Ambika
Ambika (actress)
Ambika | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Born | 16 August 1962 |
| Years active | 1978–1989 1997–present |
| Spouse(s) | Premkumar Menon (m.1988; div.1996) Ravikanth (m.2000; div.2002) |
| Children | Ramkesav (b.1989) Rishikesh (b.1991) |
| Parent(s) | Kunjan Nair, Sarasamma |
| Family | Radha (sister) |
| Awards | Kalaimaamani (1984) |
Ambika is an Indian film and television actress known for her works predominantly in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada films and serials. She also did a few Telugu and English films. She was one of the top south Indian heroines for a decade from 1978 to 1989. Her younger sister Radha was also an actress. They acted together in a number of south Indian films and during the peak of their careers.
Personal life[edit source]
Ambika was born in 1962 to Kunjan Nair and Sarasamma at Kallara village, located in Thiruvananthapuram district.[1] Her mother Kallara Sarasamma was Mahila Congress leader during 2014.[2] She has two younger sisters, Radha and Mallika, and two younger brothers, Arjun and Suresh. Ambika married NRI Premkumar Menon in 1988. They have two sons and settled in America. After they divorced in 1996, she then married actor Ravikanth in 2000, but they divorced in 2002. She is currently settled in Chennai along with her sons.[3]
Career[edit source]
Ambika started her career as a child artist and later as main heroine and acted in more than 200 South Indian films. Her career as a heroine started with the Malayalam movie Seetha, which only released very late in her career. But with films such as Neelathaamara (which was made again in 2009) and Lejjavathi, she became a busy actress within a few years not only in Malayalam,[4] but also in Tamil and Kannada.[5]
K. Bhagyaraj introduced Ambika in his movie Antha Ezhu Naatkal. She has been cast alongside Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in many movies. Most of her films have been with actors such as Mammootty, Rajinikanth, Shankar, Mohanlal, Ambarish, Rajkumar, and Vijayakanth.[6]
She had a very successful career in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam movies throughout the 1980s. In Tamil and Malayalam, she took on a few bold roles that showcased her versatility and talent. In Kannada, she appeared in glamarous roles. Her rain songs with Ambarish are shown frequently on TV and considered groundbreaking in an otherwise conservative industry.[7]
In Tamil, Ambika shot to fame with Kakki Chattai. At the zenith of her career she costarred with her sister Radha in Kadhal Parisu, where both actresses demonstrated their acting prowess in the roles of two sisters, both with strong but conflicting personalities.
After getting divorced, she returned to India from U.S. Later in 1997 she started acting again in films - Periyamanushan, opposite Sathyaraj in Maa Naanaki Pelli Telugu and opposite Krishnam Raju in Simhada mari Kannada. She acted as heroine in Vikaraman's project Mariyathai, in which Vijayakanth played a double role of father and son. She acted in Malayalam films such as Angel John with Mohanlal, Thanthonni and Sadgamaya and is currently[when?] more active doing TV serials.[8]
She has acted in many advertisements. She is a designer too. She has judged many reality shows also. In a film called Medulla Oblangatta (2014) she has done lyrics work too.
Awards[edit source]
- 1984 Kalaimaamani Award - Film field (art)
- Film critics Award Enkeyo Ketta Kural
- Mirchi Music Awards - Female Icon Award (Malayalam)
- Edison Awards for Best Character Role Female 2010 - Mariyadhai
- Realistic Awards 2020 - Lifetime Achievement Award
- Galatta Wonder Woman Awards - Fan Favourite of 80's
Filmography[edit source]
In order of languages in which she acted the most to fewest films.
