Sarada (born Saraswati Devi; 25 June 1945[citation needed]) is an Indian actress and politician. Known for her work predominantly in Malayalam films and Telugu films , Sarada is the recipient of three National Awards. She has also appeared in few Tamil, Hindi as well as Kannada language films.[1] She is also known as Urvasi Sarada as National Film Award for Best Actress was officially designated the Urvasi Award. She won three National Awards for her roles in Thulabharam (1968),[2] Swayamvaram (1972), and Nimajjanam (1977). Sarada has garnered the NTR National Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for her contributions to Indian cinema.[3]
Sarada | |
---|---|
Born | Saraswati Devi (1945-06-25) 25 June 1945 (age 77) Tenali, Madras Presidency, British India (now Andhra Pradesh) |
Other names | Urvasi Sarada |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 1955; 1961-present |
Spouse(s) | Chalam (m.1972; div. 1984) (died in 1989) |
Awards | National Film Award for Best Actress (3) |
Constituency | Tenali |
Personal details | |
Political party | Telugu Desam Party |
Sarada was born Saraswati Devi in Tenali, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her parents Venkateswar Rao and Satyavathi Devi belonged to a family of agriculturalists. She has a brother, named Mohan Rao. Sarada was sent to Madras in her childhood to live with her grandmother Kanakamma. Sarada describes her grandmother as a "strict disciplinarian" who in the later days "wouldn't even let the heroes touch her" and allowed "rehearsals only on Sundays".[4] Sarada started to learn dance when she was six. She used to perform during Dasara and other temple festivals. It was because of her mother's desire that she learned dance. Her mother wanted her to become a "big star in cine field". Though Sarada's father was not too interested in the idea, he did not stop her. Sarada married Telugu actor Chalam, the couple later divorced. Currently Sarada is living with her brother's family in Chennai.[4]
When she grew up, she started acting in Telugu theatre.[1] Her debut in cinema was with a minor role in the Telugu film Kanyasulkam. However, she returned to theatre after that and did a major role in the Telugu version of Rakta Kanneeru, a Tamil drama.[4] The play went to get staged over 100 times in Tamil Nadu.[4]
In 1959, she began her career as Sarada. The change in name was attributed to the presence of a few other actors in the industry with the devotional name, Saraswati.[4] She came under contract to L.V. Prasad, a Telugu producer.[3] Though she didn't get to act in any of his films, she got her formal training in acting under him, including the Navarasa lessons. She largely attributes her performances and growth in the field to this training.[4] Her first break came with the Akkineni Nageswara Rao starrer Iddaru Mitrulu, which was a major hit. Noted for the role in the film, she got chances from Tamil and Malayalam films as well.[1]
The year 1965 changed her career as Sarada carved her niche for herself in the Malayalam film industry with her performances in Shakuntala, Murappennu, Udhyogastha by P. Venu, Kattu Thulasi and Inapravukal.[3] After that, she focused in Malayalam films, acting only a few roles in other languages. Recognition came in 1967 in the form of a national honorary award for her performances in various films of 1966 including Iruttinte Athmavu.[3] The award was the predecessor to the National Film Award for Best Actress, which was instituted in 1968. In 1969, she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Thulabharam. She went on to win the award 2 more times, for Swayamvaram (1972, Malayalam) and Nimajjanam (1978, Telugu). She also won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress one time.[1] After 1993, she became choosy and accepted only a few films. Her major films of late were Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002, Malayalam), Rappakal (2005, Malayalam), Nayika (2011, Malayalam) and Stalin (2006, Telugu).
