# Sarada (actress)

Thadiparthi Saraswati Devi (born 12 June 1945), better known by her stage name Sarada is an Indian actress and politician. Known for her work predominantly in Telugu films and Malayalam films, Sarada is the recipient of three National Awards. She has also appeared in few Tamil, Hindi as well as Kannada language films. She is also known as Urvasi Sarada – National Film Award for Best Actress was officially designated the Urvasi Award. She won three National Awards for her roles in Thulabharam (1968), Swayamvaram (1972), and Nimajjanam (1977). Sarada won the NTR National Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for her contributions to Indian cinema.

## Early life

Sarada was born on 12 June 1945 as Saraswati Devi in Tenali, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her parents Venkateswar Rao and Satyavathi Devi are farmers.She has a brother, 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". Sarada started to learn dance when she was six. She used to perform during Dasara and other temple festivals. Because of her mother's desire, she learnt dancing. Her mother wanted her to be 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.

## Early career

When she grew up, she started acting in Telugu theatre. 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 Ratha Kanneer, a Tamil drama. The play went to get staged over 100 times in Tamil Nadu.

### Film career

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. She came under contract to L.V. Prasad, a Telugu producer. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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).
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. She is one of lead WCC members for Hema Commtiete.

## Awards
### National Film 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)

### Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

* 2013 - Kalaimamani for contributions to Tamil Cinema

### Kerala State Film Awards

* 1970 - Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress – Thriveni & Thara

### Filmfare Awards South

* 1987 - Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam : Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
* 1997 – Lifetime Achievement Award