Malayalam[edit source]
Tamil[edit source]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Traffic Ramasamy | Judge | |
| 2016 | Ennama Katha Vudranunga | ||
| 2015 | Idhu Enna Maayam | Arun's mother | |
| 2014 | Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe | ||
| 2014 | Jigarthanda | Kayalvizhi's mother | |
| 2012 | Ullam | ||
| 2011 | Avan Ivan | Maryamma | |
| 2010 | Uthama Puthiran | Sivakaami | |
| 2009 | Mariyadhai | Alamelu Annamalai | |
| 2007 | Vel | Vel's adoptive mother | |
| 2005 | Mazhai | Shailaja's mother | |
| 2005 | Kaatrulla Varai | ||
| 2005 | Jadhi | ||
| 2004 | Super Da | ||
| 2003 | Ottran | Sudha's mother | |
| 2002 | Alli Arjuna | Savithri's mother | |
| 2002 | Jaya | ||
| 2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | Nithi's mother | |
| 2000 | Vallarasu | Anjali's mother | |
| 2000 | Magalirkaga | 'Head Constable' Panchavarnam | |
| 2000 | Simmasanam | Sathyamurthy's wife | |
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | wedding guest | |
| 1999 | Amarkalam | Mohana's mother | |
| 1999 | Time | Srinivasa Murthy's mother | |
| 1999 | Pooparika Varugirom | ||
| 1999 | Jodi | Sneha Varadharajan | |
| 1999 | Anantha Poongathe | ||
| 1999 | Poovellam Kettuppar | Krishna Bharathi's mother | |
| 1999 | Iraniyan | ||
| 1999 | Kodiesvaran | ||
| 1999 | Uyirodu Uyiraga | Anjali's mother | |
| 1998 | Kaadhal Kavidhai | Vishwa's mother | |
| 1998 | En Uyir Nee Thaane | ||
| 1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | ||
| 1998 | Poonthottam | ||
| 1998 | Sandhippoma | ||
| 1997 | Arunachalam | Meenakshi | |
| 1997 | Periya Manushan | Sivagami | |
| 1989 | Dravidan | ||
| 1988 | Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam | Sivakami | |
| 1988 | Kan Simittum Neram | Lakshmi | |
| 1988 | Ganam Courtar Avargaley | ||
| 1988 | Rendum Rendum Aindhu | ||
| 1987 | Ivargal Varungala Thoongal | ||
| 1987 | Aalappirandhavan | Seetha ips, deputy superintendent of police | |
| 1987 | Nalla Pambu | ||
| 1987 | Thambathyam | ||
| 1987 | Veeran Veluthambi | ||
| 1987 | Mupperum Deviyar | ||
| 1987 | Kadhal Parisu | Malini | |
| 1987 | Makkal En Pakkam | Radha | |
| 1987 | Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu | Geetha | |
| 1987 | Anjatha Singam | ||
| 1987 | Muthukkal Moondru | ||
| 1987 | Annanagar Mudhal Theru | ||
| 1987 | Velundu Vinaiyillai | ||
| 1986 | Maaveeran | Rekha | |
| 1986 | Rasigan Oru Rasigai | ||
| 1986 | Raja Nee Vaazhga | ||
| 1986 | Thazhuvatha Kaigal | Rajeshwari | |
| 1986 | Manakanakku | ||
| 1986 | Isai Paadum Thendral | ||
| 1986 | Karpoora Deepam | ||
| 1986 | Kanmaniye Pesu | ||
| 1986 | Naanum Oru Thozhilali | ||
| 1986 | Oruvar Vazhum Alayam | ||
| 1986 | Vikram | Vikram's wife | |
| 1986 | Nermai | ||
| 1986 | Mr. Bharath | Uma | |
| 1985 | Padikathavan | Mary | |
| 1985 | Thoongatha Kannondru Ondru | ||
| 1985 | Raja Rishi | ||
| 1985 | Unakkaga Oru Roja | Meera | |
| 1985 | Puthiya Theerppu | ||
| 1985 | Thandanai | ||
| 1985 | Erimilai | ||
| 1985 | Karuppu Chattaikaran | ||
| 1985 | Arthamulla Aasaigal | ||
| 1985 | Idaya Kovil | Gauri | |
| 1985 | Sri Raghavendrar | Aparajita | |
| 1985 | Aval Potta Kolam | ||
| 1985 | Engal Kural | Guest appearance | |
| 1985 | Uyarndha Ullam | Geetha | |
| 1985 | Puthiya Sagaptham | Uma | |
| 1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Uma | |
| 1985 | Kaakki Sattai | Uma | |
| 1985 | Naagam | ||
| 1984 | Thaarasu | ||
| 1984 | Nerupukkul Eeram | ||
| 1984 | Vaazhkai | ||
| 1984 | Irumbu Kaigal' | ||
| 1984 | Pournami Alaigal | ||
| 1984 | Pei Veedu | ||
| 1984 | Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | ||
| 1984 | Thaalithanam | ||
| 1984 | Kanmaniye Pesu | ||
| 1984 | Anbulla Rajinikanth | Mother of Rosy | |
| 1984 | Neethikku Oru Penn | ||
| 1984 | Naan Paadum Paadal | ||
| 1984 | Thangamadi Thangam | ||
| 1984 | Vengaiyin Maindhan | ||
| 1984 | Thiruppam | ||
| 1983 | Vellai Roja | Lakshmi | |
| 1983 | Raagangal Maaruvathillai | ||
| 1983 | Soorapuli | ||
| 1983 | Thambathyam | ||
| 1983 | Thalaimagan | ||
| 1983 | Jothi | ||
| 1983 | Garuda Saukiyama | ||
| 1982 | Chinnan Chirusugal | ||
| 1982 | Idhayam Pesugirathu | ||
| 1982 | Deviyin Thiruvilayadal | Dakshayini | |
| 1982 | Vazhvey Maayam | Sandhiya | |
| 1982 | Enkