshadowed by Her Sister Urvashi’s Stardom

Early Life and Family Background

Kalpana’s prospects of becoming a leading heroine were inadvertently affected by her sister Urvashi’s rise to stardom. However, it didn’t take long for the Malayalam film industry to recognize Kalpana’s innate talent for comedy.

Kalpana’s Breakthrough Performance

Kalpana's role as "Queen" Mary in Martin Prakkat's film Charlie left a profound impact on Kerala, marking one of her finest and final performances. Kalpana was a unique talent, and her legacy remains unmatched. Her untimely death from a heart attack in January 2016 at the age of 51 cut short a career that had repeatedly showcased her exceptional abilities.

Recognition of Malayalam Cinema’s Supporting Actors

Ask any renowned director about Malayalam cinema’s greatest assets, and besides its deeply rooted stories, they will undoubtedly highlight its outstanding actors who excel in supporting and character roles. The industry has always boasted talents capable of outshining the lead actors, regardless of their character arcs. Names like Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, Adoor Bhavani, Philomina, Bahadoor, KPAC Lalitha, Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Sukumari, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Bindu Panicker, Sai Kumar, Jagathy Sreekumar, and Innocent come to mind. Even when lead performances fall short or movies are lackluster, these thespians ensure the films remain watchable.

Kalpana’s Versatility and Impact

In this pool of talent, Kalpana was one of the brightest stars. Her remarkable ability to portray any character, no matter the journey, consistently met and exceeded the expectations of filmmakers, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Her absence is felt deeply today, especially as her peers like Jagadish, Indrans, and Bindu Panicker finally receive remarkable roles, breaking free from the stereotypes that confined them. Had she been with us today…

Kalpana’s Family of Artistes

Kalpana, born Kalpana Priyadarsini, came from a family of artistes. Her parents, Chavara VP Nair and Vijayalakshmi, were theatre artistes, and her sisters, Kala Ranjini and Kavitha Manoranjini, displayed similar talents. Kalpana entered the film industry as a child artiste in Vidarunna Mottukal (1977) and continued in small roles until she got her first significant opportunity in 1982 with G Aravindan’s Pokkuveyil. Unlike her later comedic roles, her character Nisha was more serious. Kalpana continued in such roles, aiming to establish herself as a leading lady.

Sisters’ Influence on Kalpana’s Career

Kalpana’s sisters also ventured into show business. While Kala Ranjini received side roles, Kavitha, who took the stage name Urvashi, quickly rose to fame. Even before gaining a foothold in Malayalam cinema, Urvashi starred in Tamil projects like Mundhanai Mudichu and Apoorva Sahodarigal, which propelled her to stardom and secured her meatier roles in Malayalam. Urvashi’s rise, though unintentional, impacted Kalpana’s chances of becoming a heroine as filmmakers gravitated towards Urvashi for her conventional beauty. However, the roles Kalpana took on in Panchavadi Palam and Ithu Nalla Thamasha demonstrated her natural comedic prowess. Without much effort, she could make audiences laugh with her gestures and dialogue delivery. Simultaneously, she proved her versatility in serious roles through Malayalam movies like Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam and Tamil movies like Chinna Veedu and Thirumathi Oru Vegumathi, even debuting in Kannada cinema with Chapala Chennigaraya.

Rise to Comedy Stardom

Kalpana’s comedic talent shone brightly in Kamal’s Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal (1989), where her portrayal of Mohini, a lovable, love-seeking woman, stood out among a cast of seasoned comedians. Shaji Kailas’ Dr Pasupathy (1990) further solidified her reputation as a stellar comedian. Her performance as UDC Kumari, a captivating government employee who captivated the men in her village, was outstanding, and she managed to shine even among comedic legends like Innocent, Jagathy, and KPAC Lalitha. Kalpana’s impeccable timing, dialogue delivery, and expressions in this role immortalized UDC Kumari as one of the finest comedic characters in Malayalam cinema.

Versatility in Roles

Kalpana became a quintessential figure in Malayalam cinema, the go-to actress for filmmakers needing female comedic talent capable of nuanced performances in supporting roles, akin to legends like KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari, and Philomina. Her versatility was further showcased in films like Kouthuka Varthakal, Pookkalam Varavayi, and Souhrudam, with her on-screen chemistry with Jagathy Sreekumar winning hearts and becoming a staple in Malayalam films.

Memorable Performances with Legends

Even when sharing the screen with legends, Kalpana left a mark in every scene with her immense talent. In Sangeeth Sivan’s Gandharvam, her performance alongside Mohanlal in the comedic drama rehearsal scene from “Abhijnana Sakuntalam” was memorable, as she outshone Mohanlal, creating one of the most iconic comedic moments in Malayalam cinema.

Tamil Cinema and Sathi Leelavathi

In 1995, Kalpana excelled in the titular role of the Tamil comedy film Sathi Leelavathi, directed by Balu Mahendra and featuring Kamal Haasan. Her portrayal of Leelavathi, a character rich in emotional depth, allowed her to explore her acting abilities more deeply, pushing her artistic boundaries.

Broadening Horizons in Malayalam Cinema

In Malayalam cinema, Kalpana ensured to take on a variety of roles to avoid typecasting and open more opportunities. Films like Injakkadan Mathai & Sons, Kabooliwala, Kavadiyattam, Kalippattam, Uppukandam Brothers, CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed., Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu, Poochakkaru Mani Kettum, Parvathy Parinayam, Avittam Thirunaal Aarogya Sriman, Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum, Mannadiar Penninu Chenkotta Checkan, Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum, and Five Star Hospital showcased her ability to elevate films with her comedic talent.

Chemistry with Jagathy Sreekumar

In Aalibabayum Aarara Kallanmarum (1998), Kalpana and Jagathy’s on-screen chemistry was exceptional, with Kalpana often outshining Jagathy, proving her place in the top league of Malayalam comedians. In Aakasha Ganga, Ishtam, and Kannaki, she took on unconventional roles, while in Mr Brahmachari, Vismayathumbathu, and Athbhutha Dweepu, she capitalized on her comedic skills.

Exploring Serious Roles

Kalpana’s performance in Rajeev Nath’s mystery drama Pakal Nakshatrangal (2008) garnered attention, where she portrayed Raji, a sex worker, proving her untapped potential. This was reinforced by her role in Anwar Rasheed’s segment in Kerala Cafe (2009), where she played a layered, impoverished character struggling with life’s challenges.

Recognition and Later Roles

Although she continued to receive roles, many did not fully explore her talent. In 2012, Kalpana stunned audiences with her performance in Babu Thiruvalla’s Thanichalla Njan as Razia Beevi, earning her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her role in Ranjith’s Spirit and Diphan’s The Dolphins also received acclaim.

Perfect Role in Bangalore Days

Kalpana’s role in Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days was tailored for her, allowing her to showcase her wide range of talents. As a homemaker who gradually embraces a modern lifestyle in Bangalore, Kalpana captured every nuance of her character perfectly. Her cameo in Ennum Eppozhum (2015) as a pompous politician highlighted her command over her performance.