The best actresses of Malayalam movies
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Jayabharathi is a renowned Indian actress who was born in Erode, Madras (now Chennai). She has left an indelible mark on the South Indian film industry with her versatile acting skills and captivating on-screen presence.
Starting her career in the late 1960s, Jayabharathi quickly rose to prominence and became one of the leading actresses in Malayalam cinema. She made her debut in the film "Sargasakshi" (1972), directed by P. Subramaniam. Her talent and charm soon earned her widespread recognition and a dedicated fan following.
Over the years, Jayabharathi has acted in numerous Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, showcasing her ability to portray a wide range of characters. She has worked with some of the most acclaimed directors and actors in the industry, contributing to the success of several memorable movies.
Some of her notable films include "Utharayanam," "Moodal Manju," "Ragam," and "Avalude Ravukal." Her performances were lauded for their depth and authenticity, earning her accolades and awards for her contributions to the film industry.
Apart from her acting career, Jayabharathi has also ventured into film production and has been involved in various social and cultural activities. Her dedication to the arts and her enduring impact on Indian cinema have solidified her legacy as one of the iconic actresses of her time.
Despite the passage of time, Jayabharathi continues to be remembered fondly by audiences and her contributions to the world of cinema remain celebrated.- Actress
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Sheela was born as Clara Abraham in a Syro-Malabar Catholic Nasrani family in Thrissur, Kerala. She made her debut in Tamil film Paasom opposite M. G. Ramachandran. Her first Malayalam movie was Bhagyajathakam opposite Sathyan. She has acted in more than 400 films.
Sheela has won the Indian National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Malayalam movie Akale. She has also won three Kerala State Film Awards in the Best Actress category. She along with Prem Nazir holds the Guinness World Record for acting together as heroine and hero respectively in 107 films.- Actress
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Sharada was born on 12 June 1945 in Tenali, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. She is an actress and producer, known for Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970), Nimajjanam (1976) and Thulabharam (1968).- Actress
- Director
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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Manju Warrier is an Indian actress, producer, classical dancer, and playback singer who appears in Malayalam cinema.
Warrier completed her primary education in Nagercoil at CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School. After her father's transfer to Kannur, she continued her education there at Chinmaya Vidyalaya. She later attended Chovva Higher Secondary School.
Warrier started her career in the film industry with the movie Sakshyam (1995), directed by Mohan. The year after, she was the lead in the Malayalam movie Sallapam (1996), co-starring Dileep. Warrier and Dileep were married from 1998 until their divorce in 2015. The couple has a daughter named Meenakshi.
Between 1996 and 1999, Warrier acted in several films and portrayed a wide range of characters. She played a pivotal role in the romantic drama Thooval Kottaram (1996) alongside co-stars Jayaram and Sukanya. The film ran for about 300 days in theatres.
As a lead actor, her next two big screen ventures were Dilliwala Rajakumaran (1996) and Kaliveedu (1996), both of which starred Jayaram.
She was paired opposite Dileep in the romantic-thriller drama Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996). For this film, Warrier won the Best Actress Award at the Kerala State Film Awards in 1996. Warrier went on to act in films like Kudamattom (1997), Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997), Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997), The Play of God (1997), Sammanam (1997), and Aaram Thamburan (1997). She also received the Filmfare Awards South for Best Actress (Malayalam) in 1998 for her performance in The Play of God (1997).
Soon after, she appeared in Pranayavarnangal (1998), followed by other films like Daya (1998), Kanmadam (1998), Summer in Bethlehem (1998), and Pathram (1999).
Her impressive performance in Kanmadam (1998) won her the Best Actress Award at the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) in 1999. She received her fourth consecutive Best Actress Award in 2000 at the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) for her performance in Pathram (1999).
Her last film to release in 1999 was Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999). After that, Warrier took a long break from the silver screen.
Warrier ended her hiatus in 2014 and returned to cinema with the comedy-drama film How Old Are You? (2014). She won the Best Actress (Malayalam) Award for this film at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2015.
