Iconic Georgian actress Lika Kavzharadze dies at 57

Famous Georgian actress Lika Kavzharadze has been found dead at her apartment in Tbilisi today.

She acted in 34 movies. However, the actress is best known for her role in Tengiz Abuladze’s film  the " Wishing Tree”. 

That time she was only 17-year-old. 

A shot from the "Wishing Tree", same as  the "Natvris Khe" in Georgian. A film based on the book by famous Georgian writer Gogla Leonidze. 

The movie made Lika's beauty and talent more vivid to public and  turned  her as a symbol of beauty for Georgians.

Georgia’s Prime Minister  Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated in his official post that he was "very much saddened” by the death. 

I believe that Lika Kavzharadze will always remain as a symbol of  the Georgian beauty and time will never fade this,” Kvirikashvili stated.

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili wrote that he was "deeply touched” by the death of the "shining star” of the Georgian cinematography. 

Lika Kavzharadze was the exception who became legendary when alive and who enjoyed Georgians’ unconditional love and respect,” the President said.

Lika Kavzharadze is 14-year-old in the photo. 

Born in the capital of Tbilisi, Kavzharadze graduated from the State Conservatoire and later was invited to the Georgian Film studio where her artistic career took off.

Marita's [a female's name] role in the "Wishing Tree" was not her first role. Before starring in the movie she had already acted for the "Caucasus Romance", The "Beautiful Jacket" and others. 

Lika Kavzharadze. Photo by Georgia's National Archive. 

After being filmed in the "Wishing Tree" in 1976, she was offered more roles. 

In an interview with a Georgian newspaper Kviris Palitra a couple of weeks prior to her death, Kavzharadze spoke about her life and career.

The Wishing Tree was the main film in my life. When i walk in the street i frequently hear -Look! Lika. She is Lika.!"  she told the paper.

Lika with her son. Photo by Georgia's National Archive. 

She said in the interview that she was offered a new role.

The exact reason of her death is not yet known.