Top South Indian actresses of of 80s and 90s
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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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Suhasini Mani Ratnam is a multiple award-winning actress with her work spanning across several languages. She started her career as a camera assistant and then went on to become an actress appearing in many critically acclaimed films including Vanaprastham, Swathi Bandhana and Sindhu Bhairavi. Her performance in Sindhu Bhairavi earned her a National Award. She directed the Tamil feature film Indra in 1996. She is also an accomplished writer having penned the dialogues for Thiruda Thiruda, Iruvar and Raavanan among other films.- Shobana Chandrakumar, an eminent figure in the realm of Indian arts and cinema, is celebrated as a distinguished exponent of Bharatanatyam dance and a leading actress in South Indian motion pictures. Hailing from a Malayalam-speaking family in Kerala, India, Shobana has left an indelible mark on the film industry with her versatile performances.
With a prolific career spanning over four decades, Shobana has graced the silver screen in more than 200 movies across five languages. Her cinematic journey commenced with the Malayalam film "April 18" in 1984, directed by Balachandra Menon, where she took on a leading role. Noteworthy among her early works is her collaboration with Malayalam actor Mammootty in the film "Kanamarayathu" (1984).
Shobana's acting prowess garnered her acclaim, including the prestigious National Film Awards for Best Actress. In 1994, her captivating performance in Fazil's "Manichitrathazhu," alongside Mohanlal, earned her the first National Award. The accolades continued in 2001 with her role in the English language film "Mitr, My Friend," directed by Revathi, a close friend, philosopher, and guide to Shobana.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Shobana is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, trained at the Chidambaram academy in Chennai under the tutelage of the legendary Chitra Visweswaran. Renowned for her Abhinaya, she showcased her dance prowess before the King and Queen of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Shobana's beauty and skilled execution of dance movements led many to hail her as the most beautiful South Indian actress of the 1980s and 1990s, often likening her to the curvaceous beauty of Indian sculptures. Apart from her contributions to the entertainment industry, she founded the Kalarpana school for classical Bharatanatyam dance in Chennai and initiated annual festivals across India.
Her involvement in Mani Ratnam's stage show, "Netru, Indru, Naalai," and her portrayal in the Telugu movie "Rudra Veena" (1988) alongside Chiranjeevi showcased her versatility as both a dancer and social reformer. Shobana's commitment to the arts earned her the prestigious Padma Shri title in January 2006, a testament to her significant contributions to both cinema and Bharatanatyam. - Actress
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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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Jayaprada was born as Lalita Rani in a middle class household to Krishna and Neelavani in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh on April 3, 1962. She was a small town girl with dreams of becoming a doctor. Her mother enrolled her in dance and music classes when she was seven years old, in addition to going to a regular school. Even though, her father and uncle were film financiers, her initial break into films didn't come through them. She was discovered dancing on stage at a school function when she was just fourteen years old. Character actor Prabhakar Reddy gave her the name of Jayaprada and introduced her in a three minute song in the Telugu film, "Bhoomi Kosam" (1976). That immediately led her to longer roles in "Devude Digivaste" (1975) and "Naaku Swatantram Vachindhi" (1976). The floodgates opened. Major film directors, such as Bapu, K. Vishwanath and K.Balachander, approached her with quality projects. She immediately became a huge star in Telugu films as diverse as the color-drenched, big-budget "Seeta Kalyanam" (1976) to the stark, naturalistic black-and-white film "Antuleeni Katha" (1976), where she won a special acting award for her unforgettable dramatic performance. But it was her dancing skills and nuanced acting style as a mute girl that made K. Vishwanath's "Siri Siri Muvva" (1976) into a timeless classic. It would also be her passport into Hindi films as K. Vishwanath remade it into "Sargam" (1979) and made her a overnight star in Bollywood as well. She earned her first Filmfare nomination as Best Actress for the film, and it would become one of her favorite films. She stalled on doing more Hindi films for two years as she wasn't fluent in the language. But she became fluent in Hindi, as well as Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali, and had hit films in all these languages. She endeared