During the second phase of her career in the film industry, she continued her work in films like Ennum Eppozhum (2015), Rani Padmini (2015), Jo and the Boy (2015), Vettah (2016), Karingunnam 6's (2016), C/O Saira Banu (2017), and Udaharanam Sujatha (2017).
Her portrayal of a single parent in Udaharanam Sujatha (2017) won her the Best Actress Award at the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards 2017. She was also the recipient of the North American Film Awards (NAFA) 2017 in the Best Actress category for her movies Karinkunnam 6's and Vettah. She went on to win the North American Film Awards (NAFA) 2018 in the Best Actress (popular) category for her movies Udaharanam Sujatha and C/O Saira Banu.
Warrier starred in the title role of the biographical film Aami (2018), based on the life of author and poet Kamala Das. She won the Best Actress Award at both the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) in 2019 and the Asia Vision Awards 2018 for her performance in the film. Her next film was Mohanlal (2018), a comedy-drama directed by Sajid Yahiya.
Warrier's next release, Odiyan (2018), was a fantasy drama film featuring Mohanlal as the male lead released across 42 countries through QubeWire.
Warrier played a pivotal role in Lucifer (2019), co-starring Mohanlal and Vivek Oberoi. This political action thriller film grossed Rs. 100 crores worldwide. She won the Best Actress Award at the 9th South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) held in 2021 for her role in Lucifer.
In Asuran (2019), an action-drama film, Warrier paired up with Dhanush to play the lead role. It was well-received by the audience and critics alike. The film went on to collect over Rs. 100 crores, making it an enormous success.
Over the next couple of years, Warrier went on to do movies like Prathi Poovankozhi (2019), The Priest (2021), Chathur Mukham (2021), Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021), Lalitham Sundharam (2022), Meri Awas Suno (2022), Jack N Jill (2022). In 2023, Warrier starred in the action heist movie Thunivu (2023), co-starring Ajith Kumar.- 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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Srividya, a prominent South Indian film actress of the 1970s to early 2000s, was not only celebrated for her acting prowess but also showcased her musical talents. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to Tamil film comedian Krishnamurthy and Carnatic classical singer M. L. Vasanthakumari, Srividya faced early challenges as her family struggled with financial hardships. Her father's illness forced him to quit acting, exacerbating their financial woes, and her mother tirelessly worked to support the family.
Despite a difficult childhood, Srividya entered the world of acting at a young age, making her debut with a dance scene in the Malayalam film "Kumarasambhavam" directed by P. Subramanyan. She gained attention in films like "Chattambikkavala" and "Chenda," directed by A. Vincent. However, it was her entry into the Tamil film industry in the mid-1970s that propelled her to stardom. Notably, her role in K. Balachander's "Apoorva Raagangal" opposite Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan became a turning point in her career.
Srividya faced personal challenges in her relationships. Despite an initial engagement with Kamal Haasan, their love did not endure. She later married George Thomas, an assistant director, against her family's wishes. The marriage ended in divorce, leading to a protracted legal battle that culminated in Srividya's victory in the Supreme Court of India.
Her later career was defined by iconic mother roles, including the notable portrayal in "Thalapathi" (1991), directed by Manirathnam, where she played Rajinikanth's mother. The loss of her mother in 1990 deeply affected Srividya, and she turned to television, featuring in successful Malayalam serials like "Swapnam."
A multi-talented artist, Srividya showcased her singing abilities in films like "Ayalathe Sundari," "Oru Painkilikkadha," and "Nakshathra Tharattu." Her classical vocal prowess was evident in various functions, including the Soorya Festival.
Throughout her career, Srividya faced adversity with resilience and dedication, fighting against personal tragedies and health issues. Despite battling breast cancer, she continued to contribute to the world of cinema and television until her untimely demise, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and enduring artist.- Actress
Sukumari was a legendary Indian actress, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and accomplished artists in the South Indian film industry. She was born in Nagercoil, Travancore, British India (present-day Tamil Nadu, India), as Sukumari Bhimsingh.
