# Kovai Sarala

Kovai Sarala is an Indian actress and comedian, who plays supporting roles in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films. She has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian three times, for her performances in Sathi Leelavathi (1995), Poovellam Un Vasam (2001) and Uliyin Osai (2008). She has also won two Nandi Awards for Best Female Comedian and the Vijay Award for Best Comedian for her performance in Kanchana (2011). She is now part of Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam Party.
She has acted with all the top comedians including Brahmanandam, Goundamani, Senthil, Vadivelu and Vivek. Her comedy tracks with Vadivelu and Brahmanandam have been especially popular.

## Early and present life

Kovai Sarala was born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (then in Madras State) in a Malayali family. She developed interest in acting after watching MGR's films. She completed her studies and entered the film industry with the support of her sister and father.
She got her first film offer when she was in the 9th standard and acted with Vijayakumar and K. R. Vijaya in the film Velli Ratham(1979) and did a supporting role in Malayalam movie Thaliritta Kinakkal (1980).
She completed Class 10 and joined theatre did stage shows for few years, later she played a 32-year-old pregnant woman Mundhanai Mudichu, her second tamil film. Two years later she acted in Chinna Veedu, where she played the 65-year-old mother of Bhagyaraj's character. She has appeared in more than 300+ films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. She has mentioned the films Sathi Leelavathi, Viralukketha Veekkam, Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana, Karakattakkaran and Viswanathan Ramamoorthy as her personal favourites.
She has also worked in television series and television shows. She worked as a regular guest judge on Asatha Povathu Yaaru? and has hosted the reality show Paasa Paravaigal. In 2013, she was the judge on the Tamil comedy show "Comedyil Kalakkuvathu Eppadi" that airs on Vijay TV. Now she is regular judge on the Tamil comedy show "Varuthapadatha valibar sangam" that airs on Zee Tamil. Also hosting kids game show "Chellame chellam" on Sun TV.

## Personal life

Sarala is not married. She looks after the children of her relatives, as she considers them to be her own.

## Filmography

Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |

### Tamil

List of Kovai Sarala Tamil film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1979 | Velli Ratham | | |
| 1983 | Mundhanai Mudichu | Arukkani | |
| 1984 | Vaidehi Kathirunthal | | |
| 1984 | Thambikku Entha Ooru | | |
| 1984 | Mannukketha Ponnu | | |
| 1984 | Nooravathu Naal | Manju | |
| 1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | | Guest appearance |
| 1985 | Anbin Mugavari | | |
| 1985 | Uyarndha Ullam | | |
| 1985 | Engal Kural | | |
| 1985 | Chinna Veedu | Madanagopal's Mother | |
| 1985 | Japanil Kalyanaraman | Muppatha | |
| 1985 | Udaya Geetham | Police officer's daughter | |
| 1986 | Marakka Matten | | |
| 1986 | Yaaro Ezhuthiya Kavithai | | |
| 1986 | Vasantha Raagam | | |
| 1986 | Lakshmi Vandhachu | Valli | |
| 1986 | Mannukkul Vairam | | |
| 1987 | Kadhal Parisu | Kanmani | |
| 1987 | Kizhakku Africavil Sheela | Chikki Mukki | |
| 1987 | Velicham | | |
| 1987 | Solvathellam Unmai | Geetha | |
| 1987 | Ananda Aradhanai | | |
| 1987 | Ini Oru Sudhanthiram | | |
| 1987 | Per Sollum Pillai | | |
| 1987 | Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu | | Cameo appearance |
| 1987 | Ninaive Oru Sangeetham | Gundulingam's wife | |
| 1987 | Uzhavan Magan | Kannakku Pillai's daughter | |
| 1987 | Aayusu Nooru | Chellamma | |
| 1988 | Melam Kottu Thali Kattu | | |
| 1988 | Thambi Thanga Kambi | | |
| 1988 | Soora Samhaaram | | |
| 1988 | Enga Ooru Kavalkaran | | |
| 1988 | Valaikaapu | | |
| 1988 | Poovukkul Boogambam | | |
| 1989 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | | |
| 1989 | Raja Chinna Roja | Maid | |
| 1989 | Moodu Manthiram | | |
| 1989 | Thangamana Purushan | | |
| 1989 | Valathu Kalai Vaithu Vaa | | |
| 1989 | Thaaya Thaarama | | |
| 1989 | Yogam Raja Yogam | | |
| 1989 | Solaikuyil | Punitha | |
| 1989 | Paandi Nattu Thangam | Venkatasubbama | |
| 1989 | Karagattakaran | Female dancer | |
| 1989 | Enga Ooru Mappillai | Chandra | |
| 1989 | Thangamani Rangamani | Lakshmi | |
| 1989 | Enga Veettu Deivam | | |
| 1989 | Kai Veesamma Kai Veesu | | |
| 1989 | Raaja Raajathan | | |
| 1989 | Dharmam Vellum | Jimmy | |
| 1989 | Ponnu Pakka Poren | | |
| 1990 | Jagathalaprathapan | | |
| 1990 | Maruthu Pandi | | |
| 1990 | Adhisaya Manithan | Urmila | |
| 1990 | En Kadhal Kanmani | | |
| 1990 | My Dear Marthandan | Maharani | |
| 1990 | Sathan Sollai Thattathe | Chitra's mother | |
| 1990 | Erikkarai Poonkatrey | | |
| 1990 | Valiba Vizhayattu | | |
| 1990 | Thai Maasam Poovaasam | | |
| 1991 | Pondatti Sonna Kettukanum | Thangam | |
| 1991 | Pondatti Pondattithan | Janaki | |
| 1991 | Pudhiya Raagam | Bulbul | |
| 1991 | Chithirai Pookkal | Bharathi's mother | |
| 1991 | Mahamayi | | |
| 1992 | Chinnavar | Sevattamma | |
| 1992 | Therku Theru Machan | | |
| 1992 | Ponnuketha Purushan | | |
| 1992 | Pondatti Rajyam | | |
| 1992 | Thirumathi Palanisamy | School Teacher | |
| 1992 | Thilagam | | |
| 1993 | Dhuruva Natchathiram | | |
| 1994 | Sethupathi IPS | | |
| 1994 | Vaanga Partner Vaanga | Pawn | |
| 1994 | Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana | Elisabeth | |
| 1994 | Pathavi Pramanam | | |
| 1994 | Pavithra | Thenmozhi | |
| 1994 | Nammavar | Julie | |
| 1995 | Sathi Leelavathi | Palaniammal Sakthivel Gounder | |
| 1995 | Rani Maharani | | |
| 1996 | Vasantha Vaasal | Velu's wife | |
| 1996 | Vasantham | | |
| 1996 | Kaalam Maari Pochu | Sundari | |
| 1997 | Gopura Deepam | | |
| 1997 | Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga | Elizabeth | |
| 1997 | Pasamulla Pandiyare | | |
| 1997 | Nattupura Nayagan | Pavalakkodi | |
| 1997 | Nalla Manasukkaran | | |
| 1998 | Udhavikku Varalaamaa | Mythili's mother | |
| 1998 | Kaathala Kaathala | Junior Vikadanantha's wife | |
| 1998 | Aval Varuvala | Savithri | |
