Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)

Beltangady, Dec 9: The journey of Leelavathi, renowned actress of Sandalwood who passed away on Friday at the age of 85 is thrilling.

Leelavathi was born as Leena Sequeira at Mura of Navoor village in the taluk. Her sister was Angelina Sequeira. They lost their father at a very young age. Lucy Sequeira, who was the daughter of their elder uncle was taking care of Leena and Angelina. Both sisters were very active and best dancers in their childhood. They used to give dance training for a living. According to Anni Moolya and Carmina D’Silva, childhood friends of Leelavathi, she also has other nick names like Ellu and Lilly.

Leena completed her primary education in the school that was just 100 meters from her uncle’s home at Mura. Both Leena and Angelina resided in a thatched house that was by the side of highway that was going from Laila to Kajoor Kolli. In the beginning, they used to visit Beltangady church. Later, they began visiting Indabettu church after it was built in 1955. A Muslim person sent them to Padil in Mangaluru in 1963 seeing their work. Leena was 17 years old then. She went to Bengaluru. After going to Bengaluru, her contact with the native place reduced considerably.

Leelavathi or Leena’s sister Angelina Sequeira was a teacher. She died earlier. Lucy Sequeira, who took care of Leena and Angelina is still living at Berkala of Nittade village in Venur. She is 93 now. She has eight children. She sold her house at Mura after Leena became Leelavathi and lost touch with Beltangady.

At present, a Muslim family resides in the house in which Leelavathi spent her childhood days. It is said that Leelavathi had come to Navoor 25 years ago with son Vinod Raj and had paid the house tax and interacted with neighbours.