# Kalpana (Malayalam actress)

Kalpana Ranjani (5 October 1965 – 25 January 2016), better known mononymously as Kalpana, was an Indian actress who appeared in South Indian films, predominantly in Malayalam and Tamil. Kalpana has acted in over 300 films in various South Indian languages. She won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Thanichalla Njan (2012) at the 60th National Film Awards. Kalpana started her career as a child artist in the late 1970s. Although she came into the industry with the intention of being a lead actress, she turned out to be popular among the audiences for her comic roles.

## Career

Kalpana began her career as a child artist in the film Vidarunna Mottukal. After making her debut as a mainstream actor in the 1980 film Pokkuveyil, directed by G. Aravindan, she went on to star in several critically acclaimed films and her portrayals as a comedian were appreciated by critics. Her Tamil debut was through the 1985 released successful film Chinna Veedu, opposite K. Bhagyaraj. Her other memorable films include Sathi Leelavathi (1995) and Kaliveedu (1996). She performed in a music album with Usha Uthup. She has published her memoirs, Njan Kalpana. Kalpana has sung a song in the movie Kudumbakodathi, along with K.S. Chithra, in which she appeared as a Telugu speaking character. She had an inevitable presence in stage shows. She was the chairperson of "Janaseva Shishu Bhavan" and assistant chairperson of "Street Birds" and a strong promoter of "Kudumbasree". She was the brand ambassador of "Leo Natura".

## Personal life

Kalpana was born to theater artists Chavara V. P. Nair and Vijayalakshmi. Actors Kalaranjini and Urvashi are her sisters. She married Malayalam film director Anil Kumar in 1998 and got divorced in 2012. They have one daughter, Sreemayi.

## Death

Kalpana went to Hyderabad for the shooting of the movie Oopiri / Thozha which starred Karthi. On 25 January 2016, she was found unconscious in her hotel room and was immediately taken to the hospital by the crew members, but died of a heart attack on the way. Postmortem was conducted and her body was flown to her native place on 26 January 2016. The funeral took place on the same day.

## Awards

* 2013 - National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress – for the film Thanichalla Njan
* 2016 - Asianet Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress - for the film Charlie (Posthumously awarded)
* 2016 - Henko Flowers Indian Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress - for the film Charlie (Posthumously awarded)
* 2016 - South Indian International Movie Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Malayalam) - for the film Charlie (Nominated only)
* 2016 - CPC Cine Awards for Best supporting actress - for the film Charlie (Nominated only)