[3][1] She owns a chocolate factory named Lotus Chocolates. She was elected as a Member of Parliament on Telugu Desam Party ticket from her native town of Tenali.[3]
Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1955 | Kanyasulkam | Minor role | Debut film |
1961 | Iddaru Mitrulu | Meena | |
1961 | Tandrulu Kodukulu | ||
1962 | Atma Bandhuvu | ||
1963 | Valmiki | ||
1963 | Thobuttuvulu | ||
1964 | Dagudu Moothalu | ||
1964 | Mairavana | ||
1964 | Murali Krishna | Srilatha | |
1966 | Shrimati | ||
1966 | Bhakta Potana | ||
1965 | Chaduvukonna Bharya | ||
1968 | Mana Samsaram | ||
1969 | Shri Rama Katha | ||
1969 | Manushulu Marali | ||
1970 | Sambarala Rambabu | ||
1970 | Pasidi Manasulu | ||
1970 | Sisindri Chittibabu | ||
1971 | Chelleli Kapuram | ||
1971 | Jeevitha Chakram | Kamala | |
1971 | Sati Ansuya | ||
1971 | Pagabattina Paduchu | ||
1971 | Amayakuralu | ||
1972 | Kalam Marindi | ||
1972 | Manavudu Danavudu | ||
1973 | Devudu Chesina Manushulu | ||
1973 | Sarada | Insane Woman | |
1973 | Vishali (film) | ||
1973 | Mayadari Malligadu | ||
1973 | Mallamma Katha | ||
1973 | Ida Lokam | ||
1973 | Abhimanavanthulu | ||
1974 | Urvasi (film) | ||
1974 | Radhamma Pelli | ||
1974 | Premalu Pellilu | ||
1974 | Palle Paduchu | ||
1974 | Harathi | ||
1974 | Devudu Chesina Pelli | ||
1974 | Tulabharam | Radha/Roja | |
1974 | Adambaralu Anubhandalu | ||
1975 | Balipeetam | Aruna | |
1975 | Jamindaru Gari Ammayi | ||
1975 | Vykunthapalli | ||
1975 | Saubhagyavati | ||
1975 | Bharati (1975 film) | ||
1976 | Suprabhatam | ||
1976 | Mahatmudu | ||
1977 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Draupadi | |
1977 | Swarganiki Nitchenalu | ||
1977 | Bhale Alludu | ||
1978 | Navodayam | ||
1978 | Shivamettina Satyam | ||
1979 | Gorintaku | ||
1979 | Karthika Deepam | ||
1976 | Nimajjanam | Brahmin housewife | National Film Award for Best Actress Nominated - Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu |
1979 | Priya Bandhavi | ||
1979 | Captain Krishna | ||
1980 | Sardar Papa Rayudu | Seeta | |
1980 | Sannayi Appanna | ||
1980 | Ramudu Parashuramudu | ||
1980 | Rajadhi Raju | ||
1980 | Mangala Gauri | ||
1980 | Kodalu Vastunaru Jagratha | Janaki | |
1980 | Kaliyuga Ravana Surudu | ||
1980 | Dharma Chakram | ||
1980 | Alludu Pattina Bharatham | ||
1980 | Alayam | ||
1981 | Nyayam Kavali | Lawyer Shakuntala | |
1981 | O Amma Katha | ||
1981 | Alludugaru Zindabad | ||
1982 | Prema Natakam | ||
1982 | Nipputho Chelagatam | Mrs. Ganga Kumar | |
1982 | Justice Chowdhary | Radha | |
1982 | Jagannatha Rathachakralu | ||
1983 | Swarajyam | ||
1983 | Raghu Ramudu | ||
1983 | Poratham | ||
1983 | Kurukshetramlo Seeta | ||
1983 | Kumkuma Tilakam | ||
1983 | Kaliyuga Daivam | ||
1983 | Kala Yamudu | ||
1983 | Durga Devi | ||
1983 | Chanda Sasanudu | Bhuvaneswari Devi | |
1983 | Bandhipottu Rudramma | ||
1983 | Bahudoorapu Batasari | ||
1983 | Apathbandhavudu | ||
1983 | Aalyashikaram | ||
1984 | Bobbili Brahmanna | Savitri | wife of Brahmanna |
1984 | Ugra Roopam | ||
1984 | Rowdy | ||
1984 | Raaraju | ||
1984 | Marchandi Mana Chattalu | ||
