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- Time of India
Kollangudi Karuppayi passes away at 99: All you need to know about the veteran folk artist and actress as Kollywood mourns
Renowned folk singer and actress Kollangudi Karuppayi passed away at the age of 99. According to Cinema Vikatan, the veteran actress was ill over the years, and she passed away due to age reasons.
Hailing from Kollangudi village on the Madurai, Thoondi road, Karuppayi rose to fame with her appearance in the 1985 Tamil film 'Aan Paavam,' directed by
Pandiarajan
. In the film, she portrayed the role of a grandmother, and her performance with her powerful folk singing, won the hearts of the audience in Tamil Nadu. Her rustic voice and traditional folk songs became popular beyond the silver screen.
Folk singer turned actress with a lasting impact
After her debut, Karuppayi acted in several notable films including 'Kaabbadi Kabbadi,' 'Gopala Gopala,' and others.
Her on-screen appearance brought rural authenticity to mainstream cinema. In 1993, the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa honored her with the Kalamamani Award in recognition of her contribution to art. Reflecting on her career, Karuppayi once said, 'Aan Paavam was my first film, and I acted in many after that—but those who cheated me outnumbered those who paid me.
They'd give me ₹1000 and say they'd send the rest. I'd wait, but nothing would come.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Undo
The only thing I got from the cinema was being sent home with a shaved head.'
An unbreakable bond with Pandiarajan
Karuppayi often credited actor-director Pandiarajan as a son figure in her life. "I had no children of my own, but Pandiarajan is my son in every way," she once said in an interview. She also revealed that whenever she visited Chennai, Pandiarajan made it a point to visit her, reinforcing their lasting bond that went beyond cinema.
Later life and respect for
Vishal
Karuppayi faced many struggles in the film industry, including being denied membership in the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes Association). It was only after actor Vishal became its president that she was granted a membership card and monthly financial support. 'Today, I eat because of the money my grandson Vishal gives me,' she shared emotionally in a 2018 Vikatan interview. 'I want to attend Vishal's wedding.
Until then, I pray to live.'