Innocent: When you acted with KPAC Lalitha, you knew that the scene would be better

In her career spanning over 45 years, KPAC Lalitha’s best combination in commercial cinema was with actor Innocent with whom she had shared screen space in movies such as Godfather, Vietnam Colony, Gajakesariyogam and Manichitrathazhu. That the actress’ demise leaves a void that would affect future characters in Malayalam cinema is a sentiment that is echoed by Innocent too. 

“When you acted with KPAC Lalitha, you are rest assured that the scene would be better. This was because she had the innate ability to turn in to the characters she played,” said Innocent, while speaking to Manorama News. 

The actor said that if you at films such as Ponmuttayidunna Tharaavu, Godfather and Gajakesariyogam, Lalitha became a face that people have seen in and around them in their daily lives. “If our scenes stay in people’s minds today, Lalitha had a huge role in elevating them. People used to approach me saying that I am playing Lalitha’s brother or husband, and that’s because filmmakers had her in mind first as the character,” said the veteran actor. 

Innocent also shared that he was the one who had recommended her name to play the character of Kochammini teacher in Siddique-Lal’s Godfather. “They were looking for other artistes but I told them Lalitha would be the most apt for the role because I wanted the character to great,” he said. 

The actor also said that he was set to share screen space with her again in Sathyan Anthikad’s Makal, which concluded filming. “However, she couldn’t act in it because she was unwell,” he said. 

Innocent said her demise is an irreplaceable loss to the industry. “You won’t find artistes who can even come close to Lalitha in terms of performance in Tamil, Telugu or Hindi cinema,” he concluded. 

Also read: KPAC Lalitha: A versatile actor who could bring to life any role leaves a void that cannot be filled