Ambika is an Indian actress known for her works predominantly across the entire the southern film industry films and in several teleserials. She also did one English film (an Indo-American one), to date. She was one of the top south Indian heroines for more than a decade from 1978 to 1989. Her younger sister Radha was also an actress. They acted together in a number of south Indian films during the peak of their careers.
Ambika | |
---|---|
Born | (1962-08-16) 16 August 1962 (age 60)[citation needed] Kallara, Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala, India |
Years active | 1978–1989 (as a leading actress) 1997–present (as a supporting artist) |
Spouse(s) | Premkumar Menon
(m. 1988; div. 1996) |
Children | Ramkesav (b.1989) Rishikesh (b.1991) |
Parent(s) | Prakkulam (father) Sarasamma (mother) |
Family | Radha (sister) |
Awards | Kalaimaamani (1984) |
Ambika was born in 1962 to Karunakaran and Sarasamma at Kallara village,(Kallara, Thiruvananthapuram) located in Thiruvananthapuram district.[1] Her mother Kallara Sarasamma was Mahila Congress leader during 2014.[2] She has two younger sisters, Radha and Mallika, and two younger brothers, Arjun and Suresh.[citation needed]
Ambika married an NRI, named Premkumar Menon in the year 1988. The couple have two sons and are settled at United States of America. However, they have got divorced in 1996. Later, she got remarried to actor Ravikanth in 2000, which also ended in a divorce in 2002. She is currently settled in Chennai along with her sons.[3]
Ambika started her career as a child artist and later starred as heroine acting in more than 200 South Indian films. Her career as a heroine started with the Malayalam movie Seetha, which only released very late in her career. But with films such as Neelathaamara (which was made again in 2009) and Lejjavathi, she became a busy actress within a few years not only in Malayalam,[4] but also in Tamil and Kannada.[citation needed]
K. Bhagyaraj introduced Ambika in his movie Andha 7 Naatkal (1981). Ambika did many films with the leading actors of her time such as Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Dileep, Shankar, N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna, Krishnam Raju, Dr. Rajkumar, Ambareesh and Chiranjeevi.[citation needed]
In 1986, she acted in the superhit Malayalam movie Rajavinte Makan, which starred Mohanlal. She also acted with him the following year in another massive hit movie Irupatham Noottandu.
In Tamil, Ambika shot to fame with Kaakki Sattai (1985). At the zenith of her career she costarred with her sister Radha in Kadhal Parisu (1987), where both actresses demonstrated their acting prowess in the roles of two sisters, both with strong but conflicting personalities.[citation needed]
After getting divorced, she returned to India from U.S.A. Later in the year 1997, she started acting again in films Periya Manushan, opposite Sathyaraj and Simhada Mari, Maa Nannaku Pelli with Krishnam Raju. She acted in Vikraman's project Mariyadhai (2009), in which Vijayakanth played a double role of father and son. Unlike Ambika, her younger sister Radha never returned to movies after marriage and got completely engrossed with supporting her husband's business in different locations, across all Indian cities.[citation needed]
She has acted in many advertisements. She is a designer too. She has judged many reality shows also. In a film called Medulla Oblangatta (2014) she has done lyrics work too.[citation needed]
This section does not cite any sources. (October 2022) |
In order of languages in which she acted the most to fewest films.
