Lakshmi (actress)

Indian actress (born 1952) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lakshmi (actress)

Yaragudipadi Venkata Mahalakshmi (born 13 December 1952[1]), known professionally as Lakshmi, is an Indian actress known for her works primarily in all 4 Southern Indian language film industries (distributing her acting career across all four languages almost equally). She has also acted in some Hindi films. Her debut as a full-fledged actress happened with the Tamil film Jeevanaamsam in 1968. In the same year, she acted in the Kannada film Goa Dalli CID 999 and Telugu film Bandhavyalu.

Quick Facts Born, Years active ...
Lakshmi
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Lakshmi at Naan Suvasikkum Sivaji book launch in 2015
Born
Yaragudipadi Venkata Mahalakshmi

(1952-12-13) 13 December 1952 (age 72)
Madras, Madras State, India
Years active1968–present
Spouses
  • Bhaskaran
    (m. 1969; div. 1974)
  • (m. 1975; div. 1980)
  • (m. 1987)
Children2, including Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran
Parents
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In 1974, her debut Malayalam film, Chattakari went on to become a blockbuster throughout India. She has acted in over 650 films as confirmed in the popular Kannada TV Show Weekend With Ramesh on Zee Kannada channel. Her performance in Mithunam (2012) is regarded as one of the 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade by Film Companion.[citation needed] Lakshmi then went on to appear in a number of commercially successful films in various languages without a hesitation or diction. She dubs her voice for all of her movies, irrespective of the language and remains one of the very few critically acclaimed stars to achieve this stage.

In a career spanning more than five decades she has won one National Film Award for Best Actress, nine Filmfare Awards South, One Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, Nandi Awards, Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress for the movie Hoovu Hannu, the Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards and various other state awards.

Lakshmi made her Bollywood debut in 1975, with the woman-centric Julie, the remake of Malayalam film Chattakkari. After appearing as a lead actress for more than a decade, she switched over to character roles. She is the only actress who has won the Filmfare Awards South in all four south languages.[2][3][4][5][6][7][excessive citations]

Early life

Lakshmi was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her mother Kumari Rukmini was a Tamil actress.[8] Her father, Yaragudipati Varada Rao, was a Telugu producer, director, thespian, screenwriter, editor and actor known for his works predominantly in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil Cinema.[9]

Career

Summarize
Perspective
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Lakshmi with Syed Sallauddin Pasha at a show

She established herself as a successful and popular actress in South India in the 1970s, acting in all four South Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Lakshmi rose to fame with her first Malayalam movie Chattakari (1974), which won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.[citation needed] This has the distinction of being the first Malayalam film to run continuously for 40 weeks in a Bangalore theatre. Chattakari (1974) was remade in Hindi as Julie (1975) and in Telugu as Miss Julie Prema Katha (1975). In addition to a Filmfare Best Actress Award,[10] she also won the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards for the "most outstanding work of the year", for her work in Julie.[11] She is known for her versatility as an actress and for the glamorous outlook she embodied. Her acting in the Telugu film Panthulamma is often credited as one of her best performances.[12]

After the success of her debut Malayalam film Chattakari, she starred in many other films in Malayalam. She won Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for her performances in Chalanum and Mohiniyaattam.[citation needed]

She is only actress to play daughter, sister, love interest and wife to Sivaji Ganesan even her mother has acted heroine opposite him and has acted with almost all the leading actors and stars of South India, but it was her combination with famous Kannada star Anant Nag in the 70s and 80s that struck a chord with the audience. Nag and Lakshmi are considered one of the all-time greatest pairs in South Indian cinema. They acted together in 10-12 films. Their pair was considered best-looking and the right recipe for success. Some of these films were based on TaRaSu novels and dealt with the life of married middle-class couples.

After her success in Julie, Lakshmi 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 Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1977),[citation needed] becoming one of the first South Indian actresses to win that category for a Tamil film. When her career as a leading lady ended in the 1980s, she started playing supporting roles as a mother and later as grandmother. She played Aishwarya Rai's grandmother in the Tamil musical blockbuster film, Jeans (1998) and Kareena Kapoor's grandmother in the hit film, Hulchul (2004).

