Seema (actress)
Encyclopedia
Seema is an India
n actress. She has performed in approximately 250 films in Malayalam, nine in Tamil
, seven in Telugu
, three in Kannada and one in Hindi. Seema is still active in the movie industry.
She began her career in Tamil film at fourteen as a dancer. At the age of 19, she starred as the heroine in her first movie in Malayalam titled Avalude Ravukal
(Her Nights), directed by I. V. Sasi
. She continued acting till 1988 when she took a break after the Malayalam movie Mahayaanam. Seema became active again in 1998 in Olympiyan Anthony Adam
. Seema won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress
in 1984 and in 1985, and is known for her versatility.
Seema is married to I. V. Sasi
, the veteran South Indian director, with whom she has a daughter and son.
She entered the movies at age 14 as a normal group dancer, under dance master Chopra. Later, she became a dance master and worked in the film industry as a composer and dancer for almost five years. At the age of 17, she was asked to act in a Kannada movie as a second heroine with Kannada actor Ambarish. I. V. Sasi
spotted her and gave her the opportunity to act in his film Avalude Raavukal (Her Nights) as the heroine, which was released on 3 March 1978. The movie, with Sherif's script and I. V. Sasi's direction, created waves among Malayali audiences because of its soft porn nature and its challenging subject. Seema's extra glamourous attire in the movie created ripples among the Malayali youth and she became an instant hit among the youth.
During that time, the Malayalam film industry was ruled by actresses Sheela
, Sharada
, Jayabharathi
, K. R. Vijaya
, and Srividya
. Seema received roles from many directors. Things changed when her movies with the star Jayan
proved popular. The Jayan and Seema pair attracted people to theatres. This made her an independent heroine in films such as Angaadi, Kaanthavalayam, Sakthi, Manushyamrugam, Benz Vasu, Meen, Karimpana, Thadavara, and Anupallavi. The hit pair acted together for eighteen movies in a very short span of time, but the unexpected demise of Jayan ended the partnership.
She also branched out to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She was Rajinikanth's heroine in films like Kaali
and Ellam Un Kairasi
.
Directors wanted to find another star to fill the gap left by Jayan. Many movies were planned for Jayan, such as Sphodanam directed by P. G. Viswambaran
. He gave the chance to Mammooty to take the role of Jayan. Later Ratheesh came, also paired with Seema.
. He chose Seema to play the character of Dr. Bala even though the readers preferred Lakshmi
for the role. The movie was released under the name Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
with Mammootty
as a negative hero and Mohanlal
as the villain. The movie was a hit and it changed Seema's image; she proved she could handle character type roles and she received many serious good characters of Malayalam cinema. The Mammooty-Seema pair become very popular through this movie.
, ranging from a bold heroine in the movie Naanayam to a pathetic mother in Rugma. She did comedy in Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi and played a villain in Oru Sumangaliyude Kadha. She performed as a jobless widow with a child in Anubandham, while portraying a vengeful widow in Athiraathram.
, Jayan
and Ratheesh
most often but she co-starred with a number of actors and actresses. Above all, she shared a special affection with Sreevidya. Seema used to call her Vidya Chechi. Sreevidya helped Seema discover nuances in make-up and hair styles. Seema has mentioned that Sreevidya would personally sit up and plait Seema's long hair whenever they acted or travelled together for a shooting.
but with many other directors as well.
, Swapna
, and Sumalatha
.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n actress. She has performed in approximately 250 films in Malayalam, nine in Tamil
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
, seven in Telugu
Telugu cinema
The Cinema of Andhra Pradesh, also referred to as Telugu Cinema or Tollywood, is the Telugu film industry in India. The Telugu language film industry is known for being one of the three largest in terms of no.of films produced yearly in India. The Prasads IMAX theatre in Hyderabad is one of the...
, three in Kannada and one in Hindi. Seema is still active in the movie industry.
She began her career in Tamil film at fourteen as a dancer. At the age of 19, she starred as the heroine in her first movie in Malayalam titled Avalude Ravukal
Avalude Ravukal
Avalude Ravukal is a Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi, released in 1978. The film explores the life of a teenage prostitute and those of the people around her.- Cast :* Seema* Ravi Kumar* Soman* Sukumaran* Thoppil Bhasi* Bahadoor...
(Her Nights), directed by I. V. Sasi
I. V. Sasi
Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, better known as I. V. Sasi, is a Malayali Indian film director who is known for his films of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He has directed about 150 films in various South Indian languages and Hindi. He is known as the "veteran" or the "guru" filmmaker in Malayalam...
. She continued acting till 1988 when she took a break after the Malayalam movie Mahayaanam. Seema became active again in 1998 in Olympiyan Anthony Adam
Olympiyan Anthony Adam
Olympiyan Anthony Adam is a 1999 high budget Malayalam film directed by Bhadran starring Mohanlal and Meena in the lead roles.-Plot:Antony Vargheese Olympiyan Anthony Adam is a 1999 high budget Malayalam film directed by Bhadran starring Mohanlal and Meena in the lead roles.-Plot:Antony Vargheese...
. Seema won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress
The Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress winners:-References:**...
in 1984 and in 1985, and is known for her versatility.
Seema is married to I. V. Sasi
I. V. Sasi
Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, better known as I. V. Sasi, is a Malayali Indian film director who is known for his films of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He has directed about 150 films in various South Indian languages and Hindi. He is known as the "veteran" or the "guru" filmmaker in Malayalam...
, the veteran South Indian director, with whom she has a daughter and son.
Early life and career
Seema was born in 1957 as an only child. At the age of twelve, she learned to dance from Kamal Hassan, who was the assistant of her dance master, Thankappan.She entered the movies at age 14 as a normal group dancer, under dance master Chopra. Later, she became a dance master and worked in the film industry as a composer and dancer for almost five years. At the age of 17, she was asked to act in a Kannada movie as a second heroine with Kannada actor Ambarish. I. V. Sasi
I. V. Sasi
Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, better known as I. V. Sasi, is a Malayali Indian film director who is known for his films of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He has directed about 150 films in various South Indian languages and Hindi. He is known as the "veteran" or the "guru" filmmaker in Malayalam...
spotted her and gave her the opportunity to act in his film Avalude Raavukal (Her Nights) as the heroine, which was released on 3 March 1978. The movie, with Sherif's script and I. V. Sasi's direction, created waves among Malayali audiences because of its soft porn nature and its challenging subject. Seema's extra glamourous attire in the movie created ripples among the Malayali youth and she became an instant hit among the youth.
During that time, the Malayalam film industry was ruled by actresses Sheela
Sheela
Sheela ), is a Malayalam film actress from India. She, along with Prem Nazir, holds the world record for acting in the largest number of films together as heroine and hero. In 2005 she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Malayalam film Akale. She has also...
, Sharada
Sharada (actress)
Sharada is a three time national award winning South Indian actress and Indian Parliament member. She originally hails from Andhra Pradesh. She has achieved success through Malayalam movies. Initially she did many supporting roles in Telugu films and later on moved to Malayalam film industry and...
, Jayabharathi
Jayabharathi
Jayabharathi is a popular Malayalam film actress who started her career in late 1960s. She is a two-time winner of the Kerala State Film Award for best actress....
, K. R. Vijaya
K. R. Vijaya
K. R. Vijaya is a popular Indian actress who has starred in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. She started her career in the 1960s. She has been acting for more than four decades now in South Indian cinema. K. R...
, and Srividya
Srividya
Srividya was a leading Indian film actress of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s in the Tamil film Industry, in addition to being a good singer. In the latter part of her career, she concentrated on Malayalam films. Her brilliant portrayals as a mother in many films were highly acclaimed....
. Seema received roles from many directors. Things changed when her movies with the star Jayan
Jayan
Krishnan Nair , better known by his stage name Jayan , was an Indian film actor, former sailor, stunt performer and 1970s style icon. He worked in Malayalam cinema, a sector of the Indian movie industry...
proved popular. The Jayan and Seema pair attracted people to theatres. This made her an independent heroine in films such as Angaadi, Kaanthavalayam, Sakthi, Manushyamrugam, Benz Vasu, Meen, Karimpana, Thadavara, and Anupallavi. The hit pair acted together for eighteen movies in a very short span of time, but the unexpected demise of Jayan ended the partnership.
She also branched out to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She was Rajinikanth's heroine in films like Kaali
Kaali (film)
Kaali is a Tamil film directed I. V. Sasi in 1980. It Stars Rajinikanth in the lead role. Vijayakumar plays a prominent role. Seema and Phataphat Jayalaxmi play the respective female leads. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Kaali. Rajinikanth played the lead role while Chiranjeevi replaced...
and Ellam Un Kairasi
Ellam Un Kairasi
-Plot:Major Sundarrajan is a smuggler; Rajini is a mechanic. Incidentally Major Sundarrajan is the father of Rajini, which he gets to know only in the climax. Meanwhile they have lots of conflicts and fights, which is the so-called story of the movie. Also there Seema, who is the heroine. And...
.
Directors wanted to find another star to fill the gap left by Jayan. Many movies were planned for Jayan, such as Sphodanam directed by P. G. Viswambaran
P. G. Viswambaran
P. G. Viswambharan was an Indian film director who worked in Malayalam cinema. Viswambharan directed 63 Malayalam films, in a career spanning close to four decades.- Career :...
. He gave the chance to Mammooty to take the role of Jayan. Later Ratheesh came, also paired with Seema.
Milestone
Director P. G. Viswambharan decided to direct a movie based on a novel serialized in the popular Indian magazine VanithaVanitha
Vanitha is an Indian magazine published fortnightly by the Malayala Manorama group. Although its name translates to "woman" in Malayalam, it includes articles on a variety of topics, and is not strictly a women's magazine. Published in Malayalam and Hindi, it is the largest selling magazine in...
. He chose Seema to play the character of Dr. Bala even though the readers preferred Lakshmi
Lakshmi (actress)
Lakshmi Narayan is an Indian National Film Award winning actress who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Lakshmi has acted in more than 300 films in all south Indian languages apart from few in Bollywood. She has won a Filmfare Best Actress Award and eight Filmfare Awards South.-Early...
for the role. The movie was released under the name Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu is a 1983 Malayalam film written by Thoppil Bhasi and directed by P. G. Viswambharan. Seema, Mammootty, Adoor Bhasi, Shankar and Mohanlal play the major roles.-Plot:...
with Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
as a negative hero and Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
as the villain. The movie was a hit and it changed Seema's image; she proved she could handle character type roles and she received many serious good characters of Malayalam cinema. The Mammooty-Seema pair become very popular through this movie.
Versatility
Seema played many characters created by writer M. T. Vasudevan NairM. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
, ranging from a bold heroine in the movie Naanayam to a pathetic mother in Rugma. She did comedy in Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi and played a villain in Oru Sumangaliyude Kadha. She performed as a jobless widow with a child in Anubandham, while portraying a vengeful widow in Athiraathram.
Heroes and co-actresses
She played opposite MammoottyMammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
, Jayan
Jayan
Krishnan Nair , better known by his stage name Jayan , was an Indian film actor, former sailor, stunt performer and 1970s style icon. He worked in Malayalam cinema, a sector of the Indian movie industry...
and Ratheesh
Ratheesh
Ratheesh was a Indian film actor. He was a native of Kalavoor in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. He had acted in One Hundred Fifty Eight Films majority with directors like I.V.Sasi,Joshy,P.G.Vishwambharan,Thampy KannamThanam,Shaji Kailas etc...Ratheesh started his career in the Malayalam...
most often but she co-starred with a number of actors and actresses. Above all, she shared a special affection with Sreevidya. Seema used to call her Vidya Chechi. Sreevidya helped Seema discover nuances in make-up and hair styles. Seema has mentioned that Sreevidya would personally sit up and plait Seema's long hair whenever they acted or travelled together for a shooting.
Directors
Seema worked primarily with I.V. Sasi and SasikumarSasikumar
J. Sasikumar is an Indian film director who worked in Malayalam movies. He was born in Allappuzha in Kerala. He directed more than 100 movies in his film career which began in the mid 1960s.-Filmography:*Thommantae Makkal *Porter Kunjali...
but with many other directors as well.
The voice behind Seema
Until 1988, with the exception of two movies, Avalude Raavukal and Adavukal Pathinettu, all Seema's characters were dubbed by Kottayam Shantha at Seema's request. Kottayam Shantha also dubbed for other actresses like LakshmiLakshmi (actress)
Lakshmi Narayan is an Indian National Film Award winning actress who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Lakshmi has acted in more than 300 films in all south Indian languages apart from few in Bollywood. She has won a Filmfare Best Actress Award and eight Filmfare Awards South.-Early...
, Swapna
Swapna (actress)
Swapna is a yesteryear actress of South Indian origin who also acted in a few Bollywood films in 80s and early 90s.Swapna began her career with the Bharathi Raja-directed Kamal Haasan-starring "Tik Tik Tik" and thereafter acted in several Tamil/Telugu/Malayalam language movies...
, and Sumalatha
Sumalatha
Sumalatha is a popular Indian film actress. She has acted in more than 200 films in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi movies.-Early life:...
.
Filmography
- Vella Thooval (2009)
- Pudhiye Vaarpugal (2008)
- Perumaal (2008)
- AayudhamAayudhamAayudham is a love-drama Tamil language movie directed by the Tamil Director Senthil Kumar. It stars Prashanth and Sneha in the lead roles. It did reasonable business at the box-office.-Sound Track:1. Aalahala visham...
(2008) - KaalaiKaalaiKaalai is an Action Tamil film directed by Tharun Gopi. The film stars Silambarasan in the lead role with Vedhika, Sangeetha, Nila and Seema in supporting roles. Previously the original lead cast, Madhavan had dropped out of the project, as did Trisha Krishnan. The film's score and soundtrack are...
(2008) - Nagaram (2007)
- Pranayakaalam (2007)
- PrajapathiPrajapathiPrajapathi is a Malayalam movie directed by Ranjith. The film has Mammootty in the lead role with Kannada actress Aditi Rao Hydari doing the female lead. Sandhya is also in the cast. The music is by Tej Manoj and lyrics are by Girish Puthencherry...
(2006) - Udayam (2004)
- Kilichundan MampazhamKilichundan MampazhamKilichundan Mampazham is a Family Entertainer. The film was directed by Priyadarshan. It features Mohanlal, Soundarya, Sreenivasan, Salim Kumar. The story is written by Sreenivasan and the screenplay and the dialogues was written by Priyadarshan. The songs in this movie was a Hit.-Story:Moidukutty...
(2003) - Anbe SivamAnbe SivamAnbe Sivam is a 2003 Tamil drama film directed by Sundar C and written by Kamal Hassan. The film stars Kamal Hassan and R. Madhavan. The music is composed by Vidyasagar....
(2003) - BabaBaba (2002 film)Baba is a 2002 Tamil fantasy-action film starring and written by Rajinikanth and directed by Suresh Krishna. The film's cast included Manisha Koirala, Vijayakumar, M. N. Nambiar, Goundamani, Sujatha, Karunas, Ashish Vidyarthi, Amrish Puri, Sayaji Shinde and Riyaz Khan...
(2002) - Parthale ParavasamParthale ParavasamThe soundtrack for the film was composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vaali, Vairamuthu and Na. Muthukumar. The soundtrack featured nine songs with most of them remained chart-toppers for many months. Guitarist Rashid Ali had his debut as a vocalist through this film...
(2001) - Sradha (2000)
- Olympian Antony Adam (1999)
- MahayanamMahayanamMahayanam is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by Joshy, and written by Lohithadas. With Mammootty, Mukesh, and Seema appearing in lead roles, this film was a big hit at the box office.-Plot:...
(1989) - Sudhikalasham (1989)
- Ayarthi Thollayirathi Irupathonnu (also known as Nineteen Twenty-One) (1988)
- Njaan Njaan Maathram (1988)
- Chekkeraanoru Chilla (1988)
- Vicharana (1988)
- Sarvakalasala (1987)
- Koodanayum Kaattu (1987)
- Sandharbham (1987)
- Chandrahaasam (1987)
- Aaroodam (1987)
- Kodathi (1987)
- Ee Kaikalil (1986)
- AavanazhiAavanazhiAavanazhi is a 1986 Malayalam action film. Directed by I. V. Sasi, based on the script written by T. Damodaran,Aavanazhi was a huge hit at the box office. Appearing Mammootty in the lad role of Balram, a police inspector, this film deals with social and political issues of that time...
(1986) - Gandhinagar 2nd StreetGandhinagar 2nd StreetGandhinagar 2nd Street is a 1986 Malayalam film directed by Sathyan Anthikad, starring Mohanlal, Seema, Karthika, Srinivasan, Thilakan, Innocent, Sukumari, and KPAC Lalitha. Mammootty makes a cameo appearance...
(1986) - VarthaVarthaVartha is a 1986 Malayalam political drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and starring Mammootty, Mohanlal, Rahman and Seema. The film was a big box office hit.-Cast:*Mammootty as Madhavankutty*Mohanlal as Vasu...
(1986) - Ayalvasi Oru DaridravasiAyalvasi Oru DaridravasiAyalvasi Oru Daridravasi is a 1986 Malayalam comedy film written and directed by Priyadarshan, starring Prem Nazir, Nedumudi Venu, Shankar, Sukumari, Seema, Innocent, Mukesh, Menaka, Maniyanpilla Raju, Kuthiravattam Pappu, and Lizy.-Cast:...
