My Favorite Actresses Of Tamil Cinema Industry
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Bhanumathi Ramakrishna was born on 7 September 1925 in Doddavaram, Madras Presidency, British India. She was an actress and director, known for Laila Majnu (1949), Chandirani (1953) and Chandirani (1953). She was married to P.S. Ramakrishna Rao. She died on 24 December 2005 in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.- Actress
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- Producer
Padmini was born on 12 June 1932 in Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore, British India. She was an actress and director, known for Kaajal (1965), Thillana Mohanambal (1968) and Poove Poochudava (1985). She was married to Dr. K. T. Ramachandran. She died on 24 September 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.- Actress
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Savitri, also known as Savitri Ganesan, was an Indian film actress, director, producer, singer and race car enthusiast who predominantly worked in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She also worked in Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada movies. Starring in more than 250 films. "Mahanati" (i.e.,) Greatest of all actresses by the Telugu Cinema and famously referred to as the "Nadigaiyar Thilagam" (i.e.,) Doyenne of all actresses by the Tamil Cinema. Her performance in the 1957 Telugu Epic film "Mayabazar" skyrocketed her to stardom.
Savitri was born on 6 December 1934 in a Telugu family in Chirravuru, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.Her father died when she was six months old, after which her mother took Savitri and an older sibling, Maruti to live with an aunt and uncle. Her uncle, Kommareddy Venkataramaiah enrolled her in classes when she began to show a talent for dance.
Savitri acted in dance dramas as a child, including some work with a theatre company run by Jaggayya. She made an unsuccessful speculative trip to find film work in Madras at the age of 14 when she was deemed to be too young to play heroine roles, but in 1950 was cast as the female lead in Samsaram. That role did not become actuality because she became too excited, necessitating numerous retakes and eventually her replacement in the part. She was given a minor speaking role in the film and in the next year had two more minor roles, in Roopavati and Patala Bhairavi, before getting her big break as the second heroine in Pelli Chesi Choodu. She, later on, was propelled to stardom with critically acclaimed roles in blockbusters such as Devadasu and Missamma.
Savitri won several awards for her performance. She also received the prestigious Rashtrapathi Award. In 2011, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in commemoration of Savitri.
While Savitri was married to Gemini Ganesan, the couple separated in the meantime. They had two children together. Savitri passed away in 1981 after slipping into a coma for 19 months; she was suffering from diabetes and hypertension.- Actress
- Producer
K. R. Vijaya, the acclaimed Indian actress, boasts a remarkable career that spans over four decades in the vibrant landscape of South Indian cinema. Born in Kerala, she spent her early years in the sacred town of Palani. Her father, associated with M.K. Radha's drama troupe, envisioned a future for her in acting, a dream that eventually came to fruition.
K. R. Vijaya's journey into the world of entertainment commenced in the 1960s, marked by her debut in the 1963 film "Karpagam," directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. The film proved to be a significant break, catapulting her into the limelight. Known for her versatility, she essayed a variety of roles and went on to work with nearly all the stalwarts of South Indian cinema.
Over the years, K. R. Vijaya has showcased her talents in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam language films, amassing an impressive filmography of nearly 400 films. Her notable works include "Karpagam," "Selvam," "Saraswathi Sabadham," "Nenchirukkum Varai," and "Namma Veetu Theivam." She has not only portrayed diverse characters but has also displayed her prowess as a versatile actress.
In 1973, she earned the title of "Punnagai Arasi" in Tiruchirapalli, a testament to her endearing smile, which she credited to her long-time dentist, Dr. Janakiraman. K. R. Vijaya has worked across various Indian languages, starring in 100 films each in Malayalam and Telugu, a few in Kannada, and even one in Hindi titled "Oonche Log," alongside Rajkumar and Feroz Khan.
Throughout her illustrious career, K. R. Vijaya has expressed admiration for actors such as Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, Jai Shankar, and Muthuraman, among others. She holds a special place for actresses like Padmini, Vyjayanthimala, Saroja Devi, and Savithri, whom she considers her favorites.
Beyond the silver screen, K. R. Vijaya has graced the television screens, featuring in the Sun TV teleserial "Raja Rajeswari." Reflecting on her journey, she remains grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and the privilege of working with exceptional directors, co-stars, and technicians.