### Nandi Awards

* 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

## Notable filmography
### 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 | Rukmini | |
| 1964 | Dagudu Moothalu | | |
| 1964 | Mairavana | | |
| 1964 | Murali Krishna | Srilatha | |
| 1965 | Chaduvukonna Bharya | | |
| 1966 | Shrimati | | |
| 1966 | Bhakta Potana | | |
| 1968 | Mana Samsaram | | |
| 1969 | Sri Rama Katha | Sita and Mahalakshmi | |
| 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 | Zamindarugari Ammayi | Parvathi | |
| 1975 | Vykunthapalli | | |
| 1975 | Saubhagyavati | | |
| 1975 | Bharati (1975 film) | | |
| 1976 | Suprabhatam | | |
| 1976 | Mahatmudu | | |
| 1976 | Nimajjanam | Brahmin housewife | National Film Award for Best Actress Nominated - Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu |
| 1977 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Draupadi | |
| 1977 | Swarganiki Nitchenalu | | |
| 1977 | Bhale Alludu | | |
| 1978 | Indradhanussu | Shanti and Latha | Double Role |
| 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 | Sivamethina Satyam | Radha | |
| 1980 | Kodalu Vastunaru Jagratha | Janaki | |
| 1980 | Kaliyuga Ravana Surudu | | |
| 1980 | Alludu Pattina Bharatham | | |
| 1980 | Alayam | | |
| 1981 | Nyayam Kavali | Lawyer Shakuntala | |
| 1981 | O Amma Katha | | |
| 1981 | Prema Natakam | Sarada | |
| 1981 | Alludugaru Zindabad | | |
| 1982 | Nipputho Chelagatam | Mrs. Ganga Kumar | |
| 1982 | Justice Chowdary | Radha | |
| 1982 | Prathikaram | Lakshmi | |
| 1982 | Jagannatha Rathachakralu | | |
| 1983 | Swarajyam | | |
| 1983 | Raghu Ramudu | | |
| 1983 | Poratam | | |
| 1983 | Kumkuma Tilakam | | |
| 1983 | Kaliyuga Daivam | | |
| 1983 | Kala Yamudu | | |
| 1983 | Durga Devi | | |
| 1983 | Chanda Sasanudu | Bhuvaneswari Devi | |
| 1983 | Bandhipottu Rudramma | | |
| 1983 | Bahudoorapu Batasari | | |
| 1983 | Aalaya Sikharam | | |
| 1984 | Bobbili Brahmanna | Savitri | wife of Brahmanna |
| 1984 | Ugra Roopam | | |
| 1984 | Rowdy | Shantha | |
| 1984 | Raaraju | | |
| 1984 | Marchandi Mana Chattalu | | |
| 1984 | Katha Nayakudu | | |
| 1984 | Janani Janmabhoomi | Kachyayani | |
| 1984 | Iddaru Dongalu | | |
| 1984 | Sardar | Bharati | |
| 1984 | Chadarangam | | |
| 1984 | Swathi | Swathi's Mother | |
| 1984 | Bharyamani | | |
| 1984 | Bharatamlo Sankharavam | | |
| 1985 | Adavi Donga | Vasundhara | |
| 1985 | Vijetha | Saraswathi | |
| 1985 | Pattabhishekham | | |
| 1985 | Palnati Simham | Nagamani | |
| 1985 | Maha Sangramam | | |
| 1985 | Intiko Rudramma | | |
| 1985 | Illaliko Pariksha | | |
| 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 | Deshoddharakudu | | |
| 1986 | Dharma Peetam Daddarillindi | | |
| 1986 | Krishna Garadi | | |
| 1986 | Jailu Pakshi | | |
| 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 | Rajyalakshmi | |
| 1987 | Prajaswamyam | Rajeshwari | |
| 1987 | Sankharavam | | |
| 1988 | 15 August Rathri | | |
| 1988 | Brahma Puthrudu | | |
| 1988 | Dharma Teja | | |
| 1988 | Donga Ramudu | | |
| 1988 | Illu Illalu Priyuralu | | |
| 1988 | Chattamto Chadarangam | Lalitha | |
| 1988 | Maa Telugu Talli | | |
| 1988 | Prajaswayam | | |
| 1988 | Rakthabishekam | | |
| 1988 | Raktha Tilakam | Nagamani | |
| 1988 | Rowdy No.1 | | |
| 1988 | Agni Keratalu | Rajeshwari Devi | |
| 1988 | Samsaram | Lakshmi | |
| 1989 | Bhale Donga | SP Indrani | |
| 1989 | Dhruva Nakshatram | Bharathi Devi | |
| 1989 | Dr. Bhavani | | |
| 1989 | Goonda Rajyam | | |
| 1989 | Manchi Kutumbam | | |
| 1989 | Nari Nari Naduma Murari | Sesha Rathnam | |
| 1989 | Parthudu | Soubhagya | |
| 1989 | Raktha Kanneeru | Sarojini | |
| 1989 | State Rowdy | SP Laajmani M. Rao | |
| 1989 | Manchi Kutumbam | Savithri | |
| 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 | | |
| 1994 | Atha Kodallu | | |
| 1994 | President Gari Alludu | Prabhavati | |
| 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 | |

