Pandari Bai (1930 – January 29, 2003) was a prominent heroine of South Indian languages films mostly in Kannada and Tamil

Tamil language

Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...

 during the 1950s and 60s. She has the distinction of having acted as both heroine and mother to stalwarts such as Dr. Rajkumar and Sivaji Ganesan

Sivaji Ganesan

Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...

. She was the heroine in Dr Rajkumar's debut movie Bedara Kannappa and also Sivaji's debut movie Parasakthi.

Early life and education

Born in Bhatkal

Bhatkal

Bhatkal is also known as Batecala in some historical text especially in Portuguese history.Once ruled by Jain King Bhattakalanka and thus the name. Bhatkal is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India 126 km from Karwar. The town lies on NH-17 running between Mumbai and Mangalore...

, Karnataka

Karnataka

Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

, in present Uttara Kannada

Uttara Kannada

Uttara Kannada also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the...

, into an orthodox yet artistic Brahmin

Brahmin

Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...

 family, where her father was a drawing master and a Harikatha

Harikatha

Harikatha , otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu religious discourse, also known as Katha storytelling format, in which the story teller explores a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.Harikatha is a composite art form composed of story...

 exponent, and also a stage actor. He taught her the art of Harikatha, thus even before she was ten year old, Pandari started giving Harikatha performances.

Career

She had acted in a thousand five hundred films in several languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu

Telugu language

Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...

, and Hindi

Hindi languages

The Hindi languages, also known as Madhya and the Central Zone of the Indo-Aryan languages, is a subset of the varieties of Hindi spoken across northern India that descend from the Madhya prakrits, and includes the official languages of India and Pakistan, Hindi and Urdu...

 and enjoyed a long career span of nearly half a century. She had played lead roles in many movies with success and then switched over to character roles. Besides being attractive, she had a glowing inner beauty and a distinctive affectionate air about her which made her an ideal screen mother. Her soft looks and dialogue delivery also added luster and depth to such roles.

In her later career, she played the mother of stars older than she and with most of whom she had played the lead in her earlier years. She also played as mother to actors like M. G. Ramachandran

M. G. Ramachandran

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran , popularly known by his initials , was an Indian film actor, director, producer and politician....

 in Tamil and Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna is an Indian actor of from Hindi films, and has been Hindi film producer and an Indian politician....

 in Hindi in the 1970s.

Pandari Bai also acted in a couple of Kannada TV serials Amma and Manethana (1998–2000). Both of them were produced by her sister Mynavathy's company Yantra Media.

Filmography

This is partial filmography of Pandari Bai. Kindly help expand it.