Nostalgia colors her memories, especially when recalling her debut director, K. S. Gopalakrishnan, who directed her in both her first and 100th films, "Nathaiyil Muthu." The celebratory moments with legends like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and Rajkumar etched indelible marks in her career.
As she continues to act, K. R. Vijaya cherishes the blessings life has bestowed upon her and expresses contentment for a fulfilling career in the world of cinema. Her enduring passion for acting remains undiminished, a testament to her dedication and love for the craft.- Actress
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Jamuna was born on 30 August 1936 in Hampi, Kingdom of Mysore, British India. She was an actress, known for Milan (1967), Kurukshetramu (1977) and Kurukshetra (1977). She was married to Juluri Ramana Rao. She died on 27 January 2023 in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.- Saroja Devi B. was born on 7 January 1938 in Bengaluru, Mysore, India. She is an actress, known for Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham (1963), Beti Bete (1964) and Veer Parshuram (1978).
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Jayalalithaa Jayaram, an iconic figure in Indian politics, seamlessly transitioned from a celebrated actress to a dynamic politician. Born in Melukote, Mysore, Karnataka, she hailed from a Tamil Iyengar family. Tragedy struck early in her life when her father, Jayaram, a lawyer, passed away when she was just two years old. Following this, Jayalalithaa and her brother found themselves relocating to Bengaluru with their mother, Vedavathi, who later ventured into Tamil cinema using the screen name 'Sandhya.'
Jayalalithaa received her early education from Bishop Cotton Girls' High School and Sacred Heart Matriculation School in Chennai. Recognized as a bright student, she excelled in her studies and earned a scholarship for higher education from the Government of India after completing her matriculation in 1964.
Fueled by her passion for the arts, Jayalalithaa ventured into the world of cinema shortly after her studies. Her journey in the film industry began in 1961, and she went on to become a prominent South Indian film star. Over the span of two decades, from 1961 to 1980, she graced the screens in 140 films, showcasing her versatility in Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages.
Beyond her acting prowess, Jayalalithaa was a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, displaying proficiency in various dance forms, including Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and Manipuri. Her multifaceted talents extended to her being a singer, lending her voice to songs in some of her films.
In 1982, Jayalalithaa made a significant shift in her career, entering the realm of politics. She joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party and quickly ascended through the ranks. Her political journey reached its pinnacle when she became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a position she held six times. Notably, her sixth term began on May 23, 2016, setting a record for the most sworn-in terms.
Known affectionately as "Amma," meaning mother, and "Puratchi Thalaivi," meaning revolutionary leader, Jayalalithaa left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Her charismatic leadership and unwavering dedication to public service endeared her to the people of Tamil Nadu, making her a revered figure in the history of Indian politics. Jayalalithaa's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with many, transcending the realms of both cinema and politics.- Actress
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Sowcar Janaki, born as Sankaramanchi Janaki, is a revered and iconic Indian actress with a career that spans over seven decades. she made her debut in the Telugu film industry at the age of 18 with "Shavukaru" in 1949, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey in the world of cinema.
Interestingly, Sowcar Janaki ventured into acting post-marriage, defying conventions and proving that it is never too late to pursue one's passion. Her versatile performances across various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam, have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
Sowcar Janaki rose to stardom between 1949 and 1975, portraying lead roles in numerous successful films. Collaborating with acclaimed directors like Dada Mirasee and K. Balachandar, she showcased her acting prowess and established herself as a powerhouse performer. Some of her notable works during this period include "Valayapathy," "Rojulu Marayi," "Naan Kanda Sorgam," "Pallum Pazhamum," "Puthiya Paravai," and "Iru Kodugal."
Beyond the silver screen, Sowcar Janaki actively engaged in stage performances, participating in over 300 shows. Her versatility extended to the radio, where she demonstrated her talents as a radio artist in her early years. Noteworthy milestones in her career include her Malayalam debut in "Schoolmaster" (1964) and her Hindi film, "Teen Bahuraniyan."
After 1975, Sowcar Janaki gracefully transitioned into supporting roles, earning widespread acclaim for her performances in films like "Cinema Paithiyam," "Thee," "Thillu Mullu," "Vetri Vizha," and "Kaanche." Her contributions were not limited to acting; she served as a jury member for the National Indian Films Awards committee and chaired the state Telugu Films Awards committee.
