Thiruvananthapuram: Kallara Sarasamma (86), Congress leader and mother of actors Ambika and Radha, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital. She was a native of Kallara, from where she rose to prominence in the film industry in Chennai and later in political circles in Delhi.

Sarasamma was born into a family with a history in the freedom struggle in Attingal. Her late husband, Kunjan Nair, served as an officer in the Andhra government and was a close friend of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, which influenced her political journey. After returning to Kerala, she continued her political work alongside leaders such as K Karunakaran, Leela Damodara Menon and Devaki Krishnan.

After moving to Chennai with her daughters, Sarasamma bought land near the house of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Annadurai and later established the ARS Studio. The studio was inaugurated by MG Ramachandran (MGR), with whose wife Janaki she maintained a warm friendship. Over time, the ARS enterprise — Ambika, Radha, Sarasamma — grew into a major production house, even producing the Malayalam film ‘Ayitham’ starring Mohanlal.

Role in shaping childrens’ film careers

Sarasamma played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of her daughters, who went on to become leading actors in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema. Behind their success lay her constant guidance and determination. She was known for her courage, openly telling film producers not to expose her daughters to the dark, exploitative side of the industry.

It was Sarasamma who encouraged her daughter Udayachandrika to enter films, with director Bharathiraja giving her the screen name Radha for ‘Alaigal Oivathillai’. Radha later starred opposite Sivaji Ganesan in ‘Muthal Mariyathai’ — a performance widely praised, with jury member Prem Nazir later expressing regret to Sarasamma that she had missed out on a National Award.

Her ambition to see Ambika become an actor began with her daughter’s talent in dance. Although she initially met director Merryland Subramaniam, Ambika’s first role came as a child artiste in Aroma Mani’s ‘Chottanikkara Amma’. Her breakthrough arrived with ‘Aniyaatha Valakal’, starring Sukumaran, which led to offers from Tamil cinema.

Her sons also went on to act in films: Mallikarjun in Tamil cinema with Bharathiraja, and Suresh in Malayalam films such as ‘Ninnishtam Ennishtam 2’ and ‘Neelathamara’.

Sarasamma was also the driving force behind ARS Studio — reportedly South India’s first permanent film set — and the production banner ARS Productions. She built a cinema theatre and a wedding hall in her hometown of Kallara.

Close associations with Rajiv Gandhi and national politics

Sarasamma was equally active in Congress politics. She accompanied Rajiv Gandhi on his Tamil Nadu tours and met him the day before his assassination in Sriperumbudur. The news of his death reached her through former Tamil Nadu DGP Walter Devaram the following morning.

Recounting past political encounters, she often spoke of how she once argued with security staff while trying to meet M Karunanidhi at his home, only for the DMK leader to intervene, saying, “Let this outspoken woman in.” She also hosted actor Rajinikanth and his wife at her home, where he particularly enjoyed her Kerala-style chicken curry.

She served as AICC Joint Secretary and as Mahila Congress District President. She maintained close ties with the Gandhi family and shared friendships with leaders and film icons including MGR, Karunanidhi, GK Moopanar, NT Rama Rao, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

She is survived by her children Ambika, Radha, Mallika Nair, Mallikarjunan Nair and Suresh Nair; sons-in-law Sreekumar, BJP leader and businessman Chenkal Rajasekharan Nair and Prajin Nair; daughter-in-law Parvathy Nair. Actors Tulasi and Karthika are among her grandchildren.

The funeral will take place at 3 pm on November 29, Saturday, in the courtyard of her home in Kallara.