She has performed in more than 400 films and has also been involved in politics.[citation needed]

Under K. Balachander's supervision, she made her directorial debut with a remake of Yours, Mine and Ours: the Kannada film Makkala Sainya (1980 Tamil version Mazhalai Pattalam).[13]

Lakshmi is fluent in all four South Indian languages. She took a break from acting to host two talk shows, including the Tamil talk show Achamillai, Achamillai.[citation needed]She hosted a talk show in Kannada for Suvarna channel called Idu Kathe Alla Jeevana.[14] She also hosts a talk show in Tamil for Vijay TV called Kadhai Alla Nijam. She has hosted a talk show in Kannada for Suvarna channel called Neena? Naana? After the shows ended, she returned to act in films. [citation needed]

Currently she is on the judges' panel for the Malayalam reality show Champions on Surya TV. She is also a judge for a Kannada reality show called Drama Juniors on Zee Kannada. She has overall appeared in over 650 films across languages as confirmed on popular Kannada show Weekend with Ramesh on Zee Kannada.

Personal life

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Lakshmi with her daughter, Samyuktha

Lakshmi's first marriage was with Bhaskaran with whom she has a daughter, actress Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran.[15] They later got divorced.

Her second marriage was with co-star Mohan Sharma on the sets of Chattakari (1975) and ended in divorce (1980).

While she was shooting En Uyir Kannamma (1988) she and actor-director M. Sivachandran fell in love and got married (1987). The couple adopted a girl named Samyuktha in 2000.[16]

Awards

National Film Awards

Filmfare Awards

Filmfare Awards South

Cinema Express Awards

Nandi Awards[21]

Karnataka State Film Awards

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

Kerala State Film Awards

Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards

  • 1975 - Most outstanding work of the year for Julie[23]