Janaki's dedication to the arts extended beyond the screen, as she actively participated in drama troupes, performing in live shows from 1960 to 1995. Her collaborations with co-star Sreekanth in both films and dramas added another dimension to her illustrious career.
Renowned for her enduring on-screen partnerships, Sowcar Janaki shared a special rapport with actors like Sreekanth, Gemini Ganeshan, and Shivaji Ganeshan, particularly cherishing her experiences with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. Her association with him was characterized by mutual admiration and collaborative efforts to enhance their performances.
In 2016, Sowcar Janaki emerged as the actress with the longest career span, surpassing many of her contemporaries. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, solidifying her place as a true icon in Indian cinema. Sowcar Janaki's unparalleled dedication and longevity in the industry stand as a testament to her remarkable contributions and influence in shaping the Indian film landscape.- Kanchana was born on 16 August 1939 in Madras, Madras Presidency, British India. She is an actress, known for Arjun Reddy (2017), Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977) and Alakh Niranjan (1975).
- L. Vijayalakshmi was born on 5 May 1943 in Ernakulam, Tamil Nadu, India. She is an actress, known for Badal (1966), Vallavan Oruvan (1966) and Shabnam (1964). She has been married to Suraj Kumar De Dutta since 1969. They have one child.
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Sujatha, a celebrated South Indian actress, graced the silver screen with her versatile performances in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi language films. Collaborating frequently with Kamal Haasan, she etched a niche for herself with her restrained and subtle portrayals of varied emotions. Her journey in the film industry began in 1967 with the Malayalam movie "Thabaswini," marking the commencement of a prolific career.
Director K. Balachander introduced Sujatha to the Tamil film industry, casting her as the protagonist in "Aval Oru Thodarkathai." Her foray into Telugu cinema started with the film "Gorintaku," and she went on to act alongside prominent actors of her time, including Kamal Haasan, Rajnikanth, Shobhan Babu, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Krishna.
Sujatha's filmography boasts noteworthy performances in films such as Suthradarulu, Pandanti Jeevitham, Prema Tharangalu, Vamshagouravam, Bebbuli, Sandhya, Aasha Jyothi, Guru Sishyulu, Sarkas Ramudu, Guppedu, and Mayadari Krishnudu. Regarded as one of the finest actors in the South Indian cinema industry, she shared a parallel with Hindi actress Smita Patil for her commitment to roles portraying women empowerment.
In 1997, Sujatha received the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Role in the movie "Pelli." Her prowess transcended linguistic boundaries, earning her accolades and recognition in all the languages she graced. The Tamilnadu government honored her with the prestigious "Kalaimamani" award.
Born in Sri Lanka, Sujatha spent her childhood actively participating in school plays before relocating to Kerala at the age of 14. Her acting journey took flight with the Malayalam film "Ernakulam Junction," catching the attention of the legendary Balachander.
Sujatha's personal life included her husband Jayakar, son Sajid, and daughter Divya. Tragically, she succumbed to a cardiac arrest on April 6, 2011, after undergoing treatment for a heart ailment in Chennai. Her legacy endures through her timeless contributions to Indian cinema, and she remains a revered figure in the hearts of film enthusiasts.- Actress
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Lakshmi was born on December 13, 1952 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India to a show business family. Her father Y.V. Rao, originally from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, was an noted filmmaker and actor whose films dealt with important social issues. Her mother Kumari Rukmini was a Tamil actress, whose mother Nungambakkam Janaki was also an actress. She was fifteen when she started acting in films. Her first film was a Tamil film titled "Jeevanamsam" in 1968. She became a star in South India in the 1970s and acted in all four South Indian languages in which she is fluent: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Her Malayalam hit Chattakkari (1974) was remade in Hindi as Julie (1975) and in Telugu as "Miss Julie Prema Katha" (1975). "Julie" became a hit, and Lakshmi received the Filmfare Best Actress Award and the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for "most outstanding work of the year." After her success in "Julie," however, she didn't star in many Hindi films and instead concentrated on doing more South Indian films. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for the Tamil film Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1975), becoming one of the first South Indian actresses to win in that category for a Tamil film. When her career as a leading lady ended in the 1980s, she started playing supporting roles as mother and later as grandmother. She played grandmothers to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Jeans (1998) and Kareena Kapoor in Hulchul (2004). She has performed in more than 400 films. She has also been involved in politics.