audiences with her sincere portrayal of Amitabh Bachchan's girlfriend in her next favorite film "Sharabi" (1984), which became another big hit and earned her second Filmfare nomination as Best Actress. K. Vishwanath directed her to her third Filmfare nomination as Best Actress for her other favorite film "Sanjog" (1985). But some of her best performances would go unrewarded. In the Telugu film directed by K.Balachander, "47 Rojulu" (1981) showed Jayaprada as a innocent girl duped by her husband in Paris, France, and her struggle to escape from him. But in Hindi films, she usually played the traditionally dressed, docile, obedient wife, and while that image led to hit films, it also eventually tired her audiences. She also seemed bored and indifferent with no new challenges ahead as she had already made her other favorite films: the Hindi films "Sur Sangam" (1985) and "Tohfa" (1984), the Telugu film "Sagara Sangamam" (1983), the Kannada films "Sanadi Appanna" (1977) and "Kavi Ratna Kalidasa" (1983). The only excitement came from her personal life when she met her husband film producer Srikant Nahata. They started out as friends as he was already a married man with children. But it turned into love when he stood by her because of her income tax problems. She was branded the "other woman," especially since Nahata wouldn't leave his wife. So she ended up marrying him in 1986, and he has continued to be married to both women. In 1994, she also became a politician by joining the Telugu Desam Party. A few years later, a rift developed with the political party and she was deeply hurt when she was no longer in the party. She also didn't have any major films lined up. But she kept up with her many social and humanitarian causes, especially related to poor women and children. She also became tough and strong and forged on ahead by joining a different political party in a different state, Uttar Pradesh. She won the election with the slogan line, "Andhra is my janambhoomi but Uttar Pradesh is my karmbhoomi." She also started making films playing stronger, mature roles. In "Deh," she played an older woman having an affair with a much younger man. She also wrote and directed "Class Medal," a Telugu film that starred her sister's son Siddharth and produced by her brother Rajababu. She didn't forget her first love, dancing, and did a dance ballet in 2005 that won her great acclaim. And she also dabbled in playback singing and even recorded an album with music composer Bappi Lahiri. In 2008, she received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for her long and plentiful contribution to the South Indian film industry. Having three careers (acting, dancing, politics), and a husband, left her no time to have children of her own, even though she has expressed a desire to have children. So far, she has shown no desire to give up her three careers and in fact, stated that she'll be as hardworking and dedicated in the future as she is now.- Bhanu Priya was the dancing sensation of the South. Studying dance professionally she communicated her deep love for it by being selected for a film role while still at school when the renowned Tamil Director, "Bharathi Raja came to see her. Being so confident of her dancing prowess and acting capabilities after screen-test he gave her a role in Mella Pesina.
Her acting matches her dance abilities when given [performance oriented roles. Bhanu Priya acted as a dignified elderly house-wife in Pedaruyuda and thinks such roles should be grabbed at the first offer and the role she was offered in Annamaya which the production unit thought that only she would justify. But there was a huge gap in her film-career when she was at the top place in the "Tollywood" especially- due to her sheer fault that instead of building her career which was
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Gouthami Tadimalla, widely known as Gautami, is a versatile South Indian actress with a remarkable career spanning across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada films. Her cinematic journey commenced with the Telugu film "Dayamayudu," a production centered around the life of Jesus Christ.
Hailing from Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, Gautami's entry into the film industry unfolded during her college days at GITAM College. She marked her debut in Tamil cinema with "Guru Shishyan," sharing the screen with the legendary Rajnikanth. During the late 80s to the mid-90s, she dominated Tamil cinema, emerging as a formidable competitor to contemporaries like Kushboo and Banupriya.
Gautami's filmography boasts diverse roles, including notable performances in films such as "Thevar Magan" and Mani Ratnam's "Iruvar" (1997), alongside an ensemble cast featuring Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Nasser, and Revathi. Her versatility extended to Kannada films with projects like "Elu Suttina Kote," "Chikkejamana," and "Cheluva." In Hindi, she left her mark in movies like "Pyar Hua chori chori," "Janata ki Adalat," "Trimurti," and "Dhaal."