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1976 | Chottanikkara Amma | child artist | |
1977 | Taxi Driver | child artist | |
1977 | Dheerasameere Yamunaatheere | child artist | |
1977 | Vidarunna Mottukal | Sumam | child artist |
1978 | Aval Viswasthayaayirunnu | child artist | |
1978 | Samayamaayilla Polum | Latha | |
1978 | Asthamayam | Guest Role | |
1979 | Neelathamara | Kunjimalu | |
1979 | Ajnaatha Theerangal | Geetha | |
1979 | Lajjaavathi | Radha | |
1979 | Krishnapparunthu | - | |
1979 | Veerabhadran | - | |
1979 | Raajaveedhi | ||
1979 | Agniparvatham | Vimala | |
1979 | Thuramukham | Rosi | |
1979 | Enikku Njaan Swantham | Geetha | |
1979 | Neeyo Njaano | Geetha | |
1979 | Pratheeksha | ||
1979 | Prabhaathasandhya | Mini | |
1979 | Maamaankam | Manipennu | |
1979 | Edavazhiyile Poocha Minda Poocha | Shyamala | |
1980 | Pappu | Herself | |
1980 | Theeram Thedunnavar | ||
1980 | Seetha | Seetha | |
1980 | Akalangalil Abhayam | Yamuna | |
1980 | Theekkadal | Sumam | |
1980 | Ishtamaanu Pakshe | Nandinikutty | |
1980 | Aniyaatha Valakal | Sujatha | |
1980 | Angaadi | Ayisha | |
1980 | Sathyam | Seetha | |
1980 | Ithile Vannavar | Bindu | |
1980 | Kaavalmaadam | Malli | |
1980 | Ammayum Makalum | Radha | |
1980 | Meen | Roselin | |
1980 | Anthappuram | Usha | |
1980 | Swantham Enna Padam | Priya | |
1980 | Vaiki Vanna Vasantham | Sheeba | |
1980 | Aagamanam | Seetha | |
1980 | Eden Thottam | Usha | |
1980 | Puzha | - | |
1980 | Dooram Arike | Shirly | |
1981 | Anyar | ||
1981 | Chamayam | ||
1981 | Veshangal | ||
1981 | Archana Teacher | Bharathi | |
1981 | Prema Geethangal | Geetha Kumari | |
1981 | Asthamikkatha Pakalukal | Raji | |
1981 | Guha | Devu | |
1981 | Maniyan Pillai Athava Maniyan Pillai | Kamalam | |
1981 | Sambhavam | Radha | |
1981 | Njan Ninne Marakkilla | ||
1981 | Thaaraavu | Akka | |
1981 | Swarangal Swapnagal | Latha | |
1981 | Enne Snehikkoo Enne Maathram | ||
1982 | Pooviriyum Pulari | Renuka | |
1982 | Mylanchi | Shahitha | |
1982 | Olangal | Rita | |
1982 | Kelkatha Shabdam | Jayanthi | |
1982 | Ethiraalikal | Thulasi | |
1982 | Sharam | Sindhu | |
1982 | Mukhangal | ||
1982 | Dheera | Indhu | |
1982 | Anuraagakkodathi | Susheela | |
1983 | Father Damien | ||
1983 | Kaathirunna Naal | ||
1983 | Eettappuli | Padmavathi | |
1983 | Theeram Thedunna Thira | Jayalakshmi | |
1983 | Marakkillorikkalum | Suma | |
1983 | Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal | Molamma | |
1983 | Asthi | Priyamvada | |
1983 | Adyathe Anuragam | Shyamala | |
1983 | Enikku Vishakunnu | Shantha | |
1983 | Sandhyakku Virija Poovu | Priya | |
1984 | Sabarimala Darsanam | ||
1984 | Ente Gramam | - | |
1984 | Kalkki | - | |
1984 | Oru Sumangaliyude Katha | Yamuna | |
1985 | Puzhayozhukum Vazhi | Rema | |
1985 | Oru Nokku Kaanan | Maya | |
1985 | Agniyasthram | ||
1985 | Ore Raktham | ||
1985 | Iniyum Kadha Thudarum | Mary | |
1985 | Archana Aaradhana | Archana | |
1986 | Thidambu | - | |
1986 | Chekeranoru Chilla | Lathika Menon (Lallu) | |
1986 | Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu | Nirmala | |
1986 | Malarum Kiliyum | Thulasi | |
1986 | Rajavinte Makan | Nancy | |
1987 | Swathi Thirunal | Narayani Pillai Kochamma | |
1987 | Ezhuthapurangal | Vimala Jacob | |
1987 | Vazhiyorakkazhchakal | Sridevi | |
1987 | Nirabhedangal | Maya | |
1987 | Vilambaram | Sheela | |
1987 | Irupatham Noottandu | Aswathy Varma | |
1988 | Ayitham | Bhama | |
1988 | Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal | Valsala | |
1988 | Kudumbapuranam | Geetha | |
1988 | Manasaputhri | ||
1988 | Pattanapravesham | Shobha | |
1989 | Brahmasthram | ||
1991 | Manju Peyyunna Rathri | ||
1991 | Sayanthanam | ||
1991 | Sheershakam | ||
1992 | Sabarimalayil Thankasooryodayam | ||
1997 | Snehasindooram | Uma | |
1999 | Niram | Baby | |
1999 | Udayapuram Sulthan | Malavika | |
2000 | Varnakkazchchakal | Bhagyalakshmi | |
2000 | Swayamvara Panthal | Latha | |
2000 | Sathyam Sivam Sundaram | Nandhini | |
2001 | Dubai | ||
2004 | Koottu | Savitha Vishwambharan | |
2005 | Ben Johnson | Pathrose's wife | |
2005 | Kalyana Kurimanam | Subhadra | |
2005 | Pandippada | Mallika | |
2005 | Annorikkal | Karthu | |
2006 | Arunam | ||
2007 | Hareendran Oru Nishkalankan | Hareendran's mother | |
2009 | The Trigger | ||
2009 | Vairam: Fight for Justice | Judge | |
2009 | Kana Kanmani | Doctor | |
2009 | Angel John | Mary | |
2010 | Thanthonni | Kathreena | |
2010 | Sadgamaya | Gauri Sudhakaran | |
2011 | Naayika | Herself | Archive footage/Uncredited cameo |
2011 | Ponnu Kondoru Aalroopam | - | |
2011 | Lavakumar 1984 | - | |
2012 | Yakshi – Faithfully Yours | Vishnu's mother | |
2014 | Polytechnic | Pauly's mother | |
2014 | To Noora with Love | Khadeeja | |
2014 | Aamayum Muyalum | Kadambari | |
2015 | Mili | Mercey | |
2015 | She Taxi | Annamma | |
2019 | Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha | Herself | Archive footage/Uncredited cameo |
2019 | Mohabbathin Kunjabdulla | Alima | |
2022 | Sathyam Mathrame Bodhippikkoo | Justice Mary Varghese | |
2022 | Ullasam | Marykutty | |
2022 | August 27 | ||
2022 | Anjil Oral Thaskaran | ||
2022 | Naja | ||
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1979 | Chakkalathi | ||
1980 | Tharayil Pootha Malar | ||
1980 | Enga Ooru Rasathi | ||
1981 | Tharayil Vaazhum Meenkal | ||
1981 | Andha 7 Naatkal | Vasanthi | |
1981 | Kadal Meengal | Uma | |
1982 | Theerpugal Thiruththapadalam | Radha | |
1982 | Sagalakala Vallavan | Geetha | |
1982 | Enkeyo Ketta Kural | Ponni (first wife) | |
1982 | Vazhvey Maayam | Sandhiya | |
1982 | Deviyin Thiruvilayadal | Dakshayini | |
1982 | Idhayam Pesugirathu | ||
1982 | Chinnan Chirusugal | ||
1983 | Garuda Saukiyama | ||
1983 | Jothi | ||
1983 | Thalaimagan | ||
1983 | Thambathyam | ||
1983 | Soorapuli | ||
1983 | Raagangal Maaruvathillai | ||
1983 | Vellai Roja | Lakshmi | |
1984 | Thiruppam | ||
1984 | Vengaiyin Maindhan | ||
1984 | Thangamadi Thangam | ||
1984 | Naan Paadum Paadal | ||
1984 | Neethikku Oru Penn | ||
1984 | Anbulla Rajinikanth | Mother of Rosy | |
1984 | Kanmaniye Pesu | ||
1984 | Thaalithanam | ||
1984 | Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | ||
1984 | Pei Veedu | ||
1984 | Pournami Alaigal | ||
1984 | Irumbu Kaigal | ||
1984 | Vaazhkai | ||
1984 | Nerupukkul Eeram | ||
1984 | Thaarasu | ||
1985 | Naagam | Janaki | |
1985 | Kaakki Sattai | Uma | |
1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Uma | |
1985 | Puthiya Sagaptham | Uma | |
1985 | Uyarndha Ullam | Geetha | |
1985 | Engal Kural | Guest appearance | |
1985 | Aval Potta Kolam | ||
1985 | Sri Raghavendrar | Aparajita | |
1985 | Idaya Kovil | Gauri | |
1985 | Arthamulla Aasaigal | ||
1985 | Karuppu Chattaikaran | ||
1985 | Erimilai | ||
1985 | Thandanai | ||
1985 | Puthiya Theerppu | Radha | |
1985 | Unakkaga Oru Roja | Meera | |
1985 | Thoongatha Kannondru Ondru | ||
1985 | Padikathavan | Mary | |
1986 | Mr. Bharath | Uma | |
1986 | Nermai | ||
1986 | Vikram | Vikram's wife | |
1986 | Oruvar Vazhum Alayam | ||
1986 | Naanum Oru Thozhilali | ||
1986 | Kanmaniye Pesu | ||
1986 | Karpoora Deepam | ||
1986 | Isai Paadum Thendral | ||
1986 | Manakanakku | ||
1986 | Thazhuvatha Kaigal | Rajeshwari | |
1986 | Raja Nee Vaazhga | ||
1986 | Rasigan Oru Rasigai | ||
1986 | Maaveeran | Rekha | |
1987 | Velundu Vinaiyillai | ||
1987 | Muthukkal Moondru | ||
1987 | Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu | Geetha | |
1987 | Makkal En Pakkam | Radha | |
1987 | Kadhal Parisu | Malini | |
1987 | Mupperum Deviyar | ||
1987 | Veeran Veluthambi | ||
1987 | Thambathyam | ||
1987 | Nalla Pambu | ||
1987 | Aalappirandhavan | Seetha IPS | |
1987 | Ivargal Varungala Thoongal | ||
1988 | Annanagar Mudhal Theru | Seema | |
1988 | Rendum Rendum Aindhu | ||
1988 | Ganam Courtar Avargaley | ||
1988 | Kan Simittum Neram | Lakshmi | |
1988 | Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam | Sivakami | |
1989 | Dravidan | ||
1997 | Periya Manushan | Sivagami | |
1997 | Arunachalam | Meenakshi | |
1998 | Sandhippoma | ||
1998 | Poonthottam | ||
1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | ||
1998 | En Uyir Nee Thaane | ||
1998 | Kaadhal Kavidhai | Vishwa's mother | |
1999 | Uyirodu Uyiraga | Anjali's mother | |
1999 | Kodiesvaran | ||
1999 | Iraniyan | ||
1999 | Poovellam Kettuppar | Krishna Bharathi's mother | |
1999 | Anantha Poongathe | ||
1999 | Jodi | Sneha Varadharajan | |
1999 | Pooparika Varugirom | ||
1999 | Time | Srinivasa Murthy's mother | |
1999 | Amarkalam | Mohana's mother | |
1999 | Suyamvaram | wedding guest | |
2000 | Simmasanam | Sathyamurthy's wife | |
2000 | Magalirkaga | 'Head Constable' Panchavarnam | |
2000 | Vallarasu | Anjali's mother | |
2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | Nithi's mother | |
2002 | Jaya | ||
2002 | Alli Arjuna | Savithri's mother | |
2003 | Ottran | Sudha's mother | |
2004 | Super Da | ||
2005 | Jadhi | ||
2005 | Mazhai | Shailaja's mother | |
2007 | Vel | Vel's adoptive mother | |
2009 | Mariyadhai | Alamelu Annamalai | |
2010 | Uthama Puthiran | Sivakaami | |
2011 | Avan Ivan | Maryamma | |
2012 | Ullam | ||
2014 | Jigarthanda | Kayalvizhi's mother | |
2014 | Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe | ||
2015 | Idhu Enna Maayam | Arun's mother | |
2016 | Ennama Katha Vudranunga | ||
2018 | Traffic Ramasamy | Judge | |
2022 | Super Senior Heroes | Lady Justice |
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1981 | Sri Yediyuru Siddalingeshwara | ||
1982 | Garuda Rekhe | ||
1982 | Chalisuva Modagalu | Sheela | |
1983 | Avala Neralu | ||
1983 | Chakravyuha | Asha | |
1983 | Gayathri Maduve | ||
1983 | Eradu Nakshatragalu | ||
1983 | Bhakta Prahlada | ||
1983 | Hasida Hebbuli | ||
1984 | Naane Raja | ||
1984 | Mooru Janma | Chitti | |
1984 | Pralayanthaka | Special appearance | |
1984 | Apoorva Sangama | ||
1984 | Indina Bharatha | ||
1985 | Chaduranga | ||
1986 | Asambhava | ||
1986 | Digvijaya | Dual role | |
1986 | Shubha Milana | ||
1986 | Bete | ||
1986 | Sathkara | ||
1987 | Bazar Bheema | ||
1987 | Jeevana Jyothi | ||
1987 | Athiratha Maharatha | ||
1987 | Poorna Chandra | Kumuda | |
1987 | Nyayakke Shikshe | ||
1987 | Aapadbandhava | ||
1988 | Dharmathma | ||
1988 | Kirathaka | ||
1988 | Vijaya Khadga | ||
1989 | Hongkongnalli Agent Amar | ||
1997 | Simhada Mari | ||
1999 | Janumadatha | Ahalya | |
2000 | Kanasugara | ||
2000 | Sulthan | ||
2002 | Nagarahavu | ||
2002 | Nandhi | Nandhi's mother | |
2002 | Manasella Neene | ||
2004 | Om Ganesh | ||
2003 | Vijaysimha | ||
2017 | Kaffi Thota | Judge | |
2019 | Kalidasa Kannada Meshtru | Principal |
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1981 | Addala Meda | - | |
1981 | Viswaroopam | Mallika | |
1981 | Prema Mandiram | - | |
1981 | Nayudu Gari Abbai | Madhavi | |
1981 | Bobbili Puli | Jayanthi | |
1983 | Rajkumar | Devi | |
1984 | Dongalu Baboi Dongalu | Seetha | |
1984 | Kurukshetramlo Sita | Janaki | |
1984 | Mukhyamantri | - | |
1988 | August 15 Rathri | ||
1988 | Yamudiki Mogudu | - | |
1997 | Maa Nannaki Pelli | Shravani | |
1998 | Kodukulu | - | |
1998 | Rayudu | Tulasi | |
1999 | Neti Gandhi | - | |
2002 | Kondaveeti Simhasanam | - | |
2002 | Police Sisters | Jaya | |
2005 | Slokam | - | |
2006 | Manasu Palike Mouna Raagam | - | |
Year | Title | Role | Channel | Language |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dagudu Moothalu | Telugu | |||
Agni Pravesam | ||||
1998 | Kudumbam | Sun TV | Tamil | |
2003 | Summer in America | Kairali TV | Malayalam | |
2004 | Jalam | Surya TV | ||
2005 | Koodum Thedi | |||
2007–2008 | Brindavanam | Gemini TV | Telugu | |
2011 | Kanalpoovu | Jeevan TV | Malayalam | |
2012 | Preethiyinda | Star Suvarna | Kannada | |
Sreepadmanabham | Amrita TV | Malayalam | ||
2013–2014 | Avakashikal | Sujatha | Surya TV | |
2013–2014 | Sare Gama gama gama | Puthuyugam TV | Tamil | |
2014 | Jeevitha Ganam | Malayalam | ||
2017 | Aparichitha | Bhairavi | Amrita TV | |
2018–2020 | Nayagi | Sargunam | Sun TV | Tamil |
2020 | Chithi 2 | Sargunam (Special Appearance) | ||
2020–2021 | Thirumathi Hitler | Jayamma | Zee Tamil | |
2021 | Velammal | Star Vijay | ||
2021 | Anbe Vaa | Janaki (Special Appearance) | Sun TV | |
2021–Present | Aruvi | Saraswathi | ||
2022–Present | Padmavati Kalyanam | Bramarambhika Devi | ETV | Telugu |
Year | Title | Role | Channel | Language |
---|---|---|---|---|
Suvarna Thaarangal | Tamil | |||
2009 | Chennai Silks Ad | Actress | - | Malayalam |
2011 | Kerala's Favourite Film Actor | Judge | ACV | Malayalam |
Vivel Big Break | Surya TV | |||
2012 | Veruthe Alla Bharya season 2 | Mazhavil Manorama | ||
2013 | Jodi Number one season 6 | Vijay TV | Tamil | |
Bharthakkankarude Sradhakku | Asianet | Malayalam | ||
Vartha Prabhatham | Herself | |||
2014 | Veruthe Alla Bharya season 3 | Judge | Mazhavil Manorama | |
2014 | Star Jam | Herself | Kappa TV | |
2016 | Uggram Ujjwalam Season 2 | Judge | Mazhavil Manorama | |
2016–2017 | Malayali Veetamma | Judge | Flowers | |
2016 | Comedy Super Nite | Herself | ||
2017 | Comedy Super Nite Season 2 | Herself | ||
2017 | Lal Salam | Amrita TV | ||
2017 | Dancing Khilladies | Judge | Zee Tamil | Tamil |
2017 | Majaa Talkies | Herself | Colors Kannada | Kannada |
2017 | Zee Dance League | Judge | Zee Tamil | Tamil |
2018 | Alitho Saradaga | Herself | E TV | Telugu |
2019 | Lolluppa | Judge | Sun TV | Tamil |
2019 | Thakarppan Comedy | Herself | Mazhavil Manorama | Malayalam |
2019 | Andha Naal Nyabagam | Angel TV | Tamil | |
2020 | Vanakkam Tamizha | Herself | Sun TV | |
2021 | Red Carpet | Mentor | Amrita TV | Malayalam |
2021 | Vanakkam Tamizha | Herself | Sun TV | Tamil |
2021 | Poova Thalaiya | Participant | Sun TV | Tamil |
2021 | Rajaparvai | Herself | Sun TV | Tamil |
2022 | Nayakane Ulakam Mega Event | Herself | Flowers | Malayalam |
2022 | Oru Chiri Iruchiri Bumber Chiri Aaghosham | Herself | Mazhavil Manorama | Malayalam |
2022 | Comedy Stars Season 3 | Judge | Asianet | Malayalam |
General | |
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National libraries |