Lakshmi took a break from acting to host two talk shows, including the Tamil talk show "achamillai, achamillai". After the talk shows ended, she returned to acting in films.
Lakshmi was married three times. Her first marriage was to Baskar, which was arranged by her parents when she was seventeen. Her only biological child, Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran, was born in 1971. Her marriage ended in divorce, and she gained custody of her daughter, who later became an actress in the 1990s, carrying on the family tradition. Lakshmi fell in love with her _Chattakkari (1974)_ leading man Mohan, but that relationship ended. While she was shooting En Uyir Kannamma (1988), she and actor-director K.S. Sivachandran fell in love and got married. She adopted a baby girl in 2001. Her daughter Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran gave birth to a baby girl in the mid 1990s, making Lakshmi a grandmother.- Actress
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Sridevi was born on August 13, 1963 in her father's hometown of Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India. Her mother was from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. So Sridevi grew up speaking Telugu and Tamil. She has a sister named Srilatha and a stepbrother named Satish. Her dad passed away during the year 1991, while her mom died during 1997.
She started her career at a very early age in 1967 as a child artiste in a Tamil movie 'Kandhan Karunai'. She also starred as a child actress in a Telugu movie 'Bangarakka' in 1977, and in a Malyalam movie 'Kumara Sambhavan' in 1969.
She made her foray on the Bollywood tinsel screen in 1975 as a child actor with the smash-hit 'Julie' in which she played the younger sister of the lead actress. Thereafter she started to act in adult roles in Hindi only from 1979. She appeared in 63 movies in Hindi; 62 in Telugu; 58 in Tamil; and 21 in Malyalam - in a career that has spanned from 1967 through to 2007.
Sridevi established strong onscreen pair with Kamal Hasan in Tamil films from 1977-1983 and then with Jeetendra in Hindi Films from 1983-1988 which helped her get foothold in Hindi films. Her initial claim to fame was appearing as romantic interest to established stars NTR, ANR, Krishna Ghattamaneni,Vishnuvardhan in Telugu and Kannada films from 1978-1985.She has four hits with Rajesh Khanna and then from late 80's till 1996 her pair with Anil Kapoor was popular. But she became popular all over India, thanks to Tamil films' remakes in Hindi in 1983-1990 which were produced and directed by the same team which had made the southern version first and in these films she was cast opposite Rajesh Khanna or Jeetendra.
She has also appeared in the TV series 'Malini Iyer', judged a TV show 'Kaboom' as well as appeared in numerous print and TV ads. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Asian Academy of Film & Television.
Sridevi went on to get married to her co-star, Anil Kapoor's older brother, Boney, on June 2, 1996. They are now parents of two daughters: Jhanvi and Khushi.
She made a comeback to films with "English Vinglish" in 2012.
She passed away on 24 February 2018 by accidental drowning in bathtub during her stay at the hotel Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai UAE, when she was attending the wedding of Bollywood actor Mohit Marwah in Dubai, UAE. She was 54 years old.- Actress
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Saritha, a versatile South Indian actress, has left an indelible mark on the film industry with a career spanning over 250 films in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu languages. Rising to prominence during the 1980s, she garnered both popularity and critical acclaim as a lead actress. Her talent extended beyond acting, as she also showcased her skills as a dubbing artist.
In addition to her film endeavors, Saritha ventured into the television realm with her appearance in the serial "Selvi." Her contributions as a dubbing artist are noteworthy, lending her voice to esteemed actresses such as Nagma, Vijayashanti, Tabu, Sushmita Sen, Ramya Krishnan, and Soundarya in the 1990s.
Recognized for her outstanding performances, Saritha has been honored with numerous accolades, including state awards from Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, six Filmfare Awards, and six Nandi Awards. Notably, she received a Special Jury Award for her role in the film "Arjun."
Saritha embarked on her acting journey with the Telugu film "Maro Charitra," directed by K. Balachander. This marked the beginning of a prolific career, where she starred opposite Kamal Haasan in a cross-cultural romance narrative. She continued to receive offers predominantly in Tamil films, many directed by Balachander, including notable titles like "Thappu Thalangal," "Idi Katha Kaadu," "Vandichakkaram," "Netrikan," "Agni Sakshi," "Puthukavithai," "Kalyana Agathigal," and "Achamillai Achamillai."