Gautami faced a challenging battle against breast cancer at the age of 35, demonstrating resilience and emerging victorious. Following a hiatus from acting, she made a comeback as a costume designer for films starring her partner, Kamal Haasan. Notably, she received the Vijay Award for Best Costume Designer for her work in "Dasavathaaram."
In a significant return to the silver screen after sixteen years, Gautami showcased her acting prowess in the Tamil film "Papanasam," sharing the screen once again with Kamal Haasan. Beyond her film endeavors, she graced the Tamil serial "Indira" as the lead character and ventured into hosting with the talk show "Anbudan" on Sun TV. Currently, she captivates audiences with her portrayal in the serial "Abhirami," broadcasted on Kalingar TV, showcasing the enduring talent and versatility that define Gautami's illustrious career.- Producer
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Radhika Sarathkumar is an Indian actress, producer, politician, and entrepreneur. She is known for her work in Tamil and Telugu cinema and Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam cinema. Sarathkumar (also known as Raadhika) grew up in Chennai, India, and completed her education in India and the United Kingdom.
Sarathkumar made her debut in 1978 with the Tamil film Kizhake Pogum Rail (1978), which was directed by Bharathiraja and starred Goundamani and Janakaraj, after which she acted in numerous other films in different languages, with prominent directors like Priya V. and Raj Kapoor, along with actors such as Manobala, Sandhya, Raghuvaran and others.
Sarathkumar has also worked on several projects as a producer, such as Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai (2016). Her other works in acting include Nyayam Kavali (1981), which got her the Best Telugu Actress award, Dharma Devathai (1986), Needhikku Thandanai (1987) and Keladi Kanmani (1990).
Sarathkumar has also been a part of the small screen in TV serials like Ammayi Kaapuram (2008) and Chithi 2 (2020). Furthermore, Sarathkumar has also been a judge on Vijay TV's reality show Jodi Number One Season 5 (2011). She has also produced several daily soaps, including Idi Katha Kaadu (2020), Chitthi (2003), Annamalai (2002), Chellamay (2009), Vani Rani (2013), Thamarai (2014) and Chithi 2 (2020).- Actress
Ambika is an accomplished Indian actress who was born in Kerala, India. Her full name is Ambika Sukumaran, and she has made significant contributions to the South Indian film industry, particularly in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu cinema.
Ambika's journey in the world of entertainment began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence with her exceptional acting skills and captivating screen presence. She made her debut in the Malayalam film industry and later ventured into other South Indian languages, earning widespread acclaim for her performances.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ambika has worked with some of the most prominent filmmakers and actors in the industry. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to seamlessly transition between various genres, ranging from drama to romance and from comedy to action. She has portrayed a diverse array of characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
Ambika's talent and dedication have garnered her numerous accolades and awards, solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses in the South Indian film fraternity. Apart from her on-screen success, she has also been actively involved in philanthropy and social causes.
With a career spanning several decades, Ambika continues to be a respected figure in the Indian film industry. Her timeless performances and contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark, making her a beloved and iconic personality in the hearts of her fans.- Actress
In 1978 when she was studying in class seven, she made her debut in film industry by acting in the Tamil film Bhairavi in which she had acted as the younger sister of Rajinikant. Her first film in Malayalam was Panchagni, which was released in 1986. Since her marriage to a Chartered Accountant in 1997 she has moved over to United States. After few years she has again taken up roles in movies.- Madhavi was born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. She grew up with a brother and a sister. She started dancing when she was eight years old. She became a well-known Bharat Natyam dancer and has given more than a thousand performances. She had also appeared in small roles in films as a child actress. While still in eighth grade at Stanley Girls High School in Hyderabad, she was discovered by famous film director Dasari Narayana Rao who cast her in the leading role in the Telugu film "Thoorpu Padamara," which was a huge success, and catapulted her to stardom. Though she started her career acting in Telugu (her mother tongue), because of her talent and flair for languages she went on to act in six other languages: Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Oriya, Bengali and Malayalam. She acted with famous stars in films directed by great film directors. She has won many state awards as best actress. She also earned a Filmfare nomination as Best Supporting Actress for the Hindi film "Ek Duje Ke Liye" (1981), a remake of her hit Telugu film "Marocharithra" (1979). She has appeared in more than three hundred films. She ended her seventeen-year career as a leading lady, when she married a businessman named Ralph Sharma in 1996. She moved to New Jersey, USA and assists her husband in the pharmaceutical business. They have three children: Tiffany, Priscilla, and Evelyn. She has a strong faith in her Hindu religion and makes regular pilgrimage trips to India.