Year	Title of the film	Language	Role
1943	Vani
1944	Haridas Haridas (1944 film) Haridas is a 1944 Tamil language film directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni and starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. It holds the record of being the first film to run continuously for 110 weeks at a single theatre.-Production:...	Tamil
1947	Bhakta Gora Kumbhara
1949	Bahar Bahar (film) The film's soundtrack was composed by S. D. Burman while the lyrics was penned by Rajendra Krishan. Almost all the songs was a chartbusters and the album proved to be successful for music director S. D. Burman who previously taste success through Shabnam. Bahar also one of the rare soundtrack where...	Hindi	Malti
1950	Raja Vikrama
1951	Ek Tha Raja
	Marmayogi Marmayogi (1951 film) Marmayogi is a 1951 Tamil film directed by K. Ramnoth and starring M. G. Ramachandran and M. N. Nambiar. The screen play was written by A. S. A. Sami based on a Marie Corelli novel. This film cemented the onscreen image of MGR as a social rebel and fighter for justice. It was also made in Hindi ...	Tamil
1952	Parasakthi Parasakthi (1952 film) Parasakthi was a 1952 Tamil film starring Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, S. S. Rajendran, S. V. Sahasranamam and Sriranjani. It was directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju and produced by AVM. The dialogues for the film were penned by writer M...	Tamil
1953	Gumasta
	Gunasagari
	Pardesi
	Poongothai
	Thirumbi Paar
1954	Andha Naal Andha Naal Andha Naal is a 1954 Tamil crime mystery film directed by Veenai S. Balachander. It is arguably the first film-noir in Tamil cinema and is the first Tamil film to be made without songs. The film was inspired by the 1950 Akira Kurosawa film Rashômon...	Tamil	Usha, wife of Rajan
	Bedara Kannappa	Kannada
	Manohara Manohara Manohara is the Kinnari heroine of the Jataka Tale story of Prince Sudhana and Manohara. The legend appears in the Divyavadana and is documented by stone reliefs at Borobodur.This story is famous in Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia...
1955	Sodari
	Bhakta Mallikarjuna
	Sant Sakhu
	Vadina Vadina Vadina is a 1955 Telugu Drama film directed by M. V. Raman and produced by A. V. Meiyappan under the banner of A. V. M. Productions.-Cast:* B...	Telugu
1956	Bhakta Vijaya
	Hari Bhakta
	Kula Deivam
	Renuka Mahatme
1957	Bhabhi Bhabhi (1957 film) Bhabhi is 1957 Hindi urdu film directed by R Krishnan Raju and S Panju for AVM Productions. The film stars Balraj Sahni, South Indian actress Pandari Bai, Nanda in pivotal roles....	Hindi	Shanta
	Rayaran Sose
	Sati Nalayini
1958	Anbu Engay
	Panchayat
1959	Alli Petra Pullai
	Aval Yar
	Chand
	Abba aaa Hudugi
	Engal Kula Daivi
	Grihalakshmi Grihalakshmi Gruhalakshmi was a 1938 Telugu film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. It was the maiden film for Rohini Pictures and Chittor V. Nagaiah. The film was adaptation of the popular stage play Rangoon Rowdy written by Somaraju Ramanuja Rao.-The plot:The social film is about a decadent dancer,...
	Naalu Veli Neelam
	Nattukoru Nallavan
	Paigham Paigham Paigham is a 1959 Hindi movie produced and directed by S S Vassan. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Raaj Kumar, Saroja Devi, Motilal and Johnny Walker. The films music is by C. Ramachandra. This was the first time Dilip and Raaj Kumar appeared in a film together. They later appeared...	Hindi	Parvati Ratan Lal
	Pathirai Matru Thangam
1960	Anbukkor Anni
	Bhakta Shabari
	Irumbu Thirai Irumbu Thirai Irumbu Thirai is a 1960 Black-and-white Mondo film Tamil film written by produced and directed by S. S. Vasan. The film stars Shivaji Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala in the lead with K. A. Thangavelu, Saroja Devi, S. V. Ranga Rao, Pandari Bai and Vasundhara Devi as the ensemble cast of the film. The...	Tamil
	Ivan Avanethan
	Kurvanji
	Pavai Vilakku
	Raja Bhakti	Tamil	Princess Devasena
	Thanthaikupin Thamayan
1965	C.I.D. C.I.D. (1965 film) C.I.D. is a 1965 Telugu Drama film directed by Tapi Chanakya and produced by Vijaya Pictures.Nataratna N. T. Rama Rao portrayed the C.I.D. Ravi character effectively. There are some melodious songs by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao.-The plot:...	Telugu	Parvathi

• Mahashakti Maye (1994)
• Manikantana Mahime (1993)
• Mannan
  Mannan (film)
  Mannan is a 1992 Indian Tamil language film starring Rajinikanth, Kushboo, Manorama, Pandari Bai, Goundamani, Vijayashanti and Visu. The film is a remake of the 1986 hit Kannada film Anuraaga Aralidhu starring Rajkumar.-Cast:*Rajinikanth as Krishnan...
  
