# Sujatha (actress)

Sujatha (10 December 1952 – 6 April 2011) was an Indian actress who performed and starred in a variety of unique characters in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films- in addition to few in Kannada and Hindi languages as well. The actress was best known for restraint and subtlety in portrayal of varied emotions. After starring in numerous Malayalam films in her mother-tongue, Sujatha later got introduced to the Tamil film industry by veteran director K. Balachander and producer P.R. Govindarajan as a protagonist in her first Tamil film, Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974). It was a critically acclaimed film and launched the actress's first commecrical breakthrough in her acting career. She died of a cardiac arrest on 6 April 2011 in Chennai (aged 58).

## Early life

Sujatha was born in a Malayalam-speaking family on 10 December 1952 in Galle, Sri Lanka. She spent most of her early days of childhood over there. She participated in school plays, and later moved to Tamil Nadu when she was about 15. She acted in Ernakulam Junction, a Malayalam movie.

## Career

Sujatha made her debut in the Malayalam film Thapasvini. Her first Tamil film was Aval Oru Thodar Kathai directed by K. Balachander. She again collaborated with K. Balachander in Avargal (1977). Sujatha acted in over 240 films in five languages namely Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi movies. She appeared in films like Aval Our Thodar Kadhai, Annakkili, Avargal as a tortured wife, Vidhi, Mayangugiraal Oru Maadhu, Sentamizh Paattu and Aval Varuvaala, and in Telugu such as her debut in Guppedu Manasu.

### Character roles

During the 1980s, she started playing character roles, often portraying mothers. Her performances as a senior actor in films like Kodi Parakuthu, Uzhaippali, Baba in all which she played the mother of Rajinikanth; and Villain in which she played Ajith Kumar's wellwisher. Varalaru (2006) was her last film.

## Death

While undergoing treatment for a heart ailment, Sujatha died of cardiac arrest in Chennai on 6 April 2011.

## Awards and honours
### Filmfare Awards South

* 1975 – Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award for Uravu Solla Oruvan
* 1976 – Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award for Annakili
* 1977 – Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award for Avargal
* 1979 – Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award for Guppedu Manasu

### Nandi Awards

* 1997– Nandi Award for Best Character Actress for Pelli

### Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

* 1981 – Special Best Actress for Thunaivi
* 1982 – Special Best Actress for Paritchaikku Neramaachu

### Government of Tamil Nadu

* Kalaimamani

## Notable filmography
### 1960s

| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1965 | Ammu | Sharadha | Malayalam | Debut film |
| 1965 | Kattupookkal | | Malayalam | |
| 1965 | Kadathukaran | Kadambari | Malayalam | |
| 1966 | Rowdy | | Malayalam | |

### 1970s

| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1970 | Olavum Theeravum | | Malayalam |
| 1971 | Avalalpam Vaikippoyi | | Malayalam | |
| 1971 | Thapaswini | | Malayalam | |
| 1971 | Ernakulam Junction | Jaya | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Devi | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Manushya Bandhangal | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Snehadeepame Mizhithurakku | Gouri | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Mayiladumkunnu | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Punarjanmam | Janu | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Anweshanam | Vasanthi | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Ananthashayanam | Geetha | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Azhimukham | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Aaradimanninte Janmi | Nirmala | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Akkarapacha | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Aadhyathe Katha | Nalini | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Brahmachari | | Malayalam | |
| 1972 | Maaya | Omana | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Driksaakshi | Sumathi | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Thekkan Kattu | Annakkutty | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Ajnathavasam | Geetha | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Ladies Hostel | Reema | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Bhadradeepam | Usha | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Chukku | Clara | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Football Champion | Thulasi | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Manassu | | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Kaattuvithachavan | | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Chuzhi | Neena | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Achani | Uma | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Interview | Sreedevi | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Kaliyugam | Jaanu | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Raakkuyil | Usha | Malayalam | |
| 1973 | Swarga Puthri | Jolly | Malayalam | |
| 1974 | Sapthaswarangal | Rukmini | Malayalam | |
| 1974 | Shapamoksham | | Malayalam | |
| 1974 | Chakravakam | Devaki | Malayalam | |
| 1974 | Aval Oru Thodar Kathai | Kavitha | Tamil | Kollywood debut |
| 1974 | Chattakari | Usha | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Uravukku Kai Koduppom | | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Malsaram | | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Thennankeetru | | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Sammanam | | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Aan Pillai Singam | | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Chuvanna Sandhyakal | Susheela | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Uravu Solla Oruvan | | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Thiruvonam | Sujatha | Malayalam |
| 1975 | Chumaduthaangi | Mini | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Niramaala | | Malayalam | |
| 1975 | Vaazhnthu Kaattugiren | | Tamil |
| 1975 | Aayirathil Oruthi | Srikanth's lover | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu | Kalpana | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Perum Pugazhum | | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu | | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Idhaya Malar | | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Aayiram Janmangal | | Malayalam | |
| 1976 | Janaki Sabadham | | Tamil |
| 1976 | Muthana Muthallava | | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Nee Oru Maharani | | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Udayam Kizhakku Thanne | | Malayalam | |
| 1976 | Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal | | Tamil |
| 1976 | Ungalil Oruthi | Madhavi | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Lalitha | Lalitha | Tamil | |
| 1976 | Annakili | Annam | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Thunai Iruppal Meenakshi | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Uyarndhavargal | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Aasai Manaivi | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Dheepam | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Nandha En Nila | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Sonnathai Seiven | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Enna Thavam Saithen | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Avargal | Anu | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Pala Parikshai | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Annan Oru Koyil | | Tamil | |
| 1977 | Andaman Kadhali | | Tamil | |
| 1978 | Shri Kanchi Kamakshi | | Tamil | |
| 1978 | Iraivan Kodutha Varam | | Tamil | |
| 1978 | Bhrashtu | | Malayalam | |
| 1978 | Mariamman Thiruvizha | | Tamil |
| 1978 | Kaipidithaval | | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Gnana Kuzhandhai | Thilagavathi | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Sri Rama Jayam | | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Guppedu Manasu | Vidya | Telugu | Tollywood debut and bilingual film |
| 1979 | Adukku Malli | | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Gorintaku | Swapna | Telugu | |
| 1979 | Raja Rajeshwari | | Tamil |
| 1979 | Kandhar Alangaram | | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Poonthalir | | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Nool Veli | | Tamil | Shot simultaneously in Telugu as Guppedu Manasu |