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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.- 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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Sumalatha is an Indian film actress and politician. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, her full name is Sumalatha Ambareesh. She has primarily worked in the Kannada film industry, although she has also appeared in Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films.
Sumalatha made her acting debut in 1979 with the Kannada film "Ganeshana Maduve." Over the years, she has gained recognition for her versatile roles in various films. Some of her notable movies include "Anuraga Aralithu," "Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare," and "Thayi Mamathe."
Apart from her successful acting career, Sumalatha is also known for her involvement in Indian politics. She entered politics after the demise of her husband, Ambareesh, who was a popular actor and politician. Sumalatha contested and won the Mandya Lok Sabha seat in the 2019 Indian general elections as an independent candidate, creating history by being the first woman to represent Mandya in the Parliament.
Sumalatha's journey in the entertainment industry and her subsequent foray into politics have made her a respected figure in Karnataka. Her contributions to both cinema and public service have earned her admiration from fans and constituents alike.- Actress
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She was one of India's darling film stars--pretty, vivacious and a stunning dancer. She is a strong promoter of vegetarianism and an Animal Rights Activist who is actively involved with The Blue Cross. Amala was born in Bengal to an Irish Mother and Bengali Father. She has an elder brother and sister. She was educated in Kalakshetra, Madras. She was a Bharatanatyam dancer by profession. Winning overnight fame in a Tamil film by famous director T. Rajender, she charmed cinegoers in a flurry of fifty films. She acted in a number of Telugu and Tamil movies. Her performance in Pushpak, Agninakshtram (Gharshana), Nirnayam and Shiva are unforgettable. In 1992, she married Nagarjuna Akkineni, who is a Telugu super star. Her son Akhil (born in 1994) also acted in a movie 'Sisindri'. After a series of visionary past-life experiences, she walked away from the glitter of movie stardom and entered the hapless world of Hyderabad's sick, beaten and homeless stray animals.- Actress
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Rohini is an Indian actress, lyricist, screenwriter, voice actor and director. She has mainly acted in south Indian, notably Malayalam and Tamil films. Having started her acting career at five, she has about 130 south Indian films to her credit. She received National Award of Special mention and Andhra Pradesh State Award for Best Female Actor in 1996 for the film Stri (1995).
She started her career in 1976 as a child artist. She was first seen as a wide-eyed five-year-old in Yashoda Krishna, a Telugu film. She is also a popular dubbing artist in the Telugu and Tamil industries. She has voiced six characters in five of Mani Ratnam's films. She lent her voice to actresses like Jyotika (Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Iruvar (1997) and Raavanan (2010)), Manisha Koirala (Bombay (1995)) and Amala Akkineni (Shiva (1989)). She has also dubbed for Girija Shettar in Mani Ratnam's only Telugu movie till date Geethanjali (1989).
She wrote lyrics for the Tamil film Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007), before ending another hiatus by writing all songs in the album, Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey. Her acting skills were recognized and she was given the Kalaimamani award recently.
She writes episodes for Tamil TV serials. She started writing scripts for TV series way back in 1996 and has adapted the Sahithya Academy Award winning novel Verukku Neer for a tele film in 2005. She hosted the live TV talk show Kelvigal Aayiram for Vijay TV, which she said: "dealt with issues close to my heart". She moderated the Tamil program Azhagiya Tamizh Magal on Kalaignar TV and has worked as the anchor of Raj TV's show, Rohini's Box Office in which she reviewed the latest releases.