   (1992)
• Ramrajyadalli Rakshasaru (1990)
• Andha Oru Nimidam (1985)
• Arthamulla Asaigal (1985)
• Hosa Neeru (1985)
• Jhansi Rani (1985)
• Mel Maruvathur Adi Parasakthi (1985)
• Nyayada Kannu (1985)
• Pudhu Yugam (1985)
• Ragile Gundelu (Telugu, 1985)
• Sree Raaghavendar (1985)
• Amayakudu Kadu Aggi Bharothalu (1984)
• Idhey Naa Savaal (1984)
• Naga Bhairava (1984)
• Vasantha Geetam (1984)
• Vetri (1984)
• Adadani Saval (1983)
• Amarajeevi (1983)
• Amayakudu Kadhu Asadhyudu (Telugu, 1983)
• Dharma Poratam (Telugu, 1983)
• Ennai Paar Enn Azhagai Paar (1983)
• Kaliyuga Daivam (1983)
• Koteeshwarudu (1983)
• Lalitha (1983)
• Malargalile Aval Malligal (1983)
• Mayagadu (Telugu, 1983)
• Palletoori Pidugu (Telugu, 1983)
• Pralaya Garjanai (1983)
• Raagangal Maruvathillai (1983)
• Raghu Ramudu (1983)
• Saatchi (1983)
• Sasthi Viratam (1983)
• Shri Ranganeethulu (1983)
• Vellai Roja (1983)
• Thyagi (1982)
• Radha My Darling (1982)
• Ajit (1982)
• Chelisuva Modagalu (1982)
• Kalavari Samsaram (1982)
• Vayyari Bhamulu Vagalamari Bhartulu (1982)
• Chettaniki Kallu Levu (1981)
• Yeh Rishta Na Tootay (1981)
• Antha (1981)
• Chhaya (1981)
• Daari Thappinete Manishi (1981)
• Kanneer Pookal (1981)
• Keralida Simha (1981)
• Main Aur Mera Haathi (1981)
• Oru Iravu Oru Paravai (1981)
• Ramakrishnamanulu (1981)
• Rama Lakshman (1981)
• Sathyam Sundaram (1981)
• Taxi Driver (1981)
• Jyoti Bane Jwala (1980)
• Kottapeta Rowdy (1980)
• Bangaru Lakshmi (1980)
• Dharma Chakram
  Dharma Chakram
  Dharma Chakram is a 1996 Tollywood film directed by Suresh Krishna and produced by D. Ramanaidu on Suresh Productions. This film starred Venkatesh in the lead role, Ramya Krishnan as his love interest, and Girish Karnad as the father and the antagonist....
  
   (1980)
• Gajadonga (1980)
• Guru
  Guru
  A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
  
   (1980)
• Hema Hemeelu (1980)
• Mother (1980)
• Mr. Rajanikant (1980)
• Naan Potta Savaal
  Naan Potta Savaal
  Naan Potta Savaal is a Tamil film is directed by Puratchchi Dasan. In English, the title means "The challenge I took".The film was a commercial failure grossing $10,000 at the box office.- Soundtrack :Lyrics for the songs were written by Puratchchi Dasan...
  
   (Tamil, 1980)
• Pennukku Yar Kaval (1980)
• Rama Parashurama (1980)
• Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980)
• Superman
  Superman
  Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
  
   (1980)
• Triloka Sundari (1980)
• Trilok Sundari (1980)
• Yamanukku Yaman (1980)
• Lok Parlok
  Lok Parlok
  Lok Parlok is a 1979 Bollywood action film directed by Rama Rao Tatineni. It is remake of the blockbuster Telugu film Yamagola , which also starred Jayaprada.-Cast:*Jeetendra – Shyam/Ram Ghulam*Jayapradha – Savitri...
  
   (Hindi, 1979)
• Laxmi Pooja (1979)
• Burripalem Bullodu (1979)
• Dongalaku Saval (1979)
• Kadamai Nenjam (1979)
• Khiladi Krishnudu (1979)
• Naan Vaazha Vaippen (1979)
• Priya Bandhavi (1979)
• Sankhu Teertham (1979)
• Shringara Ramudu (1979)
• Vetagadu (Telugu, 1979)
• Bandhipotu Mutha (1978)
• Chadurangam (1978)
• Devadasi (1978)
• Dongala Veta (1978)
• Dudubasavanna (1978)
• Kalanthakulu (1978)
• Kamatchiyin Karunai (1978)
• Kumkumam Kadhai Solgiradhu (1978)
• Lambadolla Ramadasu (Telugu, 1978)
• Lawyer Vishwanath (Telugu, 1978)
• Makkal Kural (1978)
• Moodu Puvvulu Aaru Kayalu (1978)
• Nindu Manishi (1978)
• Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam (1978)
• Prema Chesina Pelli (1978)
• Sahasavantudu (1978)
• Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi
  Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi
  Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi is a 1978 Telugu-language Indian feature film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, starring Kamal Haasan in a dual role for the first time in his career.-Plot:...
  
   (Telugu, 1978)
• Swargaseema (1978)
• Swarg Narak
  Swarg Narak
  Swarg Narak is a 1978 Hindi movie produced by B.Nagi Reddy and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. This family and comedy drama stars Sanjeev Kumar, Jeetendra, Vinod Mehra, Moushumi Chatterjee, Shabana Azmi...
  
