Mahalakshmi Menon, popular by her screen name Shobha, was an Indian actress who was well-known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil films. Beginning a stellar career as a child actor in Thattungal Thirakkappadum in 1966. Shortly after, she made her debut in Malayalam cinema the following year in Udhyogastha. Her short career flourished when she bagged the lead role in the 1978 Malayalam film Uthrada Rathri. She was also honoured with the National film award at the age of 17, for the role she essayed in the 1979 Tamil film Pasi. Apart from this, she also bagged three Kerala State Film Awards as well as two Filmfare Awards South. However, Shoba tragically passed away in 1978, when she committed suicide at just 17, putting an end to a promising career.