1984 | Katha Nayakudu | ||
1984 | Janani Janmabhoomi | Kachyayani | |
1984 | Iddaru Dongalu | ||
1984 | Chadarangam | ||
1984 | Bharyamani | ||
1984 | Bharatamlo Sankharavam | ||
1984 | Apanidalu Adavallakena | ||
1985 | Adavi Donga | Vasundhara | |
1985 | Swathi | Swathi's Mother | |
1985 | Vijetha | Saraswathi | |
1985 | Pattabhishekham | ||
1985 | Palnati Simham | ||
1985 | Maha Sangramam | ||
1985 | Krishnagaradi | ||
1985 | Intiko Rudramma | ||
1985 | Illaliko Pariksha | ||
1985 | Ee Samajam Maakodu | ||
1985 | Devalayam | ||
1985 | Bhale Tammudu | ||
1985 | Bebbuli Veta | ||
1985 | Agni Parvatam | Janaki | |
1985 | Raktha Sindhuram | ||
1986 | Anasuyamma Gari Alludu | Anasuyamma | |
1986 | Apoorva Sahodarulu | ||
1986 | Prathidwani | ||
1986 | Deshoddharakulu | ||
1986 | Dharma Peetam Daddarillindi | ||
1986 | Jailupakshi | ||
1986 | Mister Bharath | ||
1986 | Khaidi Rudrayya | ||
1986 | Kondaveeti Raja | ||
1986 | Muddula Krishnayya | ||
1986 | Kaliyuga Krishnudu | ||
1986 | Ravana Brahma | ||
1987 | Sardar Krishnama Naidu | ||
1987 | Agni Putrudu | Brahmaramba | |
1987 | Collector Gari Abbai | Laxmi Devi | |
1987 | Bhargava Ramudu | ||
1987 | Kulala Kurukshetram | ||
1987 | Lawyer Bharti Devi | ||
1987 | Muddayi | ||
1987 | Presidentgari Abbayi | ||
1987 | Saradamba | ||
1987 | Ramu | Gayatri Devi | |
1987 | Ajeyudu | Tulasi | |
1987 | Repati Swarajyam | ||
1987 | Rotation Chakravarthi | ||
1987 | Samrat | ||
1987 | Sankharavam | ||
1988 | 15 August Rathri | ||
1988 | Brahma Puthrudu | ||
1988 | Dharma Teja | ||
1988 | Donga Ramudu | ||
1988 | Illu Illalu Priyuralu | ||
1988 | Maa Telugu Talli | ||
1988 | Parajaswamyam | ||
1988 | Rakthabishekam | ||
1988 | Raktha Tilakam | Nagamani | |
1988 | Rowdy No.1 | ||
1988 | Samsaram | Lakshmi | |
1989 | Bhale Donga | SP Indrani | |
1989 | Dhruva Nakshatram | Bharathi Devi | |
1989 | Dr. Bhawani | ||
1989 | Goonda Rajyam | ||
1989 | Manchi Kutumbam | ||
1989 | Nari Nari Naduma Murari | Sesha Rathnam | |
1989 | Pardhudu | Soubhagya | |
1989 | Raktha Kanneeru | ||
1989 | State Rowdy | SP Laajmani M. Rao | |
1990 | Kadapa Reddamma | ||
1990 | Adadhi | ||
1990 | Kondaveeti Donga | Sambhavi | |
1990 | Lorry Driver | Collector Lalitha Devi | |
1990 | Aggiramudu | Justice Janaki Devi | |
1990 | Dagudumuthala Dampathyam | Lalitha | |
1990 | Prema Khaidi | Jailor | |
1991 | Amma Rajinama | Amma (Mother) | Nominated - Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu |
1991 | Coolie No.1 | ||
1991 | Jagannatakam | Manikyamma | |
1991 | Killer | Malavika | Guardian of Heiress |
1991 | Nayakuralu | ||
1992 | Mother India | Rajyalakshmi | |
1992 | Pellante Noorella Panta | Vasanthi | |
1993 | Major Chandrakanth | Savitri | |
1993 | Mechanic Alludu | Lakshmi | |
1993 | Pelli Gola | ||
1994 | Bobbili Simham | ||
1995 | Leader | Kausalya | |
1996 | Nayanamma | ||
1998 | Antahpuram | Narasimha's wife | |
2003 | Tholi chupulone | ||
2005 | Sankranthi | Mother | |
2006 | Stalin | Stalin's mother | |
2007 | Aata | Narasimha's wife | |
2007 | Yogi | Shantamma | |
2013 | Sukumarudu | Vardanamma |
Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1966 | Inapravugal | Rahel | |
1966 | Pareeksha | Yamuna | |
1966 | Kattu Thulasi | Lalitha | |
1966 | Murappennu | Bhagiradhi | |
1966 | Rajamalli | Rajamalli | |
1967 | Shakuntala | Priyamvadha | |
1968 | Thilothama | Vimala | |
1968 | Pakalkkinavu | Malathy | |
1968 | Manikya Kottaram | Thankam | |
1968 | Karuna | Sharadha | |
1968 | Kanmanikal | Shantha | |
1968 | Jail | Valsala | |
1968 | Archana | Malathi | |
1968 | Iruttinte Athmavu | Ammukutty | |
1968 | Kasavuthattam | Jameela | |
1968 | Thalirukal | Omana | |
1968 | Mullkkireedam | Jancy | |
1968 | Kaarthika | Karthika | |
1968 | Chithra Mela | Sarassu | segment "Apaswarangal" |
1969 | Arakkillam | Geetha | |
1968 | Amruthavahini | Seetha | |
1968 | Kavalaam Chundan | Sarada | |
1969 | Kaathirunna Nikkah | Amina | |
1969 | Kadal | Mariamma | |
1969 | Nadhi | ||
1969 | Janmabhoomi | Jaya | |
1969 | Kaliyalla Kalyanam | Saraswathy | |
1969 | Kaliyodam | Rani | |
1969 | Karutha Pournami | Kunjumol | |
1969 | Manaswani | Malathi | |
1969 | Ammeyenna Sthree | Vijaya | National Film Award for Best Actress |
1969 | Yakshi | Ragini | |
1970 | Aaalmaram | Hema | |
1973 | Colonel and Colector | Sub. Collector Nalini | |
1970 | Hotel High Range | Nalini | |
1970 | Agni Sakshi | Veena | |
1970 | Midumidikki | Radha | |
1970 | Punnapra Vayalar | Malathi | |
1970 | Aparaadhini | Meenu | |
1970 | Asuravithu | Meenakshi | |
1970 | Vila Kuranja Manushyan | Devi | |
1970 | Vilakkapetta Bandhangal | Indhu | |
1973 | Jwala | Kunjomana, Kunjammini | double role |
1973 | Adimakal | Ponnamma | |
1970 | Kattukurangu | Minikutty | |
1973 | Kootu Kudumbam | Shyamala | |
1970 | Mooladhanam | Sarada | |
1970 | Sandhya | Sandhya | |
1970 | Susi | Susi | |
1970 | Veettu Mrugam | Radhika | |
1970 | Velliyazhcha | Radha | |
1970 | Vila Kuranja Manushyan | Stella | |
1973 | Thulabharam | Vijaya | |
1970 | Thriveni | Thankamma | |
1973 | Stree | Savithri | |
1973 | Mindapennu | Kunjulakshmi | |
1973 | Kuttavali | Ponnamma | |
1973 | Kakathamburatti | Janamma | |
1973 | Crossbelt | Ammu | |
1973 | Ambalapravu | Adv. Indhulekha | |
1973 | Pearl View | Stella | |
1973 | Inquilab Sindhabad | Thara | |
1974 | Aabhijathyam | Malathy | |
1974 | Panjavankadu | Theyyi | |
1973 | Vilakkyu Vaangiya Veena | Sarada | |
1974 | Navavadhu | Sreedevi | |
1972 | Theerthayatra | Thaathrikkutty | |
1978 | Anveshanam | Valsala | |
1974 | Brahmachari | Sreedevi/Vasanthy | |
1974 | Maaya | Gomathi | |
1973 | Gandharavakshetram | Lakshmi | |
1976 | Professor | Lakshmi | |
1974 | Swayamvaram | Seeta | National Film Award for Best Actress |
1972 | Sree Guruvayoorappan | ||
1972 | Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku | Reena | |
1978 | Veendum Prabatham | Lakshmi | |
1973 | Udhayam | Geetha | |
1973 | Jeevitham | ||
1973 | Enippadikal | Thankamma | |
1973 | Thekkankattu | Shoshamma | |
1970 | Bhadradeepam | Rajani | |
1974 | Oru Pidi Ari | ||
1975 | Raagam | Priyamvada | |
1975 | Thiruvonam | Radhika | |
1975 | Abhimaanam | ||
1973 | Divyadarshanam | Geetha | |
1976 | Paalkkadal | ||
1976 | Kanyadanam | ||