(1986) - Ayitham (1986)
- Adhikaaram (1986)
- Thushaaram (1986)
- Karimpin Poovinakkare (1985)
- Aa Neram Alppa Dooram (1985)
- Anu Bandham (1985)
- Guruji Oru Vakku (1985)
- Janakeeya Kodathi (1985)
- Vasantha Sena (1985)
- Vellarikka Pattanam (1985)
- Aalkkodttathil Thaniye (1984)
- AdiyozhukkukalAdiyozhukkukalAdiyozhukkukal is a 1984 Malayalam drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair; starring Mammootty, Seema, Mohanlal, Balan K. Nair, Vincent and Rahman in the main roles...
(1984) - Athirathram (1984)
- Ivide Ingane (1984)
- Lakshmana Rekha (1984)
- Onnanu NammalOnnanu nammalOnnanu Nammal is a 1984 Malayalam film. The film was directed by P. G. Viswambharan. It features Mammootty, Mohan lal, Seema, Poornima jayaram. The screenplay was written by John Paul and the story was written by Kaloor Dennis. The popular soundtrack of this film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja to...
(1984) - America America (1983)
- Iniyenkilum (1983)
- Rugma (1983)
- Sandhyakku Virinja PoovuSandhyakku Virinja PoovuSandhyakku Virinja Poovu is a 1983 Malayalam film written by Thoppil Bhasi and directed by P. G. Viswambharan. Seema, Mammootty, Adoor Bhasi, Shankar and Mohanlal play the major roles.-Plot:...
(1983) - Kalyana Agathigal (1983)
- Ente Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude ChakkiEnte Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude ChakkiEnte Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude Chakki is 1985 family melodrama film in Malayalam language starring Balachandra Menon, Venu Nagavalli and Urvashi. The film was directed and written by Balachandra Menon.-Plot:S...
(1982) - Gandhinagar second street (1982)
- Innalenkil Nale (1982)
- Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam (1982)
- Thadakom (1982)
- Thadavara (1981)
- Meen (1981)
- Kaanamarayathu (1981)
- AhimsaAhimsaAhimsa is a term meaning to do no harm . The word is derived from the Sanskrit root hims – to strike; himsa is injury or harm, a-himsa is the opposite of this, i.e. non harming or nonviolence. It is an important tenet of the Indian religions...
(1981) - AarathiAarathiAarathi is an Indian actress and producer of Kannada movies.She first became popular during the late 1970s and 1980s, and was recognised for her roles in movies such as Naagarahaavu, Edakallu Guddada Mele, Bili Hendthi, Dharmasere, Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, Ranganayaki, Hombisilu, Upaasane and...
(1981) - Archana Teacher (1981)
- Thathayya PremaleelaluThathayya PremaleelaluThathayya Premaleelalu is a Telugu film starring Chiranjeevi....
(1980) - Angaadi (1980)
- PappuPappuPappu is a common nick name in North India and Pakistan. It conjures up the image of a common man who is full of innocency and simplicity .'Pappu'is been used frequently in popular culture Pappu is a common nick name in North India and Pakistan. It conjures up the image of a common man who is full...
(1980) - Ellaam Un Kairaasi (1980)
- Karimpana (1980)
- Manushya Mrugam (1980)
- Moorkhan (1980)
- Sakthi (1980)
- Yenge Oor Kannagi (1980)
- Ezhamkadalinakkare (1979)
- Ithrayum Kaalam (1979)
- Oru Sumangaliyude Kadha (1979)
- Sarppam (1979)
- Naanayam (1979)
- KaaliKaali (film)Kaali is a Tamil film directed I. V. Sasi in 1980. It Stars Rajinikanth in the lead role. Vijayakumar plays a prominent role. Seema and Phataphat Jayalaxmi play the respective female leads. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Kaali. Rajinikanth played the lead role while Chiranjeevi replaced...
(1979) - Eeta (1978)
- Lisa (1978)
- Avalude RavukalAvalude RavukalAvalude Ravukal is a Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi, released in 1978. The film explores the life of a teenage prostitute and those of the people around her.- Cast :* Seema* Ravi Kumar* Soman* Sukumaran* Thoppil Bhasi* Bahadoor...
(1978) - Idanilangal
- shaari alla Shaarada
- Akalangalil
- Manassoru mahaasamudram
- Prabhu
- Aaarathi
- Anupallavi
- Sphodanam