Kannada actress Vaishali Kasaravalli is dead

Bangalore: Noted Kannada actress Vaishali Kasaravalli died at a private hospital here today, family sources said. She was 59.

Vaishali is survived by her husband, internationally acclaimed Kannada film director Girish Kasaravalli and daughter, Ananya who is also a well-known actress. The actress, who would have turned 60 this December,was ailing for over five years. A chronic diabetic, she suffered liver damage and was also undergoing dialysis for renal malfunctioning. She has acted in several Kannada blockbusters of the early 80`s including "Yeradu Kanasu", "Henne Ninage Yenu Bandhana" and "Professor Huchchuraya" and bagged the National award for costume designing in "Tai Saheba". A versatile artiste, she won accolades for her popular tele serials "Muttina Torana" and "Moodala Mane". Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa expressed grief over her death. Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce President, Basant Kumar Patil described her as "one of the most creative artistes whose death has created a void in the Kannada film industry. She was the muse for Girish, a pathbreaker who has many national awards in his kitty including the recent one for Kannada Film "Kanasemba Kudureyana Yeri". Character-actress Umashri, who has been closely associated with Girish and Vaishali, said "she was a multi-faceted personality, an inspiration to all of us, a role model who participated in every creative process of her husband". ANI