### Malayalam

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1965 | Shakuntala | Priyamvadha | |
| 1965 | Kaliyodam | Rani | |
| 1966 | Inapraavugal | Rahel | |
| 1966 | Pareeksha | Yamuna | |
| 1966 | Kattuthulasi | Lalitha | |
| 1966 | Murappennu | Bhagiradhi | |
| 1966 | Rajamalli | Rajamalli | |
| 1966 | Thilothama | Vimala | |
| 1966 | Jail | Valsala | |
| 1966 | Pakalkkinavu | Malathy | |
| 1966 | Manikyakottaram | Thankam | |
| 1966 | Karuna | Sharadha | |
| 1966 | Kanmanikal | Shantha | |
| 1966 | Archana | Malathi | |
| 1967 | Kavalam Chundan | Sarada | |
| 1967 | Kasavuthattam | Jameela | |
| 1967 | Chithramela | Sarassu | Segment: "Apaswarangal" |
| 1967 | Iruttinte Athmavu | Ammukutty | |
| 1967 | Udhyogastha | Vimala | |
| 1967 | Thalirukal | Omana | |
| 1967 | Mulkireedam | Jancy | |
| 1967 | Arakkillam | Geetha | |
| 1967 | Pareeksha | Yamuna | |
| 1968 | Karthika | Karthika | |
| 1968 | Agni Pareeksha | Hemalatha | |
| 1968 | Kadal | Mary | |
| 1968 | Kaliyalla Kalyanam | Saraswathy | |
| 1968 | Karutha Pournami | Kunjumol | |
| 1968 | Manaswini | Malathi | |
| 1968 | Yakshi | Ragini | |
| 1968 | Hotel High Range | Nalini | |
| 1968 | Midumidukki | Radha | |
| 1968 | Punnapra Vayalar | Malathi | |
| 1968 | Aparadhini | Meenu | |
| 1968 | Asuravithu | Meenakshi | |
| 1968 | Thulabharam | Vijaya | |
| 1969 | Nadi | Stella | |
| 1969 | Janmabhoomi | Jaya | |
| 1969 | Aalmaram | | |
| 1969 | Adimakal | Ponnamma | |
| 1969 | Jwala | Kunjomana, Kunjammini | double role |
| 1969 | Koottukudumbam | Shyamala | |
| 1969 | Vilakuranja Manushyan | Devi | |
| 1969 | Vilakkapetta Bendhangal | Indhu | |
| 1969 | Kattukurangu | Minikutty | |
| 1969 | Mooladhanam | Sarada | |
| 1969 | Sandhya | Sandhya | |
| 1969 | Soosi | Susie | |
| 1969 | Veettumrugam | Radhika | |
| 1969 | Velliyazhcha | Radha | |
| 1970 | Ammayenna Sthree | Vijaya | National Film Award for Best Actress |
| 1970 | Thriveni | Thankamma | |
| 1970 | Stree | Savithri | |
| 1970 | Mindapennu | Kunjulakshmi | |
| 1970 | Kakkathamburatti | Janamma | |
| 1970 | Kuttavali | Ponnamma | |
| 1970 | Cross Belt | Ammu | |
| 1970 | Ambalapravu | Adv. Indhulekha | |
| 1970 | Pearl View | Stella | |
| 1970 | Thara | Vasanthi/Thara | |
| 1971 | Inqulab Zindabbad | | |
| 1971 | Aabhijathyam | Malathy | |
| 1971 | Panchavan Kaadu | Minnukutty | |
| 1971 | Vilakku Vangiya Veena | Sarada | |
| 1971 | Navavadhu | Sreedevi | |
| 1972 | Theerthayathra | Savithri/Thaathrikkutty | |
| 1972 | Anweshanam | Valsala | |
| 1972 | Brahmachari | Sreedevi/Vasanthy | |
| 1972 | Maaya | Gomathi | |
| 1972 | Gandharavakshetram | Lakshmi | |
| 1972 | Professor | Lakshmi | |
| 1972 | Swayamvaram | Seeta | National Film Award for Best Actress |
| 1972 | Sree Guruvayoorappan | | |
| 1972 | Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku | Reena | |
| 1973 | Veendum Prabhatham | Lakshmi | |
| 1973 | Udayam | Geetha | |
| 1973 | Jeevitham | | |
| 1973 | Enippadikal | Thankamma | |
| 1973 | Thekkan Kattu | Shoshamma | |
| 1973 | Bhadradeepam | Rajani | |
| 1973 | Divyadharsanam | | |
| 1974 | Oru Pidi Ari | | |
| 1975 | Raagam | Priyamvada | |
| 1975 | Thiruvonam | Radhika | |
| 1975 | Abhimaanam | Indu | |
| 1976 | Paalkkadal | Sujatha | |
| 1976 | Amrithavaahini | Geetha | |
| 1976 | Kanyaadaanam | | |
| 1976 | Chennai Valarthiya Kutty | Chellamma | |
| 1977 | Nurayum Pathayum | | |
| 1977 | Hridayame Sakshi | Kamala | |
| 1977 | Aparaajitha | | |
| 1977 | Amme Anupame | | |
| 1977 | Aaraadhana | Sharadha | |
| 1977 | Anjali | | |
| 1977 | Itha Ivide Vare | Janu | |
| 1977 | Vishukkani | Rajani | |
| 1977 | Randu Lokam | Shanta | |
| 1977 | Sreedevi | Sreedevi | |
| 1977 | Taxi Driver | | |
| 1978 | Mannu | Paru | |
| 1978 | Asthamayam | Shanthi | |
| 1978 | Ithaanente Vazhi | Malathi | |
| 1978 | Sundarimaarude Swapnangal | | |
| 1978 | Society Lady | | |
| 1978 | Rowdy Ramu | Santhi | |
| 1978 | Raghuvamsham | | |
| 1978 | Onappudava | | |
| 1978 | Manoradham | | |
| 1978 | Maattoly | Malathi | |
| 1978 | Anubhoothikalude Nimisham | | |
| 1978 | Thacholi Ambu | | Guest role |
| 1979 | Indradhanussu | | |
| 1979 | Ward No. 7 | | |
| 1979 | Pushyaraagam | Saraswathi | |
| 1979 | Pichathy Kuttappan | Thankamma | |
| 1979 | Ente Sneham Ninakku Mathram | | |
| 1980 | Akalangalil Abhayam | Bharghavi aka Ammini | |
| 1980 | Ivar | Savithri/Margaret | |
| 1980 | Swarga Devatha | | |
| 1980 | Adhikaram | Vimala | |
| 1982 | Elippathayam | Rajamma | |
| 1982 | Ponmudy | Madhavi | |
| 1982 | Anguram | Malini | |
| 1983 | Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback | Geetha | |
| 1983 | Anantham Ajnatham | | |
| 1983 | Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal | Shoshamma | |
| 1987 | Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam | Saraswathi Teacher | Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 1994 | Kashmeeram | Justice Usha Varma | |
| 2002 | Mazhathullikkilukkam | Anna John | |
| 2005 | Rappakal | Saraswathiyamma | |
| 2011 | Naayika | Older Gracy | |
| 2012 | Kalikaalam | Devaki Teacher | |
| 2015 | Ammakkoru Tharattu | Sulakshana | |