### 1980s

| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1980 | Yedanthasthula Meda | | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Neer Nilam Neruppu | | Tamil |
| 1980 | Vishwaroopam | | Tamil | |
| 1980 | Anbukku Naan Adimai | | Tamil | |
| 1980 | Sandhya | | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Pappu | Herself | Malayalam | |
| 1980 | Pasupu Parani | | Telugu |
| 1980 | Bebbuli | Lalitha | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Circus Ramudu | | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Maadi Veettu Ezhai | | Tamil | |
| 1980 | Sirimalle Navvindi | | Telugu |
| 1980 | Prema Tarangalu | Sujatha | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Sujatha | | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Ragile Jwala | | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Guru Sishyulu | | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Pranaya Geetham | | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Maha Purushudu | Lakshmi | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Kadal Meengal | Kamal's wife | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Ek Hi Bhool | | Hindi | Bollywood debut |
| 1982 | Pandanti Jeevitham | | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Vaa Kanna Vaa | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Oru Vilippadakale | | Malayalam | |
| 1982 | Paritchaikku Neramaachu | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Preeyasakhi Radha | | Malayalam | |
| 1982 | Theerpu | Radha | Tamil |
| 1982 | Idho Varukiren | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Thaai Mookaambikai | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Garuda Sowkiyama | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Thunaivi | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Vamsa Gowravam | Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 1982 | Bangaru Kanuka | | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Sitadevi | | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Yuvaraju (1982 film) | | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Nayakkirin Magal | | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Nanna Devaru | | Kannada | |
| 1982 | Thyagi | | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Justice Raja | Radha | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Neethibathi | | Tamil |
| 1983 | Sandhippu | | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Bahudoorapu Batasari | | Telugu |
| 1983 | MLA Yedukondalu | | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Kodugal Illatha Kolam | | Tamil |
| 1983 | Sumangali | | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Abhilasha | | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Thudikkum Karangal | | Tamil |
| 1984 | Vellai Pura Ondru | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Veetuku Oru Kannagi | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Unnai Naan Santhithen | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Kudumbam | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Kanoonige Saval | Sudha | Kannada | |
| 1984 | Justice Chakravarthy | | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Vidhi | Shakunthala | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Alaya Deepam | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Anubandham | | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Thiruppam | | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Bhola Shankarudu | | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Agni Gundam | | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Intiko Rudramma | Durga | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Nermai | | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Naam | | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Perumai | | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Sivappu Nila | | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Mangamma Sapatham | Kamal's mother | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Karpoora Deepam | | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Uthami | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Vidinja Kalyanam | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Revathi | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Thaaiku Oru Thaalaattu | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Meendum Pallavi | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Kanne Kaniyamuthe | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu | | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Mahashakthi Mariamma | Mariamma Devotee | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Ariyaatha Bandham | | Malayalam | Actress Amala's Malayalam debut |
| 1986 | Mannukkul Vairam | | Tamil |
| 1986 | Maaveeran | Raja's mother | Tamil | |
| 1987 | Mupperum Deviyar | Saraswati | Tamil | |
| 1987 | Chellakutti | | Tamil | |
| 1988 | Super Boy 3D | | Kannada |
| 1989 | Dharmam Vellum | | Tamil |
| 1989 | Pen Puthi Mun Puthi | | Tamil | |
| 1989 | Bidisada Bandha | Kamala Devi | Kannada |
| 1989 | Srirama Chandrudu | | Telugu |
| 1989 | Rajakeeya Chadarangam | | Telugu | |
| 1989 | Dharmam Vellum | | Tamil |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu | Rajini's mother | Tamil | |

