Considered one of the best talents to emerge in the Indian film industry, Shoba had a promising career but sadly, her career was cut short as she committed suicide due to unknown reasons in 1980.
Mahalakshmi Menon, best known by her stage name Shoba, was an Indian actress of yesteryear who is known for her commendable work. She had won many awards in acting since childhood, but after marriage, it seemed as if there was an eclipse in her career. In this article, we will tell you her story.
Born to Malayali parents in Madras, Shoba began her film career in the Tamil film industry, debuting as a child artist in 'Thattungal Thirakkappadum' (1966). Her first film as the main lead actress was in the 1978 Malayalam film 'Uthrada Rathri'.
You might have heard about Sridevi and Kamal Haasan's film 'Sadma', released in 1983. Famous South filmmaker Balu Mahendra directed this tragic love story. Let us tell you that this is the same director Balu Mahendra who was the husband of actress Shoba was also accused of 'murdering' his wife
Shoba is counted among the most accomplished actresses in Indian history and she achieved stardom at a young age. At the age of 17, she won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1979 Tamil film 'Pasi'. She also received three Kerala State Film Awards: for Best Actress (1978), Best Supporting Actress (1977) and Best Child Artist (1971); and two Filmfare Awards South for Best Actress in Kannada (1978) and Tamil (1979) films.
Considered one of the best talents to emerge in the Indian film industry, Shoba had a promising career but sadly, her career was cut short as she committed suicide due to unknown reasons in 1980.
Let us tell you that Shoba had fallen in love with married filmmaker Balu Mahendra who was also 26 years older than her. She was crazy about his talent and loved him dearly. Shoba even married him by going against her family, but later in her life, there was such a storm that the news of her death came.
The mystery of Shoba's death was never solved but her husband was accused of her murder. Whether Shoba's death was suicide or a conspiracy, remains a mystery even 44 years after her death. Shoba committed suicide by hanging herself at the age of 17.
The 1983 Malayalam film 'Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback' directed by K. G. George is loosely based on her life and death.
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 "This actress became superstar at young age, won National Award, died tragically at 17, life got ruined after..")
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