## Filmography
### Malayalam

List of Kalpana Malayalam film credits :
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1977 | Vidarunna Mottukal | | Child artist |
| 1979 | Sikharangal | Pankajam | |
| 1980 | Dwik Vijayam | | Child Artist |
| 1981 | Pathirasooryan | Joly's friend | |
| 1982 | Pokkuveyil | Nisha | |
| 1982 | Ithum Oru Jeevitham | Sheela | |
| 1982 | Yaagam | Kannamma | |
| 1982 | Anthiveyilile Ponnu | | |
| 1983 | Thaavalam | Latha | |
| 1983 | Manju | Rashmi | |
| 1983 | Aadhipathyam | Gracy | |
| 1984 | Radhayude Kamukan | | |
| 1984 | Bullet | | |
| 1984 | Panchavadi Palam | Anarkali | |
| 1985 | Ithu Nalla Thamasha | Sundari/Gracy | |
| 1985 | Choodatha Pookal | Hema's friend | |
| 1985 | Paara | | |
| 1985 | Pathamudayam | | |
| 1986 | Ithramathram | Rajani | |
| 1986 | Naale Njangalude Vivaham | Mini's friend | |
| 1986 | Ninnistham Ennishtam | | |
| 1989 | Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam | Thankamani | |
| 1989 | Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal | Mohini | |
| 1990 | Dr. Pasupathy | U. D. C. Kumari | |
| 1990 | Kouthuka Varthakal | Kamalu | |
| 1990 | Maalayogam | Subhadra | |
| 1990 | Orukkam | Alice | |
| 1990 | Superstar | Shakuntala | |
| 1990 | Saandhram | Anna | |
| 1990 | Kashandikku Marumarunnu | | |
| 1991 | Inspector Balram | SI Dakshayani | |
| 1991 | Ottayal Pattalam | Venu's lover | |
| 1991 | Post Box No. 27 | Gayathri | |
| 1991 | Innathe Program | Minikutty | |
| 1991 | Pookkalam Varavayi | Tuition Teacher | |
| 1991 | Souhrudam | Annamma | |
| 1991 | Adayalam | Rosemary | |
| 1992 | Ennodishtam Koodamo | Bhagyam | |
| 1992 | Cheppadividya | Mary | |
| 1992 | Ardram | Jaanu | |
| 1992 | Mr & Mrs | Kalpana | |
| 1992 | Aparatha | Mary | |
| 1993 | Butterflies | Parukutty | |
| 1993 | Gandharvam | Kottarakara Komalam | |
| 1993 | Narayam | Amina' s kin | |
| 1993 | Injakkadan Mathai & Sons | Annakutty | |
| 1993 | Kabooliwala | Chandrika | |
| 1993 | Kavadiyattam | Dolly | |
| 1993 | Ponnu Chami | Valli | |
| 1993 | Porutham | Vasantha Kokila | |
| 1993 | Kalippattam | Meenakshi | |
| 1993 | Sakshal Sreeman Chathunni | Reshmi | |
| 1993 | Uppukandam Brothers | Elamma | |
| 1994 | Dadha | Anandam | |
| 1994 | CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed. | House Maid | |
| 1994 | Kudumba Vishesham | Alykutty | |
| 1994 | Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Ponnamma | |
| 1994 | Poochakkaru Mani Kettum | Karthika | |
| 1994 | Sukham Sukhakaram | Lilly | |
| 1994 | The President | | |
| 1995 | Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Ana | Kanaka | |
| 1995 | Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam | Chempakasseri Sakunthala | |
| 1995 | Achan Kombathu Amma Varampathu | Swayamprabha | |
| 1995 | Parvathy Parinayam | Radha | |
| 1995 | Pai Brothers | Komalam | |
| 1995 | Avittam Thirunaal Aarogya Sriman | Kousalya | |
| 1995 | Punnaram | Chandrika | |
| 1995 | Rajakeeyam | Snehaprabha | |
| 1995 | Peter Scott | Bessy | |
| 1995 | No 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North | Metilda | |
| 1995 | Mangala Soothram | Sumithra | |
| 1995 | Three Men Army | Indira Devi | |
| 1995 | Manashasthranjante Diary | | |
| 1995 | Nirnayam | | |
| 1996 | Excuse Me Ethu Collegila | Sundari | |
| 1996 | Kaathil Oru Kinnaram | Manikutty | |
| 1996 | Kaliveedu | Mary | |
| 1996 | Harbour | Palisha Kathreena | |
| 1996 | Kudumbakodathi | Gundur Parvathi | |
| 1996 | Malayaalamaasam Chingam Onninu | Rukku | |
| 1996 | Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum | Swarnam | |
| 1997 | Itha Oru Snehagatha | Kochuthresia | |
| 1997 | Junior Mandrake | Vandana | |
| 1997 | Kalyana Unnikal | Lucie | |
| 1997 | Ancharakalyanam | Kalyani | |
| 1997 | Raajathanthram | Damayanthi | |
| 1997 | Kottapurathe Koottukudumbam | Chandrika | |
| 1997 | Mannadiar Penninu Chenkotta Checkan | Chamba | |
| 1997 | Newspaper Boy | Komalam | |
| 1997 | Anuragakottaram | Mother Superior | |
| 1997 | Ullasapoongattu | Marykutti | |
| 1997 | Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum | Jayaprabha | |
| 1997 | Ishtadanam | Stella | |
| 1997 | Anubhoothi | Ambujakshan's wife | |
| 1997 | Five Star Hospital | Nurse Snehalatha | |
| 1997 | Mayaponman | Meenakshi | |
| 1998 | Alibabayum Arara Kallanmarum | Thanki | |
| 1998 | Graama Panchaayathu | Pankajakshi | |
| 1998 | Harthal | Dimple Mariya | |
| 1998 | Sooryaputhran | Neeli | |
| 1998 | Malabaril Ninnoru Manimaaran | Chandhrika | |
| 1998 | Kudumba Vaarthakal | Meera | |
| 1998 | Manthri Kochamma | Jayan's sister | |
| 1998 | Inspector Eeswara Iyer Green Roomilundu | | |
| 1999 | American Ammayi | Thresia | |