1976 | Chennai Valarthiya Kutty | Chellamma | |
1977 | Nurayum Pathayum | ||
1977 | Indradhanusu | ||
1977 | Hridhayame Sakshi | Kamala | |
1977 | Aparaajitha | ||
1977 | Amme Anupame | ||
1977 | Aaradhana | Sharadha | |
1977 | Anjali | ||
1977 | Itha Ivide Vare | Bharathi | |
1977 | Vishukani | Rajani | |
1977 | Randu Lokam | Shanta | |
1977 | Sreedevi | Sreedevi | |
1978 | Mannu | Damu's Wife | |
1978 | Asthamayam | Shanthi | |
1978 | Ithanete Vazhi | Malathi | |
1978 | Taxi Driver | ||
1978 | Sundharimarude Swapnangal | ||
1978 | Society Lady | ||
1978 | Rowdy Ramu | Santhi | |
1978 | Reghu Vamsam | ||
1978 | Onappudava | ||
1978 | Manooradham | ||
1978 | Maattoli | ||
1978 | Anubhoothikalude Nimisham | ||
1978 | Thacholi Ambu | Guest role | |
1979 | Ward No. 7 | ||
1979 | Pushyaraagam | ||
1979 | Pichathy Kuttappan | ||
1979 | Ente Sneham Ninakku Mathram | ||
1980 | Akalangalil Abhayam | ||
1980 | Ivar | Savithri/Margaret | |
1980 | Swargadevatha | ||
1980 | Adhikaram | Vimala | |
1981 | Elippathayam | Rajamma | |
1982 | Ponmudi | Madhavi | |
1982 | Prathikaaram | ||
1982 | Anguram | Malini | |
1983 | Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback | Geetha | |
1983 | Anantham Ajnatham | ||
1983 | Nizal Moodiya Nirangal | Shoshamma | |
1984 | Ponmudy | Madhavi | |
1987 | Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam | Saraswathi Teacher | Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
1987 | Saradamba | ||
1988 | Ashwathama | ||
1994 | Kashmeeram | Justice Usha Varma | |
2002 | Mazhathullikkilukkam | Anna John | |
2005 | Rappakal | Saraswathiyamma | |
2011 | Naayika | Gracy | |
2012 | Kalikaalam | Teacher | |
2015 | Ammakkoru Tharattu | Sulakshana | |
Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1963 | Kungumam | Susila | Debut in Tamil |
1963 | Thulasi Maadam | ||
1964 | Arunagirinathar | Gnanavalli | |
1964 | Vazhkai Vazhvadarke | ||
1969 | Thulabaram | Vijaya | |
1972 | Gnana Oli | Mery | |
1974 | Thayi Pirandhal | Laxmi | |
1975 | Ninaithadhai Mudippavan | Seetha | |
1976 | Mazhai Megam | Aruna / Suguna | |
1976 | Ennai Pol Oruvan | Laxmi | |
1977 | Aval Thandha Uravu | ||
1977 | Chakravarthi | ||
1978 | Pudhu Seruppu Kadikkum | ||
1984 | Sarithira Nayagan | ||
1986 | Mr. Bharath | Shanti | |
1998 | Anthapuram | Narasimha's wife | |
Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1970 | Samaj Ko Badal Dalo | Chhaya | |
1973 | Agni Rekha | ||
1980 | Pratishodh | ||
1982 | Sindoor Bane Jwala | ||
1982 | Main Intequam Loonga | Mrs.Ganga Kumar | |
1984 | Sardar | ||
1996 | Sabse Bada Mawali | Malvika | |
2008 | Yaar Meri Zindagi | Radha | Started in 1971 |
Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1963 | Valmiki | ||
1978 | Maathu Tappada Maga | Latha | |
1984 | Thayi Mamathe | ||
1984 | Pralaya Rudra | ||
National Film Award for Best Actress | |
---|---|
1967–1980 |
|
1981–2000 |
|
2001–present |
|
NTR National Award | |
---|---|
Nandi Awards | |
|
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress | |
---|---|
1969–1970 |
|
1971–1980 |
|
1981–1900 | |
1991–2000 |
|
2001–2010 |
|
2011–present |
|
2021–present |
|