Sujatha (actress)
Encyclopedia
Sujatha was a popular South India
n actress who has performed in Tamil
, Malayalam
, Telugu
, Kannada
and Hindi language films, and was best known for restraint and subtlety in portrayal of varied emotions. Sujatha was introduced to the Tamil film industry by veteran director K. Balachander
as a protagonist in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974). She has acted with leading actors Sivaji Ganesan
, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan
, Akkineni Nageswara Rao
, Shobhan Babu and Krishna
. She paired with Kamal Haasan in most of her films.
, Srilanka where she spent her childhood. She would actively participate in school plays, and later moved to Kerala
when she was about 14. She acted in Ernakulam Junction, a Malayalam film and soon drew the attention of K. Balachander.
. She shot to fame instantly with her portrayal of the haughty, free-thinking urban working woman shouldering the family’s responsibilities. She was later paired with actors Sivaji Ganesan, Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan and Vijaykumar. Despite displaying her acting prowess through fiery characters in films like Aval Oru Thodarkadhai and Vidhi, Sujatha was equally known for her performances in family dramas like Mayangugiraal Oru Maadhu, Sentamizh Paattu and Aval Varuvaala. She seldom resorted to glamorous roles and graduated to playing older women in the late 1980s.
(1977) along with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan
. In the film, she played the wife of the former and the lover of the latter. Her portrayal of a married woman Anu, who is caught between the torture she is subjected to by her sadistic husband and the unforgettable memories of her past romance, is till date, considered one of the best performances by a female lead.
, Uzhaippali
, Baba
in all which she played the mother of Rajinikanth, Villain
and Varalaru in which she played Ajith Kumar
's mother, also saw her trademark restraint and dignity in performance. Vathiyar
(2006) was her last film.
"My father thought of her as a director's delight. She would understand what exactly the director wanted, internalise the character and perform accordingly", says Pushpa Kandasamy, film producer and daughter of K. Balachander.
. She is survived by her husband Jayakar, her son Sajith and her daughter Divya.
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
n actress who has performed in 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...
, Malayalam
Malayalam language
Malayalam , is one of the four major Dravidian languages of southern India. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India with official language status in the state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. It is spoken by 35.9 million people...
, 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...
, Kannada
Kannada language
Kannada or , is a language spoken in India predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas and number roughly 50 million, is one of the 30 most spoken languages in the world...
and Hindi language films, and was best known for restraint and subtlety in portrayal of varied emotions. Sujatha was introduced to the Tamil film industry by veteran director K. Balachander
K. Balachander
K. Balachander is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer. Balachander is known for his distinct film-making style. His films analyse unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes. He has directed nearly 80 films and has worked in 100 films either as director or...
as a protagonist in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974). She has acted with leading actors 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...
, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor, screenwriter and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting...
, Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao , also known as ANR, is a Telugu cinema actor from Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh. Nageswara Rao has worked in several genres of films in his 70-year acting career, including mythological, social, and drama films...
, Shobhan Babu and Krishna
Krishna (actor)
Warning: It is not an impartial presentation and it seems to be written by an Aficionado without any citations. Superfluous and presumptious.Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna , commonly referred to as Krishna, is a Telugu film actor...
. She paired with Kamal Haasan in most of her films.
Early life
Sujatha was born on 10 December 1952 in GalleGalle
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the capital city of Southern Province of Sri Lanka and it lies in Galle District....
, Srilanka where she spent her childhood. She would actively participate in school plays, and later moved to Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
when she was about 14. She acted in Ernakulam Junction, a Malayalam film and soon drew the attention of K. Balachander.
Career
Sujatha has acted in over 300 films in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi, with almost 200 in TamilTamil 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...
. She shot to fame instantly with her portrayal of the haughty, free-thinking urban working woman shouldering the family’s responsibilities. She was later paired with actors Sivaji Ganesan, Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan and Vijaykumar. Despite displaying her acting prowess through fiery characters in films like Aval Oru Thodarkadhai and Vidhi, Sujatha was equally known for her performances in family dramas like Mayangugiraal Oru Maadhu, Sentamizh Paattu and Aval Varuvaala. She seldom resorted to glamorous roles and graduated to playing older women in the late 1980s.
Delightful entry
Sujatha's entry into the industry was through a powerful role, at a time when hero-centric films were the norm, made many take notice. She made her debut in the Malayalam film Thapasvini. She had a dream debut in Tamil with Aval Oru Thodar Kathai directed by K. Balachander. She again colloborated with K. Balachander in the highly acclaimed AvargalAvargal
Avargal is a 1977 Tamil film made by K. Balachander starring Sujatha, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. The film had a reputation of being one of most sensitive movies on women’s lib. The same director later remade it into the Telugu film Idi Katha Kaadu with Kamal Hassan repeating his role...
(1977) along with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor, screenwriter and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting...
. In the film, she played the wife of the former and the lover of the latter. Her portrayal of a married woman Anu, who is caught between the torture she is subjected to by her sadistic husband and the unforgettable memories of her past romance, is till date, considered one of the best performances by a female lead.
Character roles
During the eighties she started playing character roles, often portraying mother roles. Her performances as a senior actor in films like Kodi ParakuthuKodi Parakuthu
Kodi Parakuthu is a Tamil film is directed by Bharathiraja.The film was released on 1988 Diwali day. After a decade Rajinikanth joined with BharathiRaja for this film. Movie released with lots of expectations and did resonably at the box office. In other words, it was bad and not many people wanted...
, Uzhaippali
Uzhaippali
Uzhaippali is a love-comedy Tamil language movie directed by the Tamil Director P. Vasu. It stars Rajinikanth and Radha Ravi in the lead roles. The film was much in news as, Distributors banned Rajini movies and to resolve the issue, Rajni met Kamal Haasan and the next day, Uzhaippali was...
, Baba
Baba
- Geography :* Baba, Masovian Voivodeship * Baba, Mogilno County in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship * Baba, Rypin County in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship...
in all which she played the mother of Rajinikanth, Villain
Villain (2002 film)
Villain is a 2002 Tamil film directed by K.S. Ravikumar and produced by S. S. Chakravarthy. The film stars Ajith Kumar in a dual role while Meena and Kiran play female leads. Sujatha, Fesi Vijayan, Karunaas and Ramesh Khanna appear in other significant roles, while Vidyasagar composed the score...
and Varalaru in which she played Ajith Kumar
Ajith Kumar
Ajith Kumar is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Tamil cinema. He began his career as a supporting actor in a Telugu film before gaining critical recognition in the Tamil thriller Aasai . A succession of high-grossing films followed where Ajith was usually depicted as a romantic hero, with...
's mother, also saw her trademark restraint and dignity in performance. Vathiyar
Vathiyar
Vathiyar is a Tamil film directed by A. Venkatesh. Arjun and Mallika Kapoor star in this film released on Diwali 2006.-Plot:Dorai is a do-gooder don. But a police force led by ACP Easwara Pandian and his sidekick are after him. However, the poor need him as he is a Good Samaritan running an...
(2006) was her last film.
Awards and honours
- 1975 - Filmfare Best Actress AwardFilmfare Best Actress Award (Tamil)The Filmfare Best Actress Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil films. The Award was first given in 1953...
for Uravu Solla Oruvan - 1976 - Filmfare Best Actress AwardFilmfare Best Actress Award (Tamil)The Filmfare Best Actress Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil films. The Award was first given in 1953...
for AnnakiliAnnakiliAnnakili is a 1976 Tamil language film. It was directed by Devaraj Mohan.It was ilayaraja's first filmCast:Siva Kumar, SujathaProduces:Thiruppur Manian... - 1977 - Filmfare Best Actress AwardFilmfare Best Actress Award (Tamil)The Filmfare Best Actress Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil films. The Award was first given in 1953...
for AvargalAvargalAvargal is a 1977 Tamil film made by K. Balachander starring Sujatha, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. The film had a reputation of being one of most sensitive movies on women’s lib. The same director later remade it into the Telugu film Idi Katha Kaadu with Kamal Hassan repeating his role... - 1979 - Filmfare Best Actress Award for Guppedu ManasuGuppedu ManasuGuppedu Manasu is a 1979 Telugu film directed by K. Balachander and starring Sarath Babu, Sujatha and Saritha in prominent roles. It was a bi-lingual film made simultaneousy into Tamil as Nool Veli . The film was a remake of the Malayalam film Aa Nimikasham...
- KalaimamaniKalaimamaniThe Kalaimamani is an award in Tamil Nadu state, India. These awards are given by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram for excellence in the field of art and literature....
award from the Government of Tamil NaduGovernment of Tamil NaduThe Government of Tamil Nadu, headquartered at Chennai is the governing authority for the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It is seated at the Fort St. George... - Nandi Award for PelliPelliPelli may refer to:* César Pelli is an Argentine architect* Fulvio Pelli is a Swiss politician* Denis Pelli is a Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York UniversityPelli in Telugu means Marriage:...
in 1998.
"My father thought of her as a director's delight. She would understand what exactly the director wanted, internalise the character and perform accordingly", says Pushpa Kandasamy, film producer and daughter of K. Balachander.
Death
She died of cardiac arrest on 6 April 2011 after undergoing treatment for a heart ailment at her residence in ChennaiChennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. She is survived by her husband Jayakar, her son Sajith and her daughter Divya.
Selected filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Vathiyar Vathiyar Vathiyar is a Tamil film directed by A. Venkatesh. Arjun and Mallika Kapoor star in this film released on Diwali 2006.-Plot:Dorai is a do-gooder don. But a police force led by ACP Easwara Pandian and his sidekick are after him. However, the poor need him as he is a Good Samaritan running an... |
Arjun's mother | Tamil |
| 2006 | Varalaru (film) | Ajith Kumar's mother in law | Tamil |
| 2006 | Sri Ramadasu Sri Ramadasu Sri Ramadasu is an epic Telugu film released on 30 March 2006 and was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars Akkineni Nagarjuna in the lead role and Sneha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nassar and Nagendra Babu in the supporting roles. Music was composed by M. M. Keeravani, who composed 19 songs... |
Pokala Damakka | Telugu |
| 2004 | Attagasam Attagasam Attahasam is a 2004 Tamil film directed by Saran featuring Ajith Kumar in dual lead roles with Pooja playing the female lead. Sujatha, Karunas and Ramesh Khanna play pivotal roles in the film, while the score and soundtrack are composed by Bharathwaj.... |
Ajith Kumar's mother | Tamil |
| 2004 | Arul Arul -Box office:The film opened in 170 screens throughout Tamil Nadu. It was a below average grosser in spite of Vikram's star power and such a big release.-Trivia:... |
Vikram's mother | Tamil |
| 2004 | Jalolsavam | Bhanumathi | Malayalam |
| 2003 | Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu is a Telugu movie starring Uday Kiran and Shriya, directed by Raja Sekhar. Actor Krishnam Raju, Suman, Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao, Ravi Babu, Brahmanandam, Krishna Mohan, Kakarala, Sujatha, Meena Kumari, and Jyothi play supporting role in this film.-Story:Raghavayya - a... |
Raghavayya's wife | Telugu |
| 2002 | Baba Baba (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... |
Rajini's mother | Tamil |
| 2002 | Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu | Telugu | |
| 2001 | Villain Villain (2002 film) Villain is a 2002 Tamil film directed by K.S. Ravikumar and produced by S. S. Chakravarthy. The film stars Ajith Kumar in a dual role while Meena and Kiran play female leads. Sujatha, Fesi Vijayan, Karunaas and Ramesh Khanna appear in other significant roles, while Vidyasagar composed the score... |
Head of disabled home | Tamil |
| 1999 | Sneham Kosam Sneham Kosam Sneham Kosam is a 1999 Telugu film produced by A. M. Ratnam under the Sri Surya Movies banner. Directed by K. S. Ravikumar, the film stars Chiranjeevi in the dual roles of father and son. The film was released on 1 January 1999. Meena played the female lead role in the movie. The movie was a remake... |
Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 1998 | Paataali | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Natpukaaga | Lakshmi | Tamil |
| 1998 | Aval Varuvala Aval Varuvala Aval Varuvala is a 1998 Tamil film directed by Raajkapoor based on the successful Telugu film, Pelli. The film stars Ajith Kumar and Simranin the main roles with Babloo Prithviraj in another significant role... |
Simran's mother-in-law | Tamil |
| 1996 | Poovarasan | Karthik's mother | Tamil |
| 1996 | Pelli Pelli Pelli may refer to:* César Pelli is an Argentine architect* Fulvio Pelli is a Swiss politician* Denis Pelli is a Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York UniversityPelli in Telugu means Marriage:... |
Telugu | |
| 1995 | Karna | Arjun's mother | Tamil |
| 1994 | Amaithipadai Amaithipadai Amaidhi Padai is a Tamil film directed by Manivannan. Satyaraj did a leading role in this movie. The story revolves around how the poor man built his political career through short routes. Satyaraj did a dual role as father and son. This film is touted as one of Satyaraj's best performance till... |
Sivakami | Tamil |
| 1993 | Uzhavan | Prabhu's mother | Tamil |
| 1993 | Senthamizh Paattu | Prabhu's mother | Tamil |
| 1993 | Uzhaippaali | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Ahankari | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Madhavaiah Gari Manavadu | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Soori Gadu | Telugu | |
| 1991 | Chanti Chanti Chanti may refer to:* Chanti , a 1992 Telugu film starring Daggubati Venkatesh* Chanti , a 2004 Telugu film starring Ravi Teja* Angelos Chanti , Greek footballer... |
Mother of Chanti | Telugu |
| 1990 | Sutradhaarulu | Telugu | |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu Kodi Parakuthu Kodi Parakuthu is a Tamil film is directed by Bharathiraja.The film was released on 1988 Diwali day. After a decade Rajinikanth joined with BharathiRaja for this film. Movie released with lots of expectations and did resonably at the box office. In other words, it was bad and not many people wanted... |
Rajini's mother | Tamil |
| 1989 | Maaveeran Maaveeran Maaveeran is a Tamil film is directed by Rajasekar. It was a 100 days film in south India and a major hit in its dubbed versions of "Telugu" , "Malayalam" and "Kannada". The film is a remake of the 1985 Hindi film Mard. Ambika appeared in a highly glamorous role alongside Rajinikanth, who first... |
Rajini's mother | Tamil |
| 1985 | Mangamma Sabatham | Kamal's mother | Tamil |
| 1984 | Agnigundam | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Anubandham Anubandham Anubandham is a 1985 Malayalam drama film written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and directed by I. V. Sasi. It stars Mammootty, Seema, Mohanlal and Shobana.-Plot:... |
Telugu | |
| 1984 | Justice Chakravarthy | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Thudikkum Karangal Thudikkum Karangal -Plot:Rajinikanth is an auto mechanic and brother of Vijayakumar who works in Jaishankar's estate as a clerk. The movie portrays the events dealing with the clash between Rajini and Jaishankar. Radha is the love interest of Rajini and Y.G.Mahendran provides the comic relief.-External links:... |
Tamil | |
| 1983 | Abhilasha Abhilasha Abhilasha is a 1983 Telugu film, directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and was produced by K.S. Rama Rao. It is the film adaptation of Yandamuri Veerendranath's novel of the same name. Chiranjeevi, Radhika, Rao Gopal Rao, and Gollapudi Maruthi Rao played vital roles... |
Telugu | |
| 1983 | MLA Yedukondalu | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Thyagi | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Sitadevi Sitadevi Sitadevi is a Telugu film starring Chiranjeevi.... |
Telugu | |
| 1982 | Thai Mookambhikai | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Ek Hi Bhool Ek Hi Bhool Ek Hi Bhool is a 1981 Indian Bollywood film directed by T. Rama Rao. The film stars Jeetendra and Rekha in leading roles. Shabana Azmi makes a special appearance.-Plot:... |
Hindi | |
| 1981 | Kadal Meengal Kadal Meengal Kadal Meengal is a 1981 Indian Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan, Sujatha, Nagesh and Thangavelu. -Cast:*Kamal Haasan as Selvanayakam and Rajan*Sujatha as Bhagyam*Nagesh*Thangavelu *Ambika -Soundtrack:... |
Kamal's wife | Tamil |
| 1981 | Mahapurushudu | Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 1980 | Prema Tarangalu Prema Tarangalu Prema Tarangalu is a Tollywood film which released on October 24, 1980. This film was directed by S. P. Chitti Babu. This film stars Krishnam Raju, Jayasudha, and Chiranjeevi... |
Telugu | |
| 1980 | Circus Ramudu | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Anbukku Naan Adimai Anbukku Naan Adimai Anbukku Naan Adimai is a Tamil film is directed by R.Thyagarajan and Produced under the 'Thevar films' banner by C.Dandayuthapani. It Starrs Rajnikanth, Vijayan, Surulirajan, Thengai Seenivasan, Asokan, Sundarrajan, Sujatha, Rathi, Ramaprabha and Jayamalini.-Plot:Vijayan, the Inspector and Rajini a... |
Tamil | |
| 1980 | Edantastulameda | Telugu | |
| 1979 | Nool Veli Nool Veli Nool Veli is a 1979 Tamil film starring Sarath Babu and Sujatha. The film was a bi-lingual shot simultaneously in Telugu as Guppedu Manasu. Kamal Haasan plays a guest role in this film.-Plot:... |
Tamil | |
| 1979 | Poonthalir | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Gorintaku Gorintaku (1979 film) Gorintaku is a 1979 Telugu film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It is family sentimental film starring Shobhan Babu and Sujatha. The title song Gorinta Poochindi Komma Lekunda written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri casting Savitri is remembered even today.... |
Swapna | |
| 1979 | Guppedu Manasu Guppedu Manasu Guppedu Manasu is a 1979 Telugu film directed by K. Balachander and starring Sarath Babu, Sujatha and Saritha in prominent roles. It was a bi-lingual film made simultaneousy into Tamil as Nool Veli . The film was a remake of the Malayalam film Aa Nimikasham... |
Telugu Telugu debut | |
| 1977 | Andaman Kathali | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Avargal Avargal Avargal is a 1977 Tamil film made by K. Balachander starring Sujatha, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. The film had a reputation of being one of most sensitive movies on women’s lib. The same director later remade it into the Telugu film Idi Katha Kaadu with Kamal Hassan repeating his role... |
Anu | Tamil |
| 1977 | Uyarndhavargal Uyarndhavargal Uyarndhavargal is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan and Sujatha in the lead roles. The movie deals with a deaf and mute couple and their struggle in the society. The film is a remake of the 1972 film Koshish that starred Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.... |
Tamil | |
| 1976 | Annakili Annakili Annakili is a 1976 Tamil language film. It was directed by Devaraj Mohan.It was ilayaraja's first filmCast:Siva Kumar, SujathaProduces:Thiruppur Manian... |
Annam | Tamil |
| 1976 | Lalitha | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Udayam Kizhakkuthanne | Malayalam | |
| 1976 | Idhaya Malar Idhaya Malar Idhaya Malar is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist.... |
Tamil | |
| 1976 | Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist, Ravi. This movie is based on a novel by the same name written by Pushpa Thangadorai.-Soundtrack:... |
Tamil | |
| 1975 | Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu | Muthuraman's wife | Tamil |
| 1975 | Vazhunthu Kattukiren | Tamil | |
| 1974 | Aval Oru Thodar Kathai | Kavitha | Tamil |
| 1971 | Ernakulam Junction Ernakulam Junction Ernakulam Junction is the largest railway station in the city of Kochi. The station has six platforms and two terminals... |
Malayalam | |
| 1968 | Thapasvini | Malayalam | |