K. P. A. C. Leela
Indian actress
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K. P. A. C. Leela is an Indian actress best known for her work in Malayalam theater and films. She has received the Guru Pooja Award of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. The Kerala State Film Awards 2018 jury gave a special mention for her performance in the film Roudram 2018.[1][2]
Early life and career
Leela was born in Pampakuda, a village between Muvattupuzha and Piravom.[3] Both her parents, Kuriakos and Mariamma, were committed communists. She joined Kerala Kalamandalam to study dance for a while. She first played the role of the heroine Tresa in the drama Munthiricharil Kure Kannuneer. Later, she worked at KPAC for fifteen years, playing lead roles in many of Bhasi's plays. She made her acting debut in the movie 'Puthiya Aakaasham Puthiya Bhoomi.' Other films she appeared in include 'Mudinaya Putra,' 'Ammaye Vanthana,' and 'Adhyapika.' She concluded her acting career in the 1970s.[4] She married David, an instrumentalist at KPAC.[5][6]
Leela made her comeback with the film Oru Pennum Randaanum, portraying the character of Maria.[1] Following that, she portrayed the role of Marykutty in Roudram 2018.[7] The film, released in 2019, depicted the real story of the floods that Kerala faced in 2018. In 2023, she portrayed the character Leela in Pookkaalam.[8]
Personal life
She was married to David, an instrumentalist at KPAC.[5]
Filmography
Films
As actor
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Puthiya Aakaasham Puthiya Bhoomi | [4] | |
| 1963 | Ammaye Kaanaan | Leela | [4] |
| 2009 | Oru Pennum Randaanum | Maria | [1] |
| 2019 | Roudram 2018 | Marykutty | [8] |
| 2023 | Pookkaalam | Kochu Thressiamma | [8] |
| Cheena Trophy | Powlin | [7] | |
| Divorce | [9] | ||
| 2025 | Lovely | [10] | |
| 2026 | Poovu | Jeevan's mother | [11] |
As dubbing artist
Television
Awards
She has received the Guru Pooja Award of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. She also wins best actress award for her role in Roudram 2018.[2]
| Year | Awards | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy | Won[13] |
| 2019 | Best Actress Award - Roudram 2018 | Won[2] |