Kalpana Ranjani (5 October 1965 – 25 January 2016), known mononymously as Kalpana, was an Indian film actress best know for her work in South Indian films, primarily Malayalam and Tamil films. She started off 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 for her comic roles among the audiences. At the 60th National Film Awards, she won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Thanichalla Njan (2012).

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 comedienne 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 a music album with Usha Uthup. She has published her memoirs, Njan Kalpana.

Personal life

Kalpana was born to theater artists Chavara V.P.Nair and Vijayalakshmi. Actresses 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 was hospitalised on 25 January 2016 10:16 AM and died the same day at the age of 51, reportedly due to a heart attack at a hotel in Hyderabad. She was gone for a shooting of a Telugu film, and also for an award function. Charlie, released a month before her death, was her last film.

Awards

• National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress – for the film Thanichala Njan

Television

Kalpana hosted several talk shows and interviews on Malayalam TV Channels. She frequently appears as Judge in Asianet's Comedy Reality show Vodafone Comedy Stars.

Malayalam television

• Sathi Leelavathi (Amrita TV)
• Kudumbasametham Manikutty (Jaihind TV)
• Kochu Thresya Kochu
• In Panchali House (Surya TV)
• Hukka Huvva Mikkado (Kairali)

Tamil television

• Chinna Papa Periya Papa season-1 (Sun TV)
• Mamma Mappilai (Sun TV)
• Thangam (Sun TV) (guest role)
• Abirami (Kalaignar TV)