### 1990s

| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1990 | Sutradhaarulu | | Telugu | |
| 1990 | Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu | | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Chanti | Mother of Chanti | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Simhadhwani | | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Soori Gadu | | Telugu |
| 1992 | Madhavayya Gari Manavadu | | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Ahankari | Jayanthi | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Abhirami | Abhirami | Tamil |
| 1992 | Senthamizh Paattu | Kalaivani | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Koyil Kaalai | Maragadhammal | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva | | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Aadarsham | | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Kondapalli Raja | | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Uzhaippali | Janaki | Tamil |
| 1993 | Uzhavan | Subbammal | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Watchman Vadivel | Sarassu | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Rajakumaran | Rajakumaran's mother | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Maa Voori Maaraju | | Telugu |
| 1994 | M. Dharmaraju M.A. | | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Nannagaru | | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Thozhar Pandian | | Tamil |
| 1994 | Senthamizh Selvan | Janaki | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Kanmanai | | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Amaithipadai | Sivakami | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Karna | Arjun's mother | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Simha Garjana | | Telugu |
| 1995 | Vetagadu | | Telugu | |
| 1995 | Big Boss | Chiranjeevi mother | Telugu | |
| 1995 | Vajram | | Telugu | |
| 1996 | Pelli | | Telugu | |
| 1996 | Sivasakthi | Siva's mother | Tamil |
| 1996 | Poovarasan | Karthik's mother | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Aval Varuvala | Simran's mother-in-law | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Subbaraju Gari Kutumbam | | Telugu |
| 1998 | Auto Driver | Jagan's mother | Telugu | |
| 1998 | Natpukaaga | Lakshmi | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Thutta Mutta | Anusuya | Kannada | as Ramesh Aravind's mother |
| 1999 | Paattali | Lakshmi | Tamil | as Ramya Krishnan's mother |
| 1999 | Ninaivirukkum Varai | Jani's mother | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Azhagarsamy | Thayama | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Sneham Kosam | Lakshmi | Telugu |

### 2000s

| Year | Film | Role | Language |
| 2000 | Sandhitha Velai | Aadalarasu's mother | Tamil |
| 2001 | Chitrathoonukal | | Malayalam |
| 2001 | Vyjayanthi | | Telugu |
| 2001 | Prematho Raa | | Telugu |
| 2002 | Nee Sneham | Amrutha's grandmother | Telugu |
| 2002 | Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu | | Telugu |
| 2002 | Seema Simham | | Telugu |
| 2002 | Gemini | | Tamil |
| 2002 | Nettru Varai Nee Yaaro | Meenakshi | Tamil |
| 2002 | Baba | Rajini's mother | Tamil |
| 2002 | Villain | Head of disabled home | Tamil |
| 2003 | Kiccha | Sharada (Kiccha's mother) | Kannada |
| 2003 | Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu | Raghavayya's wife | Telugu |
| 2003 | Villain | | Telugu |
| 2004 | Jalothsavam | Bhanumathi | Malayalam |
| 2004 | Arul | Vikram's mother | Tamil |
| 2004 | Maanasthan | Sarathkumar's mother | Tamil |
| 2004 | Attagasam | Ajith Kumar's mother | Tamil |
| 2005 | Chandrolsavam | Bhavani | Malayalam |
| 2005 | Mayookham | Devaki | Malayalam |
| 2006 | Sri Ramadasu | Pokala Damakka | Telugu |
| 2006 | Neelakanta | | Kannada |
| 2006 | Vathiyar | Arjun's mother | Tamil |
| 2006 | Varalaru | Shiva Shankar's Mother-in-law | Tamil |
| 2007 | Chandrahas | | Telugu |

### Voice artist

* For Jaya Prada - Ninaithale Inikkum, 47 Natkal