| 1998 | Unnudan | Thayamma | |
| 1999 | Kanave Kalaiyadhe | Kayal Vizhi | |
| 1999 | Anantha Poongathe | Saradha | |
| 1999 | Kannodu Kanbathellam | Akhila's mother | |
| 1999 | Nesam Pudhusu | | |
| 1999 | Poovellam Kettuppar | Dr. Bala Thirupurasundari | |
| 1999 | Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa | Lalitha | |
| 1999 | Viralukketha Veekkam | Ranjitham | |
| 1999 | Minsara Kanna | Flower seller | |
| 1999 | Paattali | Sarala | |
| 1999 | Pudhu Kudithanam | Sarasu | |
| 1999 | Manaivikku Mariyadhai | | |
| 2000 | Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela | Ragini | |
| 2000 | Magalirkkaga | Rosa | |
| 2000 | Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai | Kanagavalli | |
| 2000 | Doubles | Meena's mother | |
| 2000 | Maayi | Rakayi | |
| 2000 | Unnai Kann Theduthey | | |
| 2000 | Budget Padmanabhan | Padmanabhan's cousin | |
| 2000 | Uyirile Kalanthathu | | |
| 2001 | Nageswari | | |
| 2001 | Krishna Krishna | Kaveri | |
| 2001 | Mitta Miraasu | Bhagyam | |
| 2001 | Poovellam Un Vasam | Kanniga | |
| 2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | Kannatha | |
| 2001 | Shakalaka Baby | Aaravalli | |
| 2001 | Viswanathan Ramamoorthy | Andal | |
| 2001 | Veettoda Mappillai | Rani | |
| 2001 | Vadagupatti Maapillai | Anjala | |
| 2001 | Shahjahan | Jingili | |
| 2002 | Ennamma Kannu | Simran | |
| 2002 | Thenkasi Pattanam | Kamala | |
| 2002 | En Mana Vaanil | Parvathi | |
| 2002 | Panchathantiram | Bharathi's wife | |
| 2004 | Vaanam Vasappadum | | |
| 2004 | Vishwa Thulasi | | |
| 2005 | Priyasakhi | Kausalya Raman | |
| 2005 | Mumbai Xpress | Avinasi's sister | |
| 2006 | Kovai Brothers | Tenthara, Foursha and Bisin | |
| 2007 | Muni | Kannamma | |
| 2008 | Uliyin Osai | Sokki | |
| 2011 | Muni 2: Kanchana | Sarala | |
| 2012 | Oru Nadigaiyin Vaakkumoolam | Papi | |
| 2012 | Paagan | Amutha | |
| 2013 | Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya | Sowmiya's aunt | |
| 2013 | Thillu Mullu | Senthamarai | |
| 2013 | Arya Surya | Chandralekha | |
| 2013 | Ragalaipuram | Head Constable Ekavalli | |
| 2013 | Chithirayil Nilachoru | | |
| 2014 | Malini 22 Palayamkottai | Sarala | |
| 2014 | Pani Vizhum Nilavu | | |
| 2014 | Vanavarayan Vallavarayan | Vanavarayan & Vallavarayan's mother | |
| 2014 | Sigaram Thodu | Aishwarya | |
| 2014 | Aranmanai | Eshwari | |
| 2014 | Rettai Vaalu | | |
| 2014 | Pagadai Pagadai | Anbukkarasi | |
| 2015 | Komban | Kottaiamma | |
| 2015 | Kanchana 2 | Raghava's mother | |
| 2015 | Adhibar | Kumari | |
| 2015 | Vedalam | Maalu | |
| 2016 | Aranmanai 2 | Komalam | |
| 2016 | Nayaki | Saradha | |
| 2016 | Uchathula Shiva | Shiva's mother | Voice role |
| 2016 | Thiraikku Varadha Kathai | Komalam | |
| 2016 | Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Shanti | |
| 2016 | Balle Vellaiyathevaa | Kathai | |
| 2017 | Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva | Vaijayanthi | |
| 2017 | Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae | E. B. Rajeshwari | |
| 2017 | Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan | Sarala | |
| 2017 | Sathura Adi 3500 | | |
| 2017 | Bayama Irukku | Devil Devi | |
| 2017 | Mersal | Sarala | |
| 2018 | Semma | Mandhaarai | |
| 2018 | Itly | Twinkle | |
| 2018 | Kasu Mela Kasu | Myna's mother | |
| 2018 | Lakshmi | A. Saraswathi | |
| 2018 | Utharavu Maharaja | | |
| 2019 | Viswasam | Philomeena | |
| 2019 | Kanchana 3 | Raghava's mother | |
| 2019 | Devi 2 | Lalitha | |
| 2021 | Michaelpatty Raja | Raja's mother | |
| 2021 | Pei Mama | Serupadi Sitharamma | |
| 2022 | One Way | | |
| 2022 | Sembi | Veerathayi | |
| 2023 | Ithu Kadhaiyalla Nijam | | |
| 2023 | Kick | | |
| 2024 | Double Tuckerr | Shanmugavalli | |
| 2024 | Aranmanai 4 | Saravanan and Selvi's aunt | Also partially reshot in Telugu |
| 2024 | Kanguva | Francis' mother | |