South India International Movie Awards

  • 2021 – SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Oh! Baby

Notable filmography

Tamil

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi Tamil film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968JeevanaamsamLalitha
1969Kanni Pen
Kaaval DheivamGokila
Annaiyum Pithavum
MannippuBama
Paalkudam
Magane Nee Vazhga
1970Maattukara VelanKamala Nagalingam
Jeevanadi
EthiroliKalpana
Kannan Varuvan
Maanavan
NavagrahamVatchala
Penn DeivamPonnamma's daughter
Veetukku VeeduMalathi
Yaen?Kamala
1971Nootrukku NooruLakshmi
ThangaikagaRadha/Amutha
ThirumagalRadha
ArunodhayamNirmala
Uyir
Kumari KottamUma
Thulli Odum Pulliman
1972Kasethan KadavuladaRama
Aseervatham
Kanimuthu Paappa
Karunthel Kannayiram
Dhikku Theriyadha Kaattil
Puguntha Veedu
Pillaiyo Pillai
AgathiyarKaveri
Ponmagal Vanthal
Idhaya VeenaiNalini
Nawab NarkaliKanchana
Rani Yar Kuzhandhai
Sange MuzhanguLadha
1973Rajaraja CholanPrincess Kundavai
Karaikkal AmmaiyarPunithavathi
ArangetramCameo
Thirumalai DeivamGoddess Padmavati
Prarthanai
Thalai Prasavam
Thedi Vandha LakshmiLakshmi
Vijaya
1974Dikkatra ParvathiParvathiFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Naan AvanillaiSalima
ThirumangalyamLavanya
Akkarai Pachai
Magalukkaga
Kanmani RajaJanaki
Prayachittham
Tiger Thaathachari
1975Swaami AyyappanMohini
Pinju Manam
1976Sila Nerangalil Sila ManithargalGangaNational Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Seervarisai
Unakkaga Naan
Vazhvu En PakkamSaraswathi/Usha
1977Thoondil Meen
Oruvannukku Oruthi
Punitha Anthoniyar
1978Oru Nadigai Natakam ParkiralKalyaniTamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
ThyagamRadha
Achchani
1979Dhairyalakshmi
Nangooram
Vallavan Varugiran
1980PolladhavanSeetha
Avan Aval Adhu
Mazhai Pattalam
1981NetrikanMeenakshi
Kudumbam Oru Koyil
SavaalGanga
Thillu MulluCameo
Vaa Indha Pakkam
1982Nenjangal
1983UnmaigalFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Indru Nee Nalai Naan
Thandikapatta Nyayangal
Nenjodu Nenjam
1984SiraiBhagirathi
Nee Thodumbothu
Nenjathai Allitha
1985Sri RaghavendrarSaraswati Bai
Udhaya GeethamLeela Chowdhry
Anthasthu
Oru Malarin Payanam
Thavam
1986Samsaram Adhu MinsaramUmaCinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Kodai Mazhai
Anandha KanneerParvatham
Enakku Nane Needipathi
Kanmaniye Pesu
Neethana Antha Kuyil
Palaivana RojakkalSurya
1987Sirai Paravai
Kudumbam Oru Koyil
Dampathyam
Evargal Indiyargal
Mupperum Deviyar
Thalidhaanam
1988Kaalaiyum Neeye Maalaiyum Neeye
Paasa ParavaigalMrs. Anandhi Sukumar, Advocate
Adhu Antha Kaalam
En Uyir Kannamma
Kadarkarai Thaagam
Ratha Dhanam
Thambi Thanga KambiGanga (Kaveri)
1989Ore Oru GramathileyGayathri alias Karuppayi
1990Nyayangal JayikkattumSaraswathi
Naanum Indha Ooruthan
1991Maanagara KaavalRupavathy, the Prime Minister of India
RudhraLalitha
1992Jodi Senthachu
Sir... I Love YouVeni
1993Enga ThambiShanthi
1994Athiradi PadaiChithra IAS
KanmaniKanmani's mother
Pattukottai PeriyappaJhansi
1995Periya KudumbamKasthuri
Mr. MadrasMurugan's mother
1996MusthaffaaBhagyalakshmi
Ilamai Rojakkal
1997VallalDurairasu's sister
1998MoovendharSivagami
Veera ThalattuPandian's adopted mother
JeansKrishnaveny Paatty
IniyavalePrabakharan's mother, Lakshmi
Murattu Kadhal
Thalaimurai
1999PadayappaPadayappa's mother
Kannupada PoguthaiyaParvathy
Manam Virumbuthe UnnaiPriya's mother
2000Kakkai SiraginilaeSavithri
RhythmChithra's mother-in-law
VaanavilJayalakshmi I.A.S
SnegithiyeMalathi
2002DhayaMother Sharada
2004Vasool Raja MBBSJanaki's mother
2005AyyaAyyadurai's wife
Kanda Naal MudhalRamani
2007Naan AvanillaiSarada
VelVetrivel's grandmother
2008Karuvarai Pookkal
2009Unnaipol OruvanChief Secretary of Tamil Nadu
2015Moone Moonu VarthaiMalini
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Telugu