| 1999 | Aakasha Ganga | Kochuthresia/ Krishnan's wife / Aaveshananda Swamigal Aaveshananda Swamigal | |
| 1999 | Chandamama | Kochammini | |
| 1999 | Charlie Chaplin | Chandrika | |
| 1999 | Swastham Grihabharanam | Sarala | |
| 1999 | Pranaya Nilavu | | |
| 2000 | Kannaadikkadavathu | Bhavani | |
| 2000 | Manassil Oru Manjuthulli | Rajamma | |
| 2000 | Sayahnam | Mary Thomas | |
| 2000 | Manjukaalappakshi | | |
| 2000 | Nishasurabhikal | | |
| 2001 | Ishtam | SI Mariyamma Thomas | |
| 2001 | Ennum Sambhavami Yuge Yuge | Tapinokia / Kalyani | |
| 2001 | Kathakan | | |
| 2002 | Chirikudukka | Seemanthini | |
| 2002 | Kakke Kakke Koodevide | Rahel | |
| 2002 | Kannaki | Kanakammal | |
| 2002 | Www.anukudumbam.com | Thief | |
| 2002 | Kashillatheyum Jeevikkam | Annamma | |
| 2002 | Krishna Gopalakrishna | Sujatha | |
| 2002 | Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan | Kanyaka | |
| 2002 | Aaradyam Parayum | | |
| 2003 | Varum Varunnu Vannu | House maid | |
| 2003 | Mizhi Randilum | Saradha | |
| 2003 | The Fire | Fathima Beevi | |
| 2003 | Mr. Brahmachari | Anasooya | |
| 2003 | Melvilasam Sariyanu | Sarasamma P. Varghese | |
| 2003 | Vellithira | Pushpam | |
| 2004 | Mambazhakkalam | Neelima | |
| 2004 | Vismayathumbathu | Maya | |
| 2004 | Vellinakshatram | School principal | |
| 2004 | Thalamelam | Kanakavalli | |
| 2004 | Sethurama Iyer CBI | Vijayamma | |
| 2004 | Priyam Priyamkaram | Alamelu | |
| 2004 | Nerkku Nere | Devu | |
| 2005 | Krithyam | Victoria | |
| 2005 | Athbhutha Dweepu | Mallika | |
| 2005 | Bunglavil Outha | Chemparathy | |
| 2005 | Udayon | Kunjujamma | |
| 2005 | Kalabham | Pachakili | |
| 2005 | Bus Conductor | Ambili | |
| 2005 | Five Fingers | Marykutti | |
| 2006 | Balram vs. Tharadas | Circle Inspector Dakshayani | |
| 2007 | The Unakka Chemmeen | Karuthamma | |
| 2007 | Anchil Oral Arjunan | Shantha | |
| 2007 | Bharathan Effect | Chinnakutty | |
| 2008 | Apoorva | Teacher | |
| 2008 | Kovalam | Mariya | |
| 2008 | De Ingottu Nokkiye | Ammu | |
| 2008 | Bullet | Reality Show Judge | |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Swarnamma | |
| 2008 | Pakal Nakshatrangal | Raji | |
| 2009 | Bharya Onnu Makkal Moonnu | Dance teacher | |
| 2009 | Loud Speaker | Rugmini | |
| 2009 | Sanmanasullavan Appukuttan | Vasundhara | |
| 2009 | Kerala Cafe | Manikantan's wife | |
| 2009 | Seetha Kalyanam | Ramani | |
| 2009 | Thirunakkara Perumal | Pushpavalli | |
| 2009 | Saswatham | | |
| 2009 | Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha | | |
| 2010 | Senior Mandrake | Vandana | |
| 2010 | Nizhal | Canteen owner (Maami) | |
| 2010 | Nirakazhcha | Aksharavalli | |
| 2010 | Yugapurushan | Drunkard Paramu's wife | |
| 2010 | Darpapnam | Kousalya | |
| 2010 | Njaan Sanchaari | Dr. Arundhathi | |
| 2010 | Jayan, the Man behind the Legend (Documentary) | Herself | |
| 2010 | Oru Small Family | | |
| 2010 | Aakaashayathra | | |
| 2010 | Pathamadhyam | | |
| 2011 | Uppukandam Brothers: Back in Action | Elamma | Archive footage |
| 2011 | Shankaranum Mohananum | Janaki | |
| 2011 | Salt N' Pepper | Mary | |
| 2011 | Kanakompathu | Hotel Manager | |
| 2011 | Ninnishtam Ennishtam 2 | Muthulakshmi | |
| 2011 | Pachuvum Kovalanum | Annamma | |
| 2011 | Snehadharam | | |
| 2011 | Paarvanam | | |
| 2011 | Sneham + Ishtam = Amma | | |
| 2011 | Darsanasya Maunam | | |
| 2011 | Living Together | | |
| 2011 | Sivapuram | | |
| 2011 | Bombay Mittayi | | |
| 2011 | Kudumbasree Travels | Khadeeja | |
| 2011 | Makeup Man | Soorya's fiancée's aunt | |
| 2011 | Indian Rupee | Mary | |
| 2012 | Thanichalla Njan | Razia Beevi | |
| 2012 | Spirit | Pankajam | |
| 2012 | Vaadhyar | Shobha | |
| 2012 | Ezham Suryan | Nalini | |
| 2012 | Grihanathan | | |
| 2012 | Theruvu Nakshatrangal | Advocate | |
| 2012 | Mullassery Madhavan Kutty Nemom P. O. | Maria | |
| 2013 | ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013 film) | Mariyamma | |
| 2013 | Teens | Nun/College authority | |
| 2013 | Radio | | |
| 2014 | Karnavar | Santha | |
| 2014 | The Dolphins | Vava | |
| 2014 | Nayana | Nurse | |
| 2014 | Malayalakkara Residency | Malu | |
| 2014 | Bangalore Days | Kuttan's mother (Amma) | |
| 2015 | Aana Mayil Ottakam | | |
| 2015 | Ishtamanu Pakshe Achananu Preshnam | | |
| 2015 | Charlie | Queen Mary / Mariya | |
| 2015 | 3 Wikkattinu 365 Runs | Kanakavalli | |
| 2015 | Lavender | Janet | |
| 2015 | Ennum Eppozhum | Bindhu | |
| 2015 | Manam Thelinjathu | | |
| 2015 | Ente Sathyanweshana Pareekshakal | | |
| 2019 | Aakasha Ganga 2 | Aaveshananda Swamigal | Photo only |
| 2021 | Anugraheethan Antony | Thresia Varghese | Photo only |
| 2022 | 19(1)(a) | Gangettan's wife | Photo only |