### Telugu

List of Kovai Sarala Telugu film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1987 | Veera Prathap | | |
| 1991 | Amma Kadupu Challanga | | |
| 1992 | Pellam Chepithe Vinnali | | |
| 1993 | Pellama Majaka | | |
| 1994 | Kunti Putrudu | | |
| 1994 | Bhairava Dweepam | Allari Deyyam | |
| 1994 | Hello Alludu | | |
| 1995 | Aasthi Mooredu Aasa Baaredu | | |
| 1995 | God Father | | |
| 1995 | Lingababu Love Story | Bank Manager Ambhujam | |
| 1996 | Family | Kasthuri | |
| 1996 | Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi | Julie | |
| 1997 | Pelli | Meena | |
| 1997 | Mama Bagunnava | Sundarambal Iyer | |
| 1998 | Suprabhatam | Chukkamma | |
| 1998 | Navvulata | Nurse | |
| 1999 | Vaare Vah Moguda | | |
| 2000 | Kshemamga Velli Labamgarandi | Subbalakshmi | |
| 2000 | Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary | Venkamma | |
| 2000 | Nuvve Kavali | Rukku | |
| 2000 | Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa | Lalitha | |
| 2001 | Mrugaraju | | |
| 2001 | Akka Bavaekada | Mangamma | |
| 2001 | Simharasi | | |
| 2001 | Ramma Chilakamma | Simran, Simhu Darling | Dual roles |
| 2001 | Athanu | | |
| 2001 | Hanuman Junction | Sangeetha's aunt | |
| 2002 | Entha Bagundo | | |
| 2002 | Malli Malli Chudali | | |
| 2002 | Maa Alludu Very Good | A. V. Rao's mother | |
| 2002 | Sandade Sandadi | Fitting Parvathi | |
| 2002 | O Chinadana | Veena Tantula Meera Bai | |
| 2003 | Fools | Manga | |
| 2003 | Ottesi Cheputunna | | |
| 2003 | Ela Cheppanu | Sarala | |
| 2003 | Ori Nee Prema Bangaram Kaanu | | |
| 2003 | Sriramachandrulu | Savitri | |
| 2003 | Tiger Harischandra Prasad | | |
| 2004 | Mee Intikoste Em Istaaru Maa Intkoste Em Testaaru | | |
| 2004 | Andaru Dongale Dorikite | Chi. La. Sow. Suryakantham | |
| 2004 | Monalisa | Nurse | partially reshot version |
| 2004 | Vidyardhi | | |
| 2005 | Mahanandi | Chilakamma | |
| 2005 | Evadi Gola Vaadidhi | Leela Rani | |
| 2005 | Veerabhadra | Colony resident | |
| 2006 | Naidu LLB | | |
| 2006 | Iddaru Attala Muddula Alludu | Sarala | |
| 2006 | Style | Ganesh's neighbour | |
| 2006 | Raam | | |
| 2006 | Rajababu | | |
| 2006 | Aadivaram Aadavallaku Selavu | | |
| 2006 | Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw | Mary Gotham | |
| 2006 | Pellaina Kothalo | | |
| 2007 | Pagale Vennela | Sarala | |
| 2007 | Desamuduru | Shivani | |
| 2007 | Maharathi | Saralamma | |
| 2007 | Seema Sastri | | |
| 2008 | Nee Sukhame Ne Koruthunna | | |
| 2008 | Sawaal | | |
| 2008 | Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters | Bommana brothers' mother | |
| 2008 | Michael Madana Kamaraju | Michael's fake mother | |
| 2008 | Mallepuvvu | Construction site worker | |
| 2008 | Hero | Sarala | |
| 2008 | Dongala Bandi | Aishwarya's sister | |
| 2008 | Neninthe | Urmila | |
| 2009 | Bumper Offer | Ramanamma | |
| 2009 | Evaraina Epudaina | Nurse | |
| 2009 | A Aa E Ee | | |
| 2010 | Kothimooka | Jambu | |
| 2010 | Puli | Inspector Madhumati | |
| 2011 | Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju | | |
| 2011 | Badrinath | Badrinath's mother | |
| 2012 | Devasthanam | Sridevi | |
| 2012 | Nuvva Nena | Pushpa | |
| 2012 | Rebel | Nandini's aunt | |
| 2012 | Devudu Chesina Manashulu | Lakshmi | |
| 2012 | Sudigadu | Kamesh's Mother / Don D | |
| 2013 | Masala | Anjali Devi / Chintamani | |
| 2013 | Greeku Veerudu | | |
| 2015 | Temper | Shanvi's mother | |
| 2015 | Kick 2 | Darling | |
| 2016 | Nayaki | Saradha | |
| 2018 | Lakshmi | A. Saraswathi | partially reshot version |
| 2019 | Abhinetri 2 | Lalitha | |

