Sharada (actress)
Sharada (born Saraswati Devi; 25 June 1945) is an Indian actress and politician from Andhra Pradesh. She is the recipient of three National Awards.[1][2] She has achieved success through Malayalam cinema, and Telugu cinema.[1][2] She is also known as Urvasi Sharada because earlier the National Film Award for Best Actress was officially designated the Urvasi Award. She won four time urvashi award for movies like Thulabharam, Oru Pidi ari, Swayamvaram and Onappudava. Sharada has garnered the NTR National Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for her contributions to Indian cinema.[3]
Sharada | |
|---|---|
| Born | Saraswati Devi 25 June 1945 |
| Other names | Urvasi Sharada |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1965–present |
| Spouse(s) | Chalam (m.1972; div. 1984) (died on 1989) |
| Parent(s) | Venkateswar Rao Satyavathi Devi |
| Awards | National Film Award for Best Actress (4) |
| Constituency | Tenali |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Telugu Desam Party |
Early life
Sharada 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. Sharada was sent to Madras in her childhood to live with her grandmother Kanakamma. Sharada 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] Sharada 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 Sharada's father was not too interested in the idea, he did not stop her. Sharada married Telugu actor Chalam, the couple later divorced. Currently Sharada is living with her brother's family in Chennai.[4]
Early career
When she grew up, she started acting in Telugu theatre.[1] Her debut 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]
Film career
In 1959, she began her career as Sharada. The change in name was attributed to the presence of a few other actors in the industry with the 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 Sharada 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]
Awards
- 1968 - National Film Award for Best Actress : Thulabharam (Malayalam)
- 1972 - National Film Award for Best Actress : Swayamvaram (Malayalam)
- 1977 - National Film Award for Best Actress : Nimajjanam (Telugu)
- 2013 - Kalaimamani for contributions to Tamil Cinema
- 1987 - Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam : Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
- 1997 – Lifetime Achievement Award
- 1984 - Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actress - Bobbili Brahmanna
- 2010 - NTR National Award for Lifetime Achievement
- Other Awards
- 1970 - Bengal Film Journalists' Association (BFJA) Award for Best Actress in Hindi – Samaj Ko Badal Dalo
- 2017 - Prem Nazir Award
- 1999 - Doctorate from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad
- 2020 - Vanitha Film Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award
Selected filmography
Malayalam
Telugu
| 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 | Daagudumootalu | ||
| 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 | Sharada | 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 | Adambaralu Anubhandalu | ||
| 1975 | Balipeetam | Aruna | |
| 1975 | Jamindaru Gari Ammayi | ||
| 1975 | Vykunthapalli | ||
| 1975 | Saubhagyavati | ||
| 1975 | Bharati (1975 film) | ||
| 1976 | Nimajjanam | Brahmin housewife | National Film Award for Best Actress |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | Justice Chowdary | ||
| 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 Rudraiah | ||
| 1986 | Kondaveeti Raja | ||
| 1986 | Muddula Krishnaiah | ||
| 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 | Sharadamba | ||
| 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 | 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) | |
| 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 | Raghavendra | Raghava's mother | |
| 2003 | Tholi chupulone | ||
| 2005 | Sankranthi | Mother | |
| 2006 | Stalin | Stalin's mother | |
| 2007 | Aata | Narasimha's wife | |
| 2007 | Yogi | Shantamma | |
| 2013 | Sukumarudu | Vardanamma |
Tamil
| 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 | |
Kannada
| Year | Film | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Valmiki | ||
| 1978 | Maathu Tappada Maga | Latha | |
| 1984 | Thayi Mamathe | ||
| 1984 | Pralaya Rudra | ||
Hindi
| 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 | Started in 1971 |
See also
References
- Kumar, P. K. Ajith. "I always enjoyed my work in Malayalam".
- "Sharada".
- CHELANGAD, SAJU. "The actor with a golden touch".
- "Indiainteracts.com".