Her exceptional portrayals in "Vandichakkaram" (1980) and "Achamillai Achamillai" (1984) earned her the prestigious Filmfare Best Tamil Actress awards. Saritha also made guest appearances as herself in films like "47 Natkal" and its Telugu remake, both directed by K. Balachander.
In Kannada cinema, Saritha collaborated with the legendary Dr. Rajkumar in several successful ventures such as "Hosa Belaku," "Keralida Simha," "Bhakta Prahlada," "Chalisuva Modagalu," and "Kaamana Billu." Her repertoire of popular Kannada films also includes "Eradu Rekhegalu," "Sankranthi," and "Malaya Marutha."
Notably dedicated to her craft, Saritha underwent significant physical transformations for challenging roles, such as having her head tonsured for a cancer-affected character in "Sujatha" (1980) and gaining weight for the psychotic role in the 2005 film "Julie Ganapathi." Despite the films not achieving commercial success, her performances garnered praise. She was honored with a Nandi Special Jury Award for her role as "Aandaalu" in the movie "Arjun" in 2004.
Saritha's influence extended to the realm of voice acting, where she lent her voice to actresses like Madhavi, Soundarya, Ramya Krishnan, Nagma, Vijayashanti, Simran, Tabu, Sushmita Sen, Roja, Suhasini, Radha, Radhika, and Aarthi Agarwal. Her contribution in this domain was acknowledged with the Nandi Award for Best Female Dubbing Artist for her work in films like "Ammoru," "Maa Ayana Bangaram" (1997), and "Anthapuram" (1999). Saritha's multifaceted career continues to be celebrated in the South Indian film industry.- Radha was born on 3 June 1965 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. She is an actress, known for Muthal Mariyathai (1985), Vicky Dada (1989) and Kondaveeti Donga (1990). She has been married to Rajasekaran Nair since 1991.
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Asha Kelunni, better known by her stage name Revathi, is a highly acclaimed Indian actress and director, recognized for her significant contributions to Tamil and Malayalam cinema, as well as her notable presence in Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada films. Born in Cochin (present-day Kochi) to Malank Kelunni Nair, a major in the Indian Army, from Palakkad, and Lalitha Kelunni, Revathi began her journey in the entertainment industry with a chance encounter that would change her life.
During her school days, Revathi participated in a fashion show, and a photograph of her from the event became the cover of a popular Tamil magazine. This caught the attention of director Bharathiraja, who was in search of a new heroine for his film "Mann Vasanai." This marked the beginning of her acting career, and her debut in the Tamil film industry with "Mann Vasanai" in 1983 was a silver jubilee hit, earning her a Filmfare Special Award - South.
Revathi continued to make waves in the industry, making her Malayalam debut with "Kattathe Kilikkoodu" in 1983, which also achieved great success. She ventured into Telugu films with "Seethamma Pelli" in 1984 and gained recognition for her roles in films like "Kai Kodukkum Kai" (1984) and "Vaidehi Kathirunthal" (1984). Her breakthrough role came in Mani Ratnam's "Mouna Ragam" (1986), where she portrayed the spirited and headstrong Divya.
Known for her versatility, Revathi took on diverse roles and portrayed strong, relatable women characters. She achieved critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Punnagai Mannan" (1986), "Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal" (1988), and "Kizhakku Vaasal" (1990). Her remarkable acting skills were further recognized with a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Thevar Magan" (1992).
In the early 1990s, Revathi continued to deliver hits such as "Kilukkam" (1991) and "Marupadiyum" (1993). Her success extended to Hindi cinema with films like "Love" (1991), and she won a National Film Award for her role in "Thevar Magan." Revathi's golden era persisted until the late 1990s, marked by notable films like "Anjali" (1990), "Magalir Mattum" (1994), and "Thalaimurai" (1998).
Apart from her acting prowess, Revathi showcased her directorial skills with two feature films, "Mitr, My Friend" and "Phir Milenge." She also contributed to anthology films like "Kerala Cafe" and the unreleased "Mumbai Cutting."