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi Telugu film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968BandhavyaluLakshmi
ChuttarikaluLakshmi
1969Karpura HarathiRani
Mahabaludu
1970Mayani MamataLeela
Oke KutumbhamMary
Maa Aavida CollectorAkka garu
1971SuputhruduMadhavi
Nindu DampathuluVani
1972Koduku KodaluJulie
Marapurani Thalli
Abbaigaru Ammaigaru
1973Jeevana TharangaluLavanya
DevudammaLakshmi/RitaDual Role
Palletoori BavaLalitha
Kanna KodukuBharathi
Puttinillu MettinilluRemake of Tamil film Puguntha Veedu (1972)
1974Manushulu Mattibommalu
Andaru DongaleLakshmi
Kode Nagu
Bangaaru KalaluJyothi
1975Ammayila SapathamChithra
Babu
Devudu Chesina Pelli
Vayasochchina Pilla
1976Bangaru ManishiGeetha
1977Eetharam Manishi[24]Saroja Devi
1978PanthulammaSharadaFilmfare Special Award – SouthNandi Award for Best Actress [citation needed]
Mallepoovu
1981Bhavi Powrulu
Pandanti Jeevitham
Chattaniki Kallu LevuInspector Durga
1982Raaga DeepamGowri
Korukunna MoguduParvathi
Bandhalu Anubandhalu
1983Prema Murthulu
Mugguru Monagallu
Poratam
1986Sravana MegaluFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu
Nandi Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Brahma RudruluSujatha
Ravana BrahmaGeeta
1987Ananda Thandavam
1990Ghatana
1992PranadaataKamala
Public Rowdy
Doshi
1993Paruvu PrathishtaParvathi
Nippu RavvaSP
Repati Rowdy[25]Janaki
1994Andaru Andare
Todi KodalliSyamla
O Thandri O Koduku
1995Alluda MajakaVasundhara
Madhya Taragathi Maha Bharatham
1996Ninne PelladataMahalakshmi
1997Abbai Gari Pelli
Aaro Pranam
Super Heroes
Priya O PriyaVasundhara
Muddula MoguduSakunthala Devi
1998Premante IderaMurali's mother
Pelli KanukaGanga
1999Bobbili Vamsam
2001MurariGopakkaNandi Award for Best Character Actress[citation needed]
PreminchuKousalya
Chiranjeevulu
2002Lahiri Lahiri LahiriloAchchamamba
Prudhvi NarayanaLaxmi
2004SakhiyaDurga Devi
2008Chintakayala RaviSeshamba chintakayala
2009EenaduChief SecretaryNominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu[citation needed]
2012MidhunamBuchchi LakshmiNandi Special Jury Award[citation needed]
2015Moodu Mukkallo CheppalanteMalini
2019Oh! BabySavitri/Bebakka/Baby
Manmadhudu 2Sam's mother
Gang LeaderSaraswathi
2023 KushiAradhya's Paternal Grandmother
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Malayalam

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi Malayalam film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1974ChattakariJulieFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
1975PicnicMaala
PrayanamSavithri
SindhuSindhuRemake of Tamil film Puguntha Veedu (1972)
ChattambikkalyaaniKalyani
ChalanumPavizhamFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
Swami AyappanMohini
Chuvanna SandhyakalRagini
RaagamSreedevi
Ullasa Yaathra
1976MohiniyaattamMohiniFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
PonniPonni
Ajayanum VijayanumNandini
Missi-
Priyamvada
Surveykkallu
1977Sneha Yamuna-
AgninakshathramTessy
Mohavum Mukthiyum-
Akshayapaathram-
Kaduvaye Pidicha Kiduva-
Chila Nerangalil Chila Manushyar
1978Iniyum PuzhayozhukumCeleine
Vyaamoham-
Anthonees Punyavaalan
SimhaasanamNarayani
1980RajaneegandhiSumathy
1981Orikkal KoodiDevayani
Anthiveyilile PonnuMaya
Vida Parayum MunpeSudha
1982Sindoora Sandhyakku MounamDeepthi
PadayottamParvathi
Preeyasakhi RadhaRadha
Lady Teacher
GaanamRukmini
1983Thaalam Thettiya TharattuAdv. Rajalakshmi
Karyam NissaramAmmini Kutty
America AmericaRadha
AttakkalasamIndu
BandhamThulasi/Sarasi
AaroodamIndira
Nathi Muthal Nathi VareNaseema
AadhipathyamVilasini
Sandhya VandanamMini
1984Piriyilla NaamLakshmi Menon
Arante Mulla Kochu MullaMaheswariyamma
Aattuvanchi UlanjappolPrameela
Ningalil Oru SthreeRenuka
VepraalamRajalakshmi
1985Choodatha PookalHema
1985Vannu Kandu KeezhadakkiPadmavathi
1988DaisyMalathy Menon
1990Ee Thanutha Veluppan KalathuSreedevi Rosario
KshanakkathuDevaki Nair
1992BharathamRamani
Poochakkaru Mani KettumKunjukuttiyamma
1994Manathe VellitheruYasodhamma
GamanamBhanumathi
Pathavi
2007RaakilipattuMalathy Menon
VeeralipattuHari's grandmother
2009IGDhurga Prasad's Mother
2010PramaniRosy Teacher
2012Bhoomiyude Avakashikal
2014Ormayundo Ee MukhamGautham's grandmother
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Kannada