With a career spanning over six decades, Sukumari showcased her remarkable talent in more than 2,500 films in various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. She made her acting debut at the age of 10 in the Tamil film "Or Iravu" in 1951, directed by D. Yoganand. Sukumari's dedication and proficiency in multiple languages allowed her to become an indispensable part of the Indian film fraternity.
Known for her exceptional versatility, Sukumari effortlessly portrayed a wide range of characters, from poignant and emotional roles to comedic and character-driven performances. She collaborated with some of the most eminent directors and actors in the industry, earning accolades for her contributions to cinema.
Apart from her work in films, Sukumari also made a mark in the television industry with memorable roles in popular series. Her impeccable acting skills and captivating screen presence earned her numerous awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her performance in the film "Samantha" (1973).
Sukumari's enduring legacy goes beyond her acting prowess; she was also a trained classical dancer and a respected academician. She authored several books on various subjects, showcasing her intellectual depth.
The iconic actress left an indelible impact on the South Indian film industry, and her body of work continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike. Sukumari's remarkable career came to a close on March 26, 2013, when she passed away at the age of 72. Despite her physical absence, her contributions to Indian cinema and her legacy as a multifaceted artist remain alive through the timeless performances she delivered throughout her illustrious career.- Actress
- Music Department
Lalitha was a renowned Indian actress known for her contributions to the Malayalam film industry. Born in Kayamkulam, Kerala, India, K.P.A.C. Lalitha's full name is Karthiyayani Amma. The acronym "K.P.A.C." stands for Kerala People's Arts Club, a prominent theater group in which she started her career. Lalitha made her acting debut in the film "Nritashala" in 1962 and went on to establish herself as a versatile and talented actress over the years.
Lalitha's performances were widely appreciated for their depth and authenticity. She became a prominent face in the Malayalam film industry during the 1960s and continued to contribute to the field for several decades. Some of her notable films include "Chemmeen" (1965), "Kochu Themmadi" (1986), and "Nirakkoottu" (1985), among many others.
Apart from her successful film career, K.P.A.C. Lalitha has also been actively involved in theater. She gained recognition for her association with the K.P.A.C. drama troupe, which played a crucial role in shaping her early career. Lalitha's ability to portray a wide range of characters endeared her to audiences and earned her numerous accolades.
Throughout her career, K.P.A.C. Lalitha received several awards for her outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her role in "Kudumbam" (1988). Her dedication to the arts and her ability to bring characters to life on screen have left an indelible mark on the history of Malayalam cinema.- Actress
- Producer
Seema, born in the vibrant neighborhood of Choolaimedu, Chennai, is a distinguished individual whose life has been marked by resilience, talent, and a commitment to making a positive impact. From a young age, Seema exhibited a passion for learning and a keen interest in the arts.
Growing up in the culturally rich environment of Chennai, Seema's early exposure to classical music and dance sparked her interest in the performing arts. She began her journey into the world of dance, studying various classical forms, and soon became a prominent figure in the local cultural scene. Her dedication and talent earned her accolades, and she was often praised for her graceful performances.
Seema's academic pursuits were equally impressive. She pursued higher education with a focus on literature and the humanities, demonstrating a well-rounded intellect and a thirst for knowledge. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would blend her artistic pursuits with her intellectual prowess.
In her professional life, Seema emerged as a respected figure in the field of arts and culture. Her contributions to the promotion and preservation of traditional art forms earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. She became an advocate for cultural diversity and played a key role in organizing events and festivals that celebrated the rich heritage of Indian arts.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Seema also engaged in philanthropy and social work. Her commitment to community development and empowerment initiatives showcased her deep sense of social responsibility. She worked tirelessly to create opportunities for underprivileged individuals to access education and training in the arts, fostering a sense of inclusively and equality.
Seema's life journey reflects a harmonious blend of artistic expression, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to social change. Her legacy endures not only in the memories of those who have witnessed her performances but also in the positive impact she has made on the cultural landscape and the lives of many.- Actress
- Director
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.- 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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- Animation Department
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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Shanthi Krishna was born on 2 January 1964. She is an actress, known for Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela (2017), Kuttanadan Marpappa (2018) and Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari (1992).