<p>Acclaimed actor of yesteryears L V Sharada (78), who played an iconic role in the award-winning movie — Phaniyamma — passed away on Thursday morning in Bengaluru. </p>.<p>Diagnosed with breast cancer, Sharada was being treated at Sankara Hospital where she breathed last. Sharada was the daughter of famous political leader L S Venkaji Rao.</p>.<p>She entered the Kannada filmdom through 'Vamsha Vruksha' (1971) and won the state award for best actress in her debut role 'Kathyayini'. Subsequently, Sharada played the eponymous role in the movie ‘Phaniyamma’ directed by Prema Karanth and shot to the limelight. Her role in Siddalingaiah-directed movie 'Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu’ also evoked critical appreciation.</p>.<p>Away from the popular cinema culture, Sharada Rao identified herself with the parallel cinema culture. She had also won the state award for the best supporting actress for her role in the film ‘Vatsalya’. This apart, Sharada had acted in several other movies, including Adi Shankaracharya, Madhwacharya, Ondu Premada Kathe and Nakkala Rajakumari.</p>.<p>Retiring from active cinema several years ago, Sharada focused her attention on the direction and involved herself in the production and direction of several documentaries. Her documentary on Bengaluru Lakes ‘Kere Haadu’ (Song of the Lake) won her rave reviews. She produced and directed several documentaries for Doordarshan, including ‘Mysore Veena’.</p>.<p>She had also served in the jury panel of International Film Festival of Kerala held at Thiruvananthapuram a decade ago.</p>.<p><strong>LSO READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/bhakta-and-our-heady-cinema-702076.html" target="_blank">Bhakta and our heady cinema</a></strong></p>
<p>Acclaimed actor of yesteryears L V Sharada (78), who played an iconic role in the award-winning movie — Phaniyamma — passed away on Thursday morning in Bengaluru. </p>.<p>Diagnosed with breast cancer, Sharada was being treated at Sankara Hospital where she breathed last. Sharada was the daughter of famous political leader L S Venkaji Rao.</p>.<p>She entered the Kannada filmdom through 'Vamsha Vruksha' (1971) and won the state award for best actress in her debut role 'Kathyayini'. Subsequently, Sharada played the eponymous role in the movie ‘Phaniyamma’ directed by Prema Karanth and shot to the limelight. Her role in Siddalingaiah-directed movie 'Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu’ also evoked critical appreciation.</p>.<p>Away from the popular cinema culture, Sharada Rao identified herself with the parallel cinema culture. She had also won the state award for the best supporting actress for her role in the film ‘Vatsalya’. This apart, Sharada had acted in several other movies, including Adi Shankaracharya, Madhwacharya, Ondu Premada Kathe and Nakkala Rajakumari.</p>.<p>Retiring from active cinema several years ago, Sharada focused her attention on the direction and involved herself in the production and direction of several documentaries. Her documentary on Bengaluru Lakes ‘Kere Haadu’ (Song of the Lake) won her rave reviews. She produced and directed several documentaries for Doordarshan, including ‘Mysore Veena’.</p>.<p>She had also served in the jury panel of International Film Festival of Kerala held at Thiruvananthapuram a decade ago.</p>.<p><strong>LSO READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/bhakta-and-our-heady-cinema-702076.html" target="_blank">Bhakta and our heady cinema</a></strong></p>