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi Kannada film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968Goa Dalli CID 999 Veena
1976Naa Ninna Mareyalare Usha
1977Olavu Geluvu Rohini
1978Kiladi Jodi Jenny/ RadhaDual roles
1979Naa Ninna Bidalaare Gayatri
Nanobba Kalla Rukmini
Chandanada Gombe Ratna
1980Dhairyalakshmi Lakshmi
Ravichandra Shanti
1981Antha Sunitha
Bhoomige Banda Bhagavantha Ganga
Avala Hejje Seetha
Gaali Maathu Gowri
Etu Eduretu Pushpa
1982Tony Jyothi
1983Pallavi Anu Pallavi Anu
Makkale Devaru Shanti
Mududida Tavare Aralithu Madhu
Benkiya Bale Rukmini
Nodi Swamy Navirodu Hige AparnaSpecial appearance
Ibbani Karagithu Manasa
1984Makkaliralavva Mane Thumba Usharani
Thaliya Bhagya Radha
Gandu Bherunda Champa
Olavu Moodidaga Bharathi
1985Bidugadeya Bedi Gowri
Brahmastra Tunga
Sedina Hakki Anitha / Gowri
Shwetha Gulabi Special appearance
1986Nannavaru
1987Onde Goodina Hakkigalu Kaveri
Sowbhagya Lakshmi Sowbhagya
Prema Kadambari Seetha
1988Dharma Pathni Lakshmi
Mathru Vathsalaya Seetha / InduDual roles
Nanna Avesha
1989Hosa Kavya Ganga
Bangaarada Baduku
1990Lion Jagapathi Rao Janaki
1991Bombay Daada Viji
1992Gruha Lakshmi Parvati
1993Hoovu Hannu RamabaiFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada[citation needed] Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Kumkuma Bhagya Janaki
Rayara Maga Janaki
Jaga Mechida Huduga Bhavani
Sri Durga Pooje
1994Love 94 Sharada
1995Baalondu Chaduranga
Sathya Jwale
1996Hetthavaru Gowri
1997Maduve Roopa's mother-in-law
1998Preethsod Thappa Mahalakshmi
1999Surya Vamsha Sathyamurthy's wife
2001Amma
Diggajaru
2002Prema Prema's mother
2007Hethare Hennanne Herabeku
2008Vamshi Vamshi's motherKarnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress[citation needed]
2009Buddhivantha Pooja's mother
2010Jothegara Annapoorna
2015Sharp Shooter
Vamshodharaka
2017Eradane Sala Dhanu's mother
Saheba
2022Trikona Parvati
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Hindi

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi Hindi film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1975JulieJulieFilmfare Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
1977Jeevan Mukt
CharandasLalli
1979Aangan Ki KaliSunita
1981Kahani Ek Chor KiGeeta
2004HulchulLaxmi Devi
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TV serials

  • Adutha Veetu Kavithai
  • Nallathor Veenai
  • Mahalakshmi

Web series

More information Year, Title ...
List of Lakshmi web series credits
Year Title Role Language Channel Notes
2023 Sweet Kaaram Coffee Sundari Tamil Amazon Prime Video
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TV shows

  • Kannadada Kotyadhipati as Contestant (Kannada)
  • Kadhai Alla Nijam reality show in Vijay TV (Tamil)
  • Neena Naana as Host (Kannada)
  • Champions as Judge (Kannada)
  • Drama Juniors as Judge (Kannada)
  • Kathe Alla Jeevana (Kannada)

References

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