### Tamil

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1963 | Kunkhumam | Susila | Debut in Tamil |
| 1963 | Thulasi Maadam | | |
| 1964 | Arunagirinathar | Gnanavalli | |
| 1964 | Vazhkai Vazhvadarke | Chandra | |
| 1969 | Thulabaram | Vijaya | |
| 1972 | Gnana Oli | Mary | |
| 1974 | Thayi Pirandhal | Lakshmi | |
| 1975 | Ninaithadhai Mudippavan | Seetha | |
| 1976 | Mazhai Megam | Aruna / Suguna | |
| 1976 | Ennai Pol Oruvan | Laxmi | |
| 1977 | Aval Thandha Uravu | | |
| 1977 | Chakravarthi | Shanthi | |
| 1978 | Pudhu Seruppu Kadikkum | | |
| 1984 | Sarithira Nayagan | Varalakshmi | |
| 1986 | Mr. Bharath | Shanti | |
| 1998 | Anthapuram | Narasimha's wife | |

### Hindi

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1970 | Samaj Ko Badal Dalo | Chhaya | |
| 1973 | Agni Rekha | Nirmala Thakur | |
| 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 |

### Kannada

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1963 | Valmiki | |
| 1978 | Maathu Tappada Maga | Latha |
| 1983 | Simha Gharjane | Sharada |
| 1984 | Thayi Mamathe | |
| 1984 | Pralaya Rudra | |