### Tamil

List of Kalpana Tamil film credits :
| Year | Movie | Role |
| 1985 | Chinna Veedu | Bhagyalakshmi |
| 1986 | Thalaiyatti Bommaigal | Saradha |
| 1987 | Thirumathi Oru Vegumathi | Uma |
| 1991 | Mookuthi Poo Meley | |
| 1994 | Sindhu Nathi Poo | Shenbaga Valli |
| 1994 | Ipadikku Kaadhal | Lilly |
| 1995 | Sathi Leelavathi | Leelavathi |
| 1997 | Poochudava | Arul, Kannan's sister |
| 2001 | Chithiram | |
| 2001 | Looty | Sona |
| 2001 | Dumm Dumm Dumm | Pattamma |
| 2001 | Veettoda Mappillai | Jamuna |
| 2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam | Nurse Mariyakutty |
| 2003 | Aalukkoru Aasai | Govindamma |
| 2005 | Idhaya Thirudan | Kamala |
| 2006 | Kasu | |
| 2007 | Arputha Theevu | Mallika |
| 2009 | Sirithal Rasipen | Eshwari |
| 2015 | Kaaki Sattai | Meenakshi |
| 2016 | Thozha | Lakshmi |
| 2017 | Kadhal Kasakuthaiya | Arjun's mother |
| 2017 | Vaigai Express | N/A Voice for Anuradha (Archana Chandhoke) |
| 2018 | Itly | Lilly |

### Kannada

List of Kalpana Kannada film credits :
| Year | Movie | Role |
| 1990 | Chapala Chennigaraya | Rukku |

### Telugu

List of Kalpana Telugu film credits :
| Year | Movie | Role |
| 2016 | Oopiri | Lakshmi |
| 2019 | Majili | Poorna's Mother (″Photo appearance″) |