Being an activist for AIDS awareness, Rohini has also directed short films for M.G.R. Medical University and Tamil Nadu Aids Control Society. In 2008, Rohini had directed a 50-minute documentary Silent Hues about film industry's child artists, she being one herself. In 2013, she has directed a feature film Appaavin Meesai (2014) which is yet to be released.- Producer
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Khushbu Sundar was born on 19 September 1970 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India. She is a producer and actress, known for Chinna Thambi (1991), Irattai Roja (1996) and Kaalia (1981). She has been married to Sundar C. since 9 March 2000. They have two children.- Actress
Parvathi, a talented actress hailing from the picturesque state of Kerala, India, was born with the gift of acting prowess. Her journey in the world of cinema began in the late 1980s, and she quickly made a mark with her exceptional performances.
In 1989, Parvathi showcased her versatility and acting prowess in notable films such as "Adharvam," "Devadas," and "Mudra," earning acclaim for her captivating portrayals. These films not only solidified her position in the industry but also established her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Indian cinema.
Aside from her flourishing career on the silver screen, Parvathi found her life partner in actor Jayaram, and the couple tied the knot in 1992. Their union has been a source of strength and support for both, contributing to their individual and collective success in the entertainment industry.
The couple is blessed with two children, adding an enriching dimension to Parvathi's life. While she continues to mesmerize audiences with her acting brilliance, her role as a devoted wife and mother adds a personal touch to her inspiring journey.
Parvathi's legacy in the film industry stands as a testament to her dedication, talent, and the ability to seamlessly balance a successful career and a fulfilling family life. As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, her life serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and individuals alike.- Actress
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Ramya Krishnan is a versatile Indian actress who has appeared in over 260 Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi films. She is the niece of the Late Cho Ramaswamy, a Tamil film actor and former member of the Rajya Sabha.
In her early years, Krishnan received formal training in western, Bharathanatyam, and Kuchipudi dance forms and appeared in several stage performances.
She got her first acting break in 1983 in the Malayalam film Neram Pularumbol (1986) when she was only 13. However, the film's release was delayed. This made Vellai Manasu (1985), a Tamil film starring Y.G. Mahendran her first official movie appearance in 1985.
Krishnan continued working in Tamil cinema and was featured in supporting roles in films like Padikkathavan (1985) with Rajinikanth in the lead role and Per Sollum Pillai (1987) with Kamal Haasan as the lead.
Some of her notable Telugu performances include films like Madana Gopaludu (1987), Aasthulu Anthasthulu (1988), BhamaKalapam (2022), and Bava Marudula Sawal (1988).
Krishnan appeared in various Malayalam movies, like Orkkappurathu (1988), Aryan (1988), and Anuragi (1988), in 1988. That year, she also featured in some successful Kannada movies, like Krishna Rukmini (1988). She made her debut in Hindi movies by playing a small role in the film Dayavan (1988), featuring actors Feroze Khan and Vinod Khanna.
Krishnan enjoyed her first blockbuster in 1990, with K. Viswanath's Sutradhaarulu (1990), which fetched the movie a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. After the film's success, she was offered lead roles in the Telugu film industry.
Krishnan's subsequent hit performances and box-office successes included Alludugaru (1990), Allari Mogudu (1992), Major Chandrakanth (1993), and Allari Priyudu (1993).
Her next major blockbuster was with Nagarjuna in the movie Annamayya (1997). She also gave another stellar performance as the lead in Kante Koothurne Kanu (1998), for which she was awarded the Nandi Award for Best Actress.
During this time, Krishnan essayed some supporting role performances in famous Hindi movies like Parampara (1993), Khalnayak (1993), Chaahat (1996), Banarasi Babu (1997), and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998).
She took a break from Tamil cinema for four years, after which she returned in 1999, playing an antagonist in Padaiyappa (1999), starring Rajinikanth. She has also been applauded for her performances in devotional films like Ammoru (1995) and Annai Kaligambal (2003).
Krishnan married Telugu film director Krishna Vamsi in 2003. They have a son together.