   (1978)
• Taxi Driver (1978)
• Unakkum Vazhvu Varum (1978)
• Vazhthungal (1978)

• Aarupushpangal (1977)
• Dongalaku Donga (1977)
• Eenati Bandham Yenatido (1977)
• Geetha Sangeetha (1977)
• Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga (1977)
• Maa Iddari Katha (1977)
• Manavadi Kosam (1977)
• Oke Raktham (1977)
• Palabhisekham (1977)
• Punitha Anthoniar (1977)
• Punniyam Seithaval (1977)
• Seeta Rama Vanavasam (Telugu, 1977)
• Thaliya Salangaiya (1977)
• Thani Kudithanam (1977)
• Uyarnthavargal (1977)
• Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam (1976)
• America Ammayi
  America Ammayi
  America Ammayi is a 1976 Telugu film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The movie is film based on the story of Telugu cultural greatness in comparison to the western culture. French dancer Anne Chaymotty later became Devayani acted in the main role. She was learning Kuchipudi dance from Vempati...
  
   (Telugu, 1976)
• Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu (1976)
• Avan Oru Charitram (1976)
• Badra Kali (1976)
• Bangaru Manishi (1976)
• Etharkum Thuninthavan (1976)
• Kaenelum Collectorum (1976)
• Lalitha (1976)
• Maa Daivam (1976)
• Mugiyada Kathe (1976)
• Muthana Muthallava (1976)
• Muthyala Pallaki (1976)
• Neram Nadhikadu Akalidi (1976)
• Perum Pukazhum (1976)
• Raju Vedale (1976)
• Seetamma Santhanam (1976)
• Swami Drohulu (1976)
• Uthaman (1976)
• Uzhaikum Karangal (1976)
• Anna Dammula Katha (1975)
• Asthi Kosam (1975)
• Doctor Siva (1975)
• Idhayakkani (1975)
• Katha Nayakuni Katha (1975)
• Moguda Pellamma (1975)
• Padmaragam (1975)
• Pallandhu Vazhga (1975)
• Pattikkaattu Raja
  Pattikkaattu Raja
  Pattikkaattu Raja is a Tamil language film starring Sivakumar in the title role. Kamal Haasan, Jayachitra and Jayasudha also portray important roles....
  
   (1975
• Puttinti Gauravam (1975)
• Raktha Sambandhalu (1975)
• Ramuni Minchina Ramudu (1975)
• Santhanam Saubhagyam (1975)
• Thota Ramudu (1975)
• Alluri Seetharama Raju
  Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974 film)
  Alluri Seetharama Raju is a super hit, historical Telugu cinema based on the life of Indian freedom fighter Alluri Sitaramaraju and produced by Padmalaya Studios. It is the 100th film of Ghattamaneni Krishna. The film is directed by V. Ramachandra Rao and written by Maharadhi Tripuraneni...
  
   (Telugu, 1974)
• Avalum Penn Dhaney (1974)
• Devadasu
  Devadasu
  Devadasu is a Tollywood film that released on 11 January 2006 and was directed and produced by YVS Chowdary. Debutants Ram and Ileana D'Cruz play the main leads while Sayaji Shinde plays the negative role. Telugu actress Shriya Saran sizzles the audience with an item number...
  
   (1974)
• Gumastavin Magal (1974)
• Janma Rahasyam (1974)
• Krishnaveni
  Krishnaveni
  Krishnaveni or Krishna Veni may mean:* Krishna River, third biggest river in India. Veni means braid of hair in Sanskrit.* Krishnaveni, a famous Telugu actress, singer and producer....
  
   (1974)
• Netru Indru Nalai (1974)
• Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu (1974)
• Paadha Poojai (1974)
• Peddalu Marali (1974)
• Ramaiah Thandri (1974)
• Thayi Pirandhal (1974)
• Thirumangalyam (1974)
• Gauravam (1973)
• Hemareddy Mallamma (1973)
• Nee Ulla Varai (1973)
• Neramu Siksha (1973)
• Annamitta Kai (1972)
• Aval (1972)
• Bandagi (1972)
• Daiva Sankalpam (1972)
• Dhakam (1972)
• Apna Desh
  Apna Desh
  Apna Desh is a 1972 Hindi movie. Produced by T.M. Kittu and A. V. Subramaniam and directed by Jambu. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz, Om Prakash, Jagdeep, Mukkamala, Madan Puri and the uncredited Roja Ramani, who plays Rajesh Khanna's niece Sharda. The films music is by R. D. Burman. ...
  
