Chennai, Mar 26: Veteran Malayalam actress Sukumari died following cardiac arrest here Tuesday in a private hospital. She was 74.
"She was undergoing treatment for burn injuries in our hospital for the last few days. She died following cardiac arrest," a source from Global hospital told IANS.
Sukumari was admitted to the hospital after she sustained burn injuries while lighting a lamp in a temple recently. She even underwent plastic surgery.
In Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala State Film Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar said her demise was a "shocking news".
"She was convalescing in a hospital in Chennai and we wish that her funeral is held in our state. I have already talked to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and he has pledged complete support. Now the decision has to be made by her son Suresh Bhimsingh," Kumar told media person.
Sukumari started acting at the age of 10 and featured in more than 2,500 films in various languages. In 2003, she was awarded the Padma Shri.
In 2010, she won the National Award for her performance in the Malayalam film "Namma Gramam".
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha had paid her a visit. They acted together in "Pattikkada Pattanama".
Some of Sukumari's best films include "Ezhu Nirangal", "Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil" and "Chiriyo Chiri".
She is survived by son Suresh Bhimsingh.
