# Jayasudha

Jayasudha Kapoor (born Sujatha Nidudavolu), known mononyomusly as Jayasudha is an Indian actress and politician known for her works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She has also worked in few Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. Known as natural actress, in a career spanning over 5 decades she received nine state Nandi Awards for her acting in works such as Jyothi (1976), Idi Katha Kaadu (1979), Premabhishekam (1981), Meghasandesam (1982), and Dharmaatmudu (1983).
She has garnered five Filmfare Awards South, for her performances in Jyothi (1976), Aame Katha (1977), Gruha Pravesam (1982), Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2004), and Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008). She received the ANR National Award (2008) and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award - South (2010) for her contributions to Indian cinema. Jayasudha served as Member, Legislative Assembly, from Secunderabad constituency during 2009–2014 in the erstwhile combined Government of Andhra Pradesh.

## Early and personal life

Jayasudha was born as Sujatha Nidudavolu in Madras, Tamil Nadu on 17 December 1958, to a Telugu-speaking family of Nidudavolu Rameswara Rao, and actress Joga Bai known for films such as Balanandam (1954), and Kalahasti Mahatyam (1954). Telugu film actress and director Vijaya Nirmala is the first cousin of her father. Jayasudha's paternal grandfather is eminent scholar and literary historian, Nidudavolu Venkatarao. Her first marriage was to film producer Vadde Ramesh's brother-in-law, Kakarlapudi Rajendra Prasad. However, the marriage ended in divorce. She then married Nitin Kapoor, cousin to actor Jeetendra, in 1985 and they have two children, sons Nihar (born in 1986) and Shreayan (born in 1990).
She was elected as MLA from the Secunderabad constituency in 2009 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections from Indian National Congress. She later joined the Telugu Desam Party in 2016. Later in 2019 she quit the Telugu Desam Party and joined YSR Congress Party.

## Career

Jayasudha made her film debut when she was thirteen years old with the Telugu film Pandanti Kapuram (1972). Director K. Balachander gave her a small role in the Tamil film Arangetram where she shared space with Kamal Haasan. She acted in a number of films in Telugu and Tamil mostly under Balachander's direction Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973), Naan Avanillai (1974) and Apoorva Raagangal and in Idi Katha Kaadu with Chiranjeevi. She also changed her name to Jayasudha, since there was already another actress named Sujatha. Her fame quickly spread, where Telugu film producers were offering her good film roles.
While her debut role as a heroine in the Telugu film Lakshmana Rekha (1975) got her attention, it was really the title role in Jyothi (remake of the Hindi film Mili starring Jaya Bhaduri) that made her a big star in Telugu films. She was now called a successor to the great Telugu actress Savitri and performed many strong roles and showed excellent range. She is given the title "Sahaja Nati" which means "natural/realistic actress."
Her roles varied from the cute-looking teeny-bopper who wore minis in Nomu (1974), to that of a tortured wife of a sadist husband in K. Balachander's film Idi Katha Kaadu (1979) to that of a comedian who discovers that her husband wants to murder her for her wealth in Money (1993). She performed showy roles in Telugu remakes of Hindi films, such as Yugandhar (1979) (the fighter role that Zeenat Aman originated in Don), Illalu (Reena Roy's dark-shaded role from Apnapan (1977).
In commercial cinema, she received a huge break when she starred in Adavi Ramudu (1977), which broke box office records. She also showed innovativeness and lack of vanity in original Telugu films like Premabhishekam (1981) where she played a supporting role as a deglamorized prostitute, while Sridevi played the female lead. She has acted in 300-plus feature films in a variety of roles, and in one year, she had 24 film releases. She has made her unique space in the Telugu cinema industry amidst a huge competition between her contemporary actresses Sridevi and Jayaprada.

## Awards
### Filmfare Awards South

* Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) – Jyothi (1976)
* Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) – Aame Katha (1977)
* Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) – Grihapravesam (1982)
* Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award (Telugu) – Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2004)
* Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award (Telugu) – Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008)
* Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award - South (2010)

### Nandi Awards

* Nandi Award for Best Actress – Jyothi (1976)
* Nandi Award for Best Actress – Idi Katha Kaadu (1979)
* Nandi Award for Best Actress – Premabhishekam (1981)
* Nandi Award for Best Actress – Meghasandesam (1982)
* Nandi Award for Best Actress – Dharmaatmudu (1983)

### Other Awards

* Kalasagar Award for Best Actress – Meghasandesam (1982)
* Pride of Indian Cinema Award (2007)
* Andhra Pradesh Cinegoer's Association – Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)
* ANR National Award (2008)

## Legacy

In the 2019 biopic film NTR: Kathanayakudu, actress Payal Rajput portrayed Jayasudha onscreen.

## Selected filmography
### Films
#### Telugu

* Pandanti Kapuram (1972)
* Tirapathi (1974)
* Jeevitha Rangam (1974)
* Soggadu (1975)
* Bhagasthulu (1975)....Vijaya
* Raju Vedale (1976)
* Monagadu (1976)....Radha
* Mangalyaniki Maromudi (1976)
* Alludochadu (1976)...Saroja
* Kotalo Paga (1976)....Latha
* Jyothi (1976)
* Raaja (1976)....Rani
* Premalekhalu (1977)
* Gadusu Ammayi (1977)
* Gadasu Pillodu (1977)
* Amaradeepam (1977)
* Adavi Ramudu (1977)
* Aame Katha (1977)
* Mallepuvvu (1978)
* Sivaranjani (1978)
* Nayudu Bava (1978)....Deepa
* Lawyer Vishwanath (1978)
* KD No. 1 (1978)
* Katakatala Rudraiah (1978)
* Kalanthakulu (1978)....Asha
* Pranam Kareedu (1978)
* Vichitra Jeevitham (1978)
* Yugandhar (1979)
* Shri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam (1979)....Goddess Lakshmi
* Shivamettina Satyam (1979)
* Seethe Ramudaithe (1979)....Seetha
* Muddula Koduku (1979)
* Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1979)
* Mande Gundelu (1979)
* Kalyani (1979)
* Judagadu (1979)
* Intinti Ramayanam (1979)
* Driver Ramudu (1979)
* Andamaina Anubhavam (1979)
* Idi Katha Kaadu (1979)
* Sivamethina Satyam (1980)....Geetha
* Sreevari Muchatlu (1980)
* Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980)
* Gopala Krishnudu (1980)
* Gajadonga (1980)
* Edantastulameda (1980)
* Prema Tarangalu (1980)
* Premabhishekam (1981)
* Swargam (1981)....Suma
* Illalu (1981)
* Pakkinti Ammayi (1981)
* Agni Poolu (1981)
* Aadavallu Meeku Joharulu (1981)
* Yuvaraju (1982)
* Raga Deepam (1982)
* Nipputho Chelagatam (1982)
* Naa Desam (1982)
* Trisulam (1982)
* Madhura Swapnam (1982)
* Anuraga Devatha (1982)
* Gruha Pravesam (1982)
* Chattaniki Veyyi Kallu (1983)...Savithri/Maya Devi
* Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu (1983)
* Raj Kumar (1983)
* Poratam (1983)
* Meghasandesam (1983)
* Lanke Bindelu (1983)....Rama
* Iddaru Kiladilu (1983)
* Amayakudu Kadhu Asadhyudu (1983)
* Yuddham (1984)
* Jagan (1984)....Lalitha
* Punyam Koddi Purushudu (1984)....Sathya
* Iddaru Dongalu (1984)
* Bangaru Kapuram (1984)....Sarada
* Dandayatra (1984)....Durga
* Danavudu (1984)....Latha
* Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)
* Bharyamani (1984)
* Bharatamlo Sankharavam (1984)
* Thirugubatu (1985)
* Palnati Simham (1985)....Sujatha
* Mangalya Balam (1985)
* Maha Sangramam (1985)
* Edadugula Bandham (1985)....Sarala
* Andarikante Monagadu (1985)
* Tandra Paparayudu (1986)
* Muddula Manavaraalu (1986)
* Dharmapeetam Daddarillindhi (1986)....Gauri
* Aadi Dampathulu (1986)
* Vijrumbhana (1986)....Bharathi
* Magadheerudu (1986)
* Aatma Bandhuvulu (1987)
* Paga Saadhista (1987)....Annapurna Devi
* Sardar Dharmanna (1987)
* Kanchana Seeta (1988)
* O Bharya Katha (1988)....Indumathi and Prema Patel
* Prithviraj (1988)....Ashwini
* Bharyabhartala Bandam (1988)
* Rao Gari Illu (1988)
* Ontari Poratam (1989)
* Naa Mogudu Naake Sontham (1989)
* Soggadi Kaapuram (1989)....Vijaya
* Vijay (1989)....Yamuna Devi
* Kalikalam (1991)
* Chillara Mogudu Allari Koduku (1992)
* Repati Koduku (1992)
* Thodi Kodallu (1992)
* Money (1993)
* Akka Pettanam Chelleli Kapuram (1993)
* Vinta Kodallu (1993)
* Inspector Jhansi (1993)
* Kalachakram (1993)
* Shrinatha Kavi Sarvabhowma(1993)
* Bangaru Kutumbam(1994)
* Doragariki Donga Pellam (1994)
* Money Money (1994)
* Jeevitha Khaidi (1994)
* Rikshavodu (1995)
* Aasthi Mooredu Aasa Baredu (1995)
* Street Fighter (1995)....Krishnaveni
* Aunty (1995)
* Deyyam (1996)
* Akka Bagunnava (1996)
* Pellala Rajyam (1996)
* Pattukondi Chuddam (1997)
* Daddy Daddy (1998)
* English Pellam East Godavari Mogudu(1999)
* Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary (2000)
* Yuvakudu (2000)
* Kante Koothurne Kanu (2000)
* Chinna (2001)
* Ammaye Navvithe (2001)
* Hai (2002)
* Fools (2003)
* Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2003)
* Vishnu (2003)
* Balu ABCDEFG (2005)
* Style (2006)
* Valliddari Vayasu Padahare (2006)
* Bommarillu (2006)
* Photo (2006)
* Vijaya Dasami (2007)
* Parugu (2008)
* Raksha (2008)
* Kalidasu (2008)
* Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008)
* Neramu Siksha (2009)
* Kalavaramaye Madilo (2010)
* Solo (2011)
* Daruvu (2012)
* Devudu Chesina Manushulu (2012)
* Adhinayakudu (2012)
* Sarocharu (2012)
* Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013)
* Yevadu (2014)
* Rowdy (2014)
* Govindudu Andarivadele (2014)
* Oopiri (2016)
* Brahmotsavam (2016)
* Ruler (2019)
* Maharshi (2019)
* Kuruvi (2022)
* Malli Pelli (2023)
* Custody (2023)
* Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty (2023)

