She made her screen debut as a lead actress in the 1963 release Saaku Magalu directed by veteran B.
She was widely recognised as one of the greatest actresses of Kannada cinema who enjoyed both fan following and critical acclaim. She was affectionately referred to as Minugu Taare ('A Shining Star') among the film fraternity. Kalpana (18 July 1943 – ), born Sharat Lata, was an Indian actress who appeared in Kannada films.