Revathi's talent transcended regional boundaries, and she captivated Hindi audiences with her performances in "Margarita with a Straw" (2014) and "2 States" (2014). Her notable Tamil films include "Pa Paandi" (2017) and "Jackpot" (2019), while her impactful role in the Malayalam film "Virus" (2019) showcased her continued excellence.
In 2022, Revathi received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her role in "Bhoothakaalam." She also portrayed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother, Dhanalakshmi, in the bilingual Telugu and Hindi film "Major."
Revathi's journey in the film industry is not only marked by her acting prowess but also by her directorial achievements and her ability to contribute significantly to cinema across multiple languages. Her enduring legacy is a testament to her talent and versatility.- Actress
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Urvashi is a prominent South Indian actress known for her versatile performances in the Indian film industry. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, Urvashi's full name is Kavitha Ranjini.
Urvashi made her acting debut at a young age and quickly rose to fame with her exceptional acting skills and charming screen presence. She has primarily worked in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films.
Over the years, Urvashi has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the film industry. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to intense and dramatic ones, has established her as one of the most respected actresses in the South Indian cinema.
Apart from her acting career, Urvashi is also known for her work as a television host and producer. She has been associated with various successful projects in the entertainment industry, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
Urvashi's dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with the audience have made her a beloved figure in South Indian cinema. Her filmography includes a mix of commercial hits and critically acclaimed movies, making her one of the enduring figures in the industry.- Actress
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Saranya Ponvannan born in Kerala, India, is a renowned Indian actress celebrated for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Hailing from a Christian family, she is the daughter of A. B. Raj, a prolific director in Malayalam cinema with a remarkable portfolio of over 75 films.
Saranya embarked on her acting journey in 1987 with a notable debut in Mani Ratnam's iconic film, Nayakan, alongside Kamal Haasan. Her versatility was evident as she seamlessly transitioned into Telugu with the 1988 film Neerajanam and Malayalam with Artham in 1989, opposite Mamooty. Notably, she made her Kannada film debut in Appaji in 1996, marking a diverse career.
The pinnacle of Saranya's career as a lead actress spanned from 1987 to 1996, during which she essayed various roles in films. However, she took an eight-year hiatus after her marriage to actor and director Ponvannan in 1995. In 2000, she made a lighthearted return as the lead in the television series Veettukku Veedu Lootty. This marked the beginning of her second innings in the industry, and she gracefully embraced supporting roles, notably in the Sun TV family drama Mugangal in 2006.
Her official comeback occurred in 2003 with the Tamil film Alai, where she portrayed Silambarasan's mother opposite Raghuvaran. The mid-2000s witnessed her rise as the go-to actress for impactful "mother" roles in films like Raam, Thavamai Thavamirundhu, and Em Magan.
Saranya's standout performance in the 2010 film Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, where she portrayed Veerayi, earned her the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress. This film marked her 100th release and showcased her ability to portray nuanced characters.
Thavamai Thavamirundhu, released in 2005, proved to be a turning point in Saranya's career, catapulting her into the limelight as one of the leading and highest-paid character actresses in South Indian cinema. Her dedication, versatility, and remarkable talent have left an indelible mark on the industry, making Saranya Ponvannan a revered name in Indian cinema.- Actress
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Shalini was born on 20 November 1980 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. She is an actress and talent agent, known for Alai Payuthey (2000), Aniyathi Pravu (1997) and Amarkalam (1999). She has been married to Ajith Kumar since 24 April 2000. They have one child.- Actress
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Jyothika Saravanan, an acclaimed Indian actress and film producer, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, predominantly gracing Tamil films while making notable appearances in Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. Widely recognized for her versatile talent, she has earned numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and the prestigious Kalaimamani Award.
Her journey in the film industry commenced in 1998 with her role as Pallavi Sinha in the Bollywood film "Doli Saja Ke Rakhna." Jyothika's cinematic prowess transcended language barriers as she showcased her skills in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films.
Apart from her film endeavors, Jyothika made a mark in the advertising world, featuring in commercials for renowned brands like Comfort (fabric softener) and Santoor Soap. She also served as the brand ambassador for RmKV silk sarees and Wardrobe Hub in Chennai.