#### Tamil

Tamil film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Note |
| 1972 | Kula Gouravam | | |
| 1973 | Sollathaan Ninaikkiren | Sudha | |
| 1973 | Petha Manam Pithu | Radha | |
| 1973 | Bharatha Vilas | Mohini | |
| 1973 | Arangetram | Devi | |
| 1973 | Baghdad Perazhagi | Shakila | |
| 1974 | Vellikhizhamai Viratham | | |
| 1974 | Prayachittham | | |
| 1974 | Dheerga Sumangali | | |
| 1974 | Pandhattam | | |
| 1974 | Naan Avanillai | Rani | |
| 1974 | Sisubalan | | |
| 1975 | Aayirathil Oruthi | Sudha | |
| 1975 | Apoorva Raagangal | Ranjani | |
| 1975 | Mannavan Vanthaanadi | | |
| 1975 | Thangathile Vairam | | |
| 1975 | Melnaattu Marumagal | Sudha | |
| 1975 | Pattikkaattu Raja | Usha | |
| 1976 | Maharasi Vazhga | | |
| 1976 | Athirshtam Azhaikirathu | | |
| 1978 | Vaazhkai Alaigal | Ramesh's wife | |
| 1979 | Pattakkathi Bhairavan | Roopa | |
| 1979 | Ninaithale Inikkum | Kamini | |
| 1992 | Pandiyan | Inspector Vijayalakshmi | |
| 1993 | Rajadurai | Uma Devi | |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai | Thangam | |
| 2000 | Alaipayuthey | Saroja | |
| 2001 | Thavasi | Boopathi's mother | |
| 2009 | 1977 | Vetrivel's mother | |
| 2016 | Thozha | Seenu's mother | Also made Telugu language |
| 2018 | Chekka Chivantha Vaanam | Lakshmi Senapathi | |
| 2023 | Varisu | Sudha Rajendran | |
| 2023 | Custody | Judge | Also made Telugu language |

#### Malayalam

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1975 | Rasaleela | Unnimaya |
| 1975 | Thiruvonam | Shandini |
| 1976 | Romeo | |
| 1976 | Mohiniyattam | |
| 1977 | Shivathandavam | |
| 1978 | Priyadarshini | |
| 1981 | Jeevikkan Padikkanam | |
| 1993 | Sarovaram | Rajalakshmi/Sony |
| 2001 | Ishtam | Sridevi |

#### Hindi

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1977 | Aaina | Usha |
| 1979 | Shabhash Daddy | Pinki |
| 1984 | Zakhmi Sher | Anandi |
| 1999 | Sooryavansham | Shardha Thakur |

#### Kannada

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1985 | Nee Thanda Kanike | Meena |
| 2007 | Thayiya Madilu | Nannda Kumar's Mother |
| 2010 | Janani | |
| 2015 | Vajrakaya | Lakshmi |

### As a producer

| Year | Title |
| 1987 | Kanchana Sita |
| 1990 | Kalikalam |
| 1990 | Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai |
| 1992 | Adrustam |
| 1993 | Vinta Kodallu |
| 1999 | Hands Up |

### Television

* Janani (2000–01) (ETV)