## Albums

* Palavattam

## Television
### Malayalam television
#### Serials

* Vamsham (DD Malayalam)
* Sathi Leelavathi (Amrita TV)
* Kudumbasametham Manikutty (Jaihind TV)
* Kochu Thresya Kochu (Kairali TV)
* Hukka Huvva Mikkado (Kairali TV)
* Jagapoga (Kairali TV)
* Aathma (Kairali TV)
* In Panchali House (Surya TV)
* Hello Machambi
* Women's Club
* Irattavalan Kurup

#### As Host

* Ponkireedam (Jaihind TV)
* Manaporutham (Asianet)
* Star Singer (Asianet)
* Run Baby Run (Asianet Plus)
* Amrita Onam (Amrita TV)
* Onakinnaram (Surya TV)
* Payasaperumma (Jeevan TV)
* Vellithirayile Ambilikala (Kairali TV)
* Kalpana Show 2006 (DD Malayalam)
* The Kalpana Show 2002 (Asianet)
* Apratheekshitha Athithi : Ee Onam Ivarodoppam (Asianet)
* Only Ministers (Jaihind TV)
* Golden Moments
* K P Ummer Interview
* Mukesh.com Mega Show

#### Other shows

* Smart Show (Flowers)
* Comedy Super Nite (Flowers)
* Tharapakittu (Kaumudy TV)
* Cinema Company (Kaumudy TV)
* Deal or No Deal (Surya TV)
* Hairomax Mrs. Kerala (Surya TV)
* Suryathejassod Amma (Surya TV)
* Suryaprabhayil Priyatharangal (Surya TV)
* Kitchen Tharangal (Surya TV)
* Super Dancer Junior (Amrita TV)
* Annie's Kitchen (Amrita TV)
* Malayali Durbar (Amrita TV)
* Vanitharatnam (Amrita TV)
* Star Family (Amrita TV)
* Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran(Asianet)
* Sarigama (Asianet)
* Saregamapadhanisa (Asianet)
* Idea Star Singer (Asianet)
* Sell Me The Answer (Asianet)
* Badai Bungalow (Asianet)
* Comedy Stars (Asianet)
* Smile Plz (Asianet Plus)
* Thiranottam (ACV)
* Ruchibhedam (ACV)
* Kerala's Favourite Film Actor (ACV)
* On Record (Asianet News)
* Onnum Onnum Moonu (Mazhavil Manorama)
* Cinema Chirima (Mazhavil Manorama)
* Idavelayil (Mazhavil Manorama)
* Katha Ithuvare (Mazhavil Manorama)
* Aniyarayil (Mazhavil Manorama)
* Nere Chovve (Manorama News)
* Veedu (Manorama News)
* Pachakuthira (Kairali TV)
* Star Wars (Kairali TV)
* Veettamma (Kairali TV)
* Chirikkum Pattanam (Kairali TV)
* JB Junction (Kairali TV)
* Students Only (Kairali TV)
* Jagapoga (Kairali TV)
* Love Bites (Kairali We)
* Ammayiyamma Marumakal Contest (Jaihind TV)
* Jeevitham Ithuvare (Jaihind TV)
* Ammaykku Oru Umma (Jaihind TV)
* Ini Njangal Parayam (DD Malayalam)
* 2 Crore Apple Mega Star (Jeevan TV)
* Karunaniravil Kalpana
* Mukhamukham Kalpana
* Onam in Singapore
* Crossroads
* Tharaprabha
* Asiavision
* Lux Asianet
* Asianet Television Awards
* Jaycey Awards
* Kerala Kaumudi Onam Celebrations 2009
* Malayalam Super Star Nite 1987
* Arabian Dreams
* Mazhavilazhakil Amma
* Special Athithi
* Kairali Cultural Association's Onam
* Asianet Film Awards
* Kerala Kalotsavam
* Kerala Tourism Onam Celebrations
* Siddique Lal's Cine Galaxy 94
* Rhythm 92

### Tamil television
#### Serials

* Chinna Papa Periya Papa Season 2 (Sun TV) as China Papa
* Abirami (Kalaignar TV) as Kusalam
* Thangam (Sun TV) (guest role) as Kuchalambal
* Mama Maaple (Sun TV) as Parimalam
* Kathiravan (Sun TV) as Janu