Besides movies, Krishnan has appeared in TV serials like Thangam (2009), Rajakumari (2013), and Vamsam (2013) on Sun TV. She served as the host of Big Boss Telugu Season 3 after Nagarjuna Akkineni, the main host, had to fly to Spain. In November 2021, when host Kamal Haasan was diagnosed with COVID, Krishnan took over Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, becoming the first woman to host the show.
One of Krishnan's biggest box-office successes, highest-grossing movies, and most critically acclaimed performances came from her role as Rajamata Sivagami Devi in S.S. Rajamouli's movies, Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). After Bahubali, she went on to give solid performances in Mama Manchu Alludu Kanchu (2015) and Soggade Chinni Nayana (2016).
Krishnan was felicitated with a special award by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu at the 30th Ugadi Celebrations & Puraskar Presentation in 2018.
She ventured into the realm of web series in 2019 with Queen (2019), playing Jayalalithaa, the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. She also made her OTT debut in 2022 as a judge for the show Dance Ikon, streaming on AHA.- Actress
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Menaka was born on 27 August 1963 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India. She is an actress and producer, known for Raees (2017), Revathikkoru Pavakkutty (1986) and Yuvajanotsavam (1986). She is married to G. Suresh Kumar.- Lizy was born on 3 February 1967 in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. She is an actress, known for Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku (1987), Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla (1984) and Manu Uncle (1988).
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Vijayalakshmi Vadlapati, also known as Silk Smitha, is an Indian actress and dancer who worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. Her first Tamil film was Vandichakkaram (1980), where she played the role of Silk, a bar girl. The film gained immense popularity, thus earning her the name Silk Smitha.
Smitha's bold performances and dance numbers made her a symbol of sensuality in the South Indian Film Industry. Smitha's dances gained so much popularity that they were used to boost the viewership of films that weren't performing as well. In some cases, distributors wanted her to appear in films to boost their performance.
Throughout her career, Smitha starred in over 500 films. She made the world record for appearing in the maximum number of films in a year in 1983, appeared in 44 films that year. However, when she entered the entertainment industry, she worked as an extra or domestic help for the main stars.
She began her career with the film Edutha Sabantham Mudipen (1979) and later starred in a series of Malayalam films, including Pushyaraagam (1979), Saraswathi Yaamam (1980), Ivar (1980), Karimpana (1980), and Angaadi (1980).
In 1981, she acted in numerous films, including Vayal (1981), Seethakoka Chilaka (1981), Inaye Thedi (1981), Poochasanyasi (1981), and many others. The following year, she starred in the award-winning romantic drama Moondram Pirai (1982), a cult classic in Tamil Cinema, alongside the late Sridevi and Kamal Haasan.
Smitha also acted alongside Rajinikanth in Paayum Puli (1983), where she portrayed the role of Roopa. She went on to star in films like Moondru Mugham (1982), Roshagadu (1984), Kaithi Rani (1986), Badla Aurat Ka (1987), Lady Tarzan (1990), Avasara Police 100 (1990), Chaitanya (1991), and Coimbatore Mappillai (1996) to name a few.
Her final role was in the Hindi film Haiwan (1998), released posthumously.
Smitha's impact on the entertainment industry is remembered even today. In 2011, Ekta Kapoor produced a biopic based on her life, The Dirty Picture (2011), starring Vidya Balan.- Karthika is known for Desatanakkili Karayarilla (1986), Adukkan Entheluppam (1986) and January Oru Orma (1987).
- She is a darling to Telugu movie audiences. She acted in 175 movies in total--121 Telugu, 39 Tamil, 6 Hindi, 5 Kannada and 4 Malayalam movies. She started her career when she was 13. Her first movie was 'Kallukkul Earam' (Tamil, 1979) was directed by Bharti Raja. In her first Telugu movie Khiladi Krishnudu (1979) she acted with superstar 'Krishna'. She is a very versatile actress. In commercial movies, she played glamourous roles with a great ease. At the same time she excellently portrayed serious roles in message oriented movies. She won four Nandi awards (Telugu) and one Indian National award for best actress.