### Malayalam

List of Kovai Sarala Malayalam film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1980 | Thaliritta Kinakkal | |
| 1997 | Poomarathanalil | |
| 1999 | Niram | Rukku |
| 2004 | Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku | Parvathi Ammal |
| 2005 | Hai | |
| 2012 | Maad Dad | Dawini D'Zosa |
| 2016 | Girls | Komalam |

### Kannada

List of Kovai Sarala Kannada film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1986 | Africadalli Sheela | Chikki Mukki |
| 1993 | Hendthi Helidare Kelabeku | Sarala |
| 1993 | Alimayya | Anantha's mother |
| 2002 | Naanu Naane | |
| 2008 | Arjun | Surya's wife |

### Singer

* Marugo Marugo (Sathi Leelavathi) (1995)
* Thekkathi Mappillai (Magalirkkaga) (2000)
* Rama Rama (Villu) (2009)
* Iravinil Aattam (Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru) (2016)

### Television

* Sundari Soundari (Sun TV)
* Ellame Siripputhan (Kalaignar TV)
* Vanthaana Thanthaana (Kalaignar TV)
* Sabhash Meera (Jaya TV)
* Sagalakala Sarala (Vijay TV)
* Comedyil Kalakkuvathu Eppadi (Vijay TV)
* Vantintlo Wonders (Gemini TV)
* Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (Zee Tamil)
* Chellame Chellam (Sun TV)
* Arundhathi (Sun TV)
* Kutty Chutties (Sun TV)
* Kalakka Povathu Yaaru? – (Seasons 1–5,8–9 (Star Vijay) – Judge

## Awards and nominations
### Awards
#### Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

* Best Comedian – Sathi Leelavathi (1995)
* Best Comedian – Poovellam Un Vasam (2001)
* Best Comedian – Uliyin Osai (2008)

#### Vijay Awards

* Vijay Award for Best Comedian – Kanchana (2011)

#### Nandi Awards

* Best Female Comedian – Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary (2000)
* Best Female Comedian – Ori Nee Prema Bangaram Kaanu (2003)

### Nominations

* 60th Filmfare Awards South – Best Supporting Actress – Telugu – Sudigadu (2012)