Local actress Kalpana Sundraju passed away

The forty-year-old was the only actress of Indian descent to be nominated in that category alongside veterans like Lisa Surihani and Sharifah Amani.

“As a performer, she brought out the important elements of the character that we wanted from her. She played the role of sister to the main character,” said Dhusrajanam director M. Suurya.

“Kalpana made our work very easy. She is able to create her own world with the character and made sure she always delivered the best at the end of the day.

"She was such a jovial and strong person,” said the award winning director.

Dhusrajanam was also nominated in the best movie category for FFM26.

Meanwhile, National Film Development Corporation Malayisa (FINAS) Assistant Director for Marketing Ahmad Shazly Muhd Jhiar who met Kalpana during the FFM26 Top Five nomination announcement on Friday said she was thrilled to be nominated.

“She came with her family and was extremely happy to be nominated – the only Indian actress to be nominated in the best actress category.”

“Kalpana was so brilliant in the movie where she played the role of a lady living in an estate,” added Syazly.

According to friends of Kalpana, the cause leading to her death is still being investigated.

The funeral will be held at her family home at 8, Jalan Kelah 8/6 Section 8, Petaling Jaya on Saturday from 11.30am to 2pm.