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Nadia Moidu was born on 24 October 1966 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She is an actress, known for Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Panchagni (1986) and Drushyam (2014). She has been married to Shirish Godbole since 1988.- Actress
Rajani was born on 27 July 1965 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. She is an actress, known for Vetri Vizha (1989), Dhruvanakshatram (1989) and Oomai Vizhigal (1986).- Actress
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Jayasudha was born on December 17, 1958 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. She was initially named Subadra, but her family soon changed it to Sujatha, because they felt that it was a more contemporary name. Her mother had appeared in small film roles as a child but lost interest in films and gave it up. Her father also wasn't involved in films, but his first cousin Vijaya Nirmala was a famous actress and director in South Indian films, as was her husband Krishna. When Jayasudha was a child, she would watch her aunt Vijaya Nirmala film scenes and wanted to be like her. Her father disapproved of her dream of becoming an actress. When she was twelve, Vijaya Nirmala offered her a small role in the Telugu film Pandanti Kaapuram (1972), where she and her husband Krishna had leading roles. Jayasudha was excited, but her father said no, and he finally relented when Vijaya Nirmala promised him that she would personally take of her. Jayasudha had a great time acting in the film, but once the film wrapped filming, her father sent her back to school. She fought with him, begging her to continue acting in films, until he finally agreed. But she faced another obstacle, as there was already another actress named Sujatha in films, so the writer-director V.C. Guhanathan gave her the name Jayasudha. Filmmaker A.C. Trilogchander got her started in supporting roles in Tamil films, but it was the demanding filmmaker K. Balachander who cast her in "Arangetram" and "Apporva Rangangal" and pushed her to give good performances. The latter became a hit and she was offered her first heroine role in the Telugu film "Lakshama Rekha" (1975). It led to her second starring film, the title role in Jyothi (1976), which made her a star in Telugu films. She won the Nandi Award as Best Actress, and critics and audiences hailed as a great actress, successor to the previous reigning star Savithri Ganesh. Jayasudha decided to focus completely in Telugu films and signed so many films, that in one single year, she had 24 releases. She would continue to win more Nandi Awards for films like K. Balachander's Idi Katha Kaadu (1979). But Jayasudha was becoming increasingly unhappy with the rigorous shooting schedule, her skin problems, her father's strict managerial skills, and her on-screen pairings with much older leading men. But she refused to give up films, because she enjoyed the acclaim and respect she received from her peers, critics, audiences. She projected a explosive personality on screen, while also adding depth to her performances. Her roles were indicative of the feminist movement of the 1970s, and she was the only known actress who tackled those roles at the time. She and Jayapradha and Sridevi were the reigning heroines during the late 1970s to early 1980s, and she was often paired with them in films. While they played the glamorous roles, she always played the performance-oriented roles and walked away with awards. However, while both Sridevi and Jayaprada became stars in Hindi films as well, Jayasudha's entry into Bollywood failed when her two films Aaina (1977)(directed by K. Balachander) and Shabhash Daddy (1979) for Kishore Kumar were box-office disasters. Her first marriage to a civilian also failed amidst her hectic film schedule. She then fell in love with a Punjabi film producer named Nitin Kapoor. Although both their families initially objected to the pairing because of regional differences, they all attended the wedding in 1985. She has two children with her husband, sons Nihar (born in 1986) and Sreyanth (born in 1990). By this time, Jayasudha wasn't offered heroine roles but was offered supporting roles as mother or sister-in-law to the hero. She turned down those roles, and she collaborated with her husband on some films. However, her growing interest in Christianity and politics started getting her more attention. She converted to Christianity in 2001 but always made a point she has never renounced the Hindu religion. She won an political election, winning a seat in the Secunderabad Assembly in Andhra Pradesh, India. She still continues to act and devote time to her social causes, but her political career has taken up her time and efforts. Her life took a terrible blow when her husband Nitin Kapoor committed suicide due to depression on March 14, 2017, three days before their 32nd wedding anniversary. She looked to her family and her religion for solace and comfort, and she continues to raise awareness for depression.- Actress