  (1972)
• Hridayasangama (1972)
• Kodalu Pilla (1972)
• Marapurani Talli (1972)
• Mathru Murthi (1972)
• Nijam Nirupistha (1972)
• Pandanti Kapuram (1972)
• Ranganna Sabatham (1972)
• Rivaaj (1972)
• Shehzada
  Shehzada
  Shehzada is a 1972 Bollywood drama film directed by K. Shankar, set during the British Raj. The film stars Rajesh Khanna and Rakhee Gulzar.-Cast:*Rajesh Khanna ... Rajesh*Rakhee Gulzar ... Chanda*Veena ... Rajlaxmi*Karan Dewan ... Ratan...
  
   (1972)
• Thavaputhalvan (1972)
• Vasantha Maligai (1972)
• Rakhwala
  Rakhwala
  Rakhwala is a 1971 Bollywood musical film directed by Adurthi Subba Rao.-Cast:*Dharmendra ... Deepak Kumar*Leena Chandavarkar ... Chandni*Vinod Khanna ... Shyam*Madan Puri ... Boxing Chairman Jwalaprasad*Jagdeep ... Gopi...
  
   (1971)
• Anugraha (1971)
• Bandhavya (1971)
• Bhale Rani (1971)
• Ganga Tera Pani Amrit (1971)
• Mahadimane (1971)
• Namma Baduku (1971)
• Pratidhwani (1971)
• Sampoorna Ramayanam
  Sampoorna Ramayanam
  Sampoorna Ramayanam is a 1971 Telugu mythological film directed by Bapu. It is based on the Valmiki Ramayanam. It is a commercial hit film with artistic picturisation and good songs particularly Ramaya Tandri.-Story:...
  
   (1971)

• Aparajithe (1970)
• Bhale Jodi (1970)
• Muru Muttugalu (1970)
• Bhagirathi (1969)
• Chowkada Deepa (1969)
• Gejje Pooje (1969)
• Madhura Milana (1969)
• Manashanti (1969)
• Namma Makkalu (1969)
• Deiva Magan (1969)
• Nam Naadu (1969)
• Nanha Farishta (1969)
• Odahuttidavaru (1969)
• Suvarnabhoomi (1969)
• Amma (1968)
• Anbu Vazhi (1968)
• Palamanasulu (1968)
• Pudhiya Bhoomi (1968)
• Raaz (1967 film)
  Raaz (1967 film)
  Raaz is a 1967 Hindi movie directed by Ravindra Dave. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Babita, I. S. Johar and Asit Sen. The films music is by Kalyanji Anandji. Rajesh Khanna and Babita are introduced in this film.The film was critically acclaimed and was given 5 stars in Bollywood guide Collections...
  
   (1967)
• Anuradha (1967)
• Penn Entral Penn (1967)
• Premalopramadam (1967)
• Punyavati (1967)
• Shri Purandaradasaru (1967)
• Belli Moda
  Belli Moda
  Belli moda is a 1966 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal. Belli moda literally means silver cloud. It was based on the novel Belli Moda, written by acclaimed writer Thriveni.-Plot:...
  
   (1967)
• Laadla (1966)
• Motor Sundaram Pillai (1966)
• Nadu Iravil (1966)
• Sandhya Raga (1966)
• Shri Kannika Parameshwari Kathe (1966)
• Bettada Huli (1965)
• Chandrahasa
  Chandrahasa
  Chandrahasa was the king of Kuntala kingdom which roughly consisted of parts of north of present day Karnataka and south of Maharashtra, India, including Gokarna region. Sometimes a overlapping region Gorashtra is mentioned to be part of Kuntala. The story of Chandrahasa is mentioned in...
  
   (1965/II)
• Maha Sathi (1965)
• Mahasati Ansuya (1965)
• Satya Harishchandra
  Satya Harishchandra (Telugu film)
  Satya Harishchandra is a Telugu mythological film, based on the story of Raja Harishchandra who was renowned for upholding truth under any circumstance. Mahatma Gandhi's life was very much influenced by Raja Satya Harishchandra stories...
  
   (1965)
• Annapurna
  Annapurna
  Annapurna is a section of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes Annapurna I, thirteen additional peaks over and 16 more over ....
  
   (1964)
• Muriyada Mane (1964)
• Navajeevana (1964)
• Pathiye Daiva (1964)
• Pratigne (1964)
• Shree Guruvayoorappan (1964)
• Sant Tukaram (1963)
• Shri Ramanjaneya Yuddha (1963)
• Sri Sivarathri (1963)
• Indra En Selvam (1962)
• Punithavathi (1962)
• Tejaswini (1962)

External links