In 2001, she played the role of Vani in the trilingual film "Little John," released in Tamil, Hindi, and English. Jyothika's debut in films was marked by the Hindi film "Doli Saja Ke Rakhna" (1997), directed by Priyadarshan. Her career soared with films like "Vaali" (1999), "Kushi" (2000), "Kaakha Kaakha" (2004), and "Chandramukhi" (2005), earning her critical acclaim and awards, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.
Despite achieving great success, Jyothika took a hiatus at the pinnacle of her career, marrying Tamil actor Suriya in September 2006, with whom she was paired in seven films. However, she made a remarkable comeback in 2015 with "36 Vayadhinile," earning the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress - South. Subsequently, she starred in a series of women-centric films, including "Magalir Mattum" (2017), "Naachiyaar" (2018), "Kaatrin Mozhi" (2018), "Raatchasi" (2019), and "Ponmagal Vandhal" (2020). Additionally, she played a pivotal role in Mani Ratnam's multi-starrer "Chekka Chivantha Vaanam" (2018).
Beyond her cinematic contributions, Jyothika, along with her husband Suriya, founded the Agaram foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children who drop out of school early in Tamil Nadu.
In a candid interview, Jyothika shared insights into her married life, recounting how she and Suriya met on a film set and fell in love while collaborating on various projects. She emphasized Suriya's respect for women as a key factor that drew her towards him. Jyothika revealed that they married a month after Suriya proposed, as she felt satisfied with her career success and desired to devote time to her personal life. Her journey remains a testament to her artistic brilliance and commitment to both her craft and social causes.- Actress
Simran is an Indian actress, producer, dancer and singer who has appeared in Tamil, Hindu, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. She is considered to be one of the most versatile actresses of her time and is recognized for her dancing skills. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including three Filmfare Awards South.- Actress
Laila was born on 24 October 1980 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She is an actress, known for Pithamagan (2003), Nandha (2001) and Insan (2005). She is married to Mehdin.- Actress
Trisha Krishnan is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Tamil and Telugu films. She speaks Tamil, English, Hindi, and French. She studied at Church Park, India and Ethiraj College, India. She is an only child and she lives with her parents and her grandmother. She was introduced into the film industry through director Ameer Sultan's film, Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002) where she acted in opposite Suriya. After that, she acted in Priyadarshan's Tamil project entitled Laysa Laysa (2003). In 1999, she won the "Miss Salem" beauty pageant, and later the same year, the Miss Chennai contest. She had also won the Miss India 2001 pageant's "Beautiful Smile" award. Among her hobbies are listening to music, reading and swimming.- Actress
- Producer
Genelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003. She was recognized for her role in Boys the same year, and later established herself in Telugu cinema by acting in several Telugu films during 2003-2005. D'Souza received her first Filmfare Award in 2006 for her performance in the Telugu romantic film, Bommarillu, which earned her critical acclaim. In 2008, she gave critically acclaimed performances in Santosh Subramaniam, a Tamil remake of Bommarillu, and the Bollywood movie Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. Having acted in several commercially successful movies in Telugu and Tamil, D'Souza has established herself as one of the leading actresses of the South Indian film industry.In addition to movie acting, D'Souza has hosted the television show Big Switch, and is the brand ambassador of Fanta, Virgin Mobile India, Fastrack, LG Mobiles, Garnier Light, Margo, and Perk in India- Anjali is an award-winning Indian film actress and model, who predominantly appears in Tamil, Telugu and a few Kannada films. Following a stint in modelling, she was cast in starring roles in two Telugu productions; her debut film was the Telugu film Photo, which released in 2006, before bagging a role and gaining attention in the film Kattradhu Thamizh (2007), for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debutante. In 2010 and 2011, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil, for her performances in Angaadi Theru and Engaeyum Eppothum respectively, subsequently becoming recognized as one of the "finest young actors" in Tamil cinema,[2] and noted for mostly playing "performance-oriented roles"
- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Ananya made her acting debut in Malayalam with Positive (2008) and at the same year she rose to fame in her debut Tamil film Naadodigal, which was a high commercial success. She was well appreciated for her role in the film. The film Shikkar alongside Mohanlal, gave her a big break in Malayalam. She did some thrilling scenes in the climax of the movie Shikkar that impressed Mohanlal, which made him call her the "VijayaShanthi" of Malayalam. Malayalam movie Kandahar is the most famous in her list, where she will be acting alongside Mohanlal, Sunil Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan. It will be simultaneously released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.