K.G. Devaki Amma, popular theatre and radio personality and cinema-TV serial actor, died here on Friday. She was 97.
Devaki Amma, who lived at Poojappura, was under treatment for age-related ailments. The wife of theatre personality late Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair, she acted in films including Oridathoru Phayalvan, Kilukkam, Vakkalathu Narayanan Kutty, Shayanam and Sootradharan and around 20 TV serials such as Thaali, Jwalayayi, Kudachakram and Pavitrabandham .
The daughter of a Carnatic vocalist, Devaki Amma had begun classes in music at a young age. Her debut in theatre came through Malayalam ballets. This acted inplays such as Ahalyamoksham and Usha-Aniruddhan . She then moved to the drama company run by Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair. Lavanyalahari was her first play with his company.
After her marriage, she continued to act in Malayalam and Tamil plays. Devaki Amma also began performing for the radio. Her first radio drama was Pattanapakittu authored by Thirunainarkurichi Madhavan Nair. After 1950, she presented programmes for the AIR like ‘Koythupaatu’ and ‘Vanchipaatu.’ Devaki Amma worked for AIR for three decades, retiring in 1980 as an ‘A’ Grade artist.
Her entry into films happened through Padmarajan. She was reluctant to act in films, but Padmarajan got her husband to make her agree.
Devaki Amma leaves behind children Kalavathi, Geetha, Maya, Jeevan Kumar and Durga Devi. The cremation will be held at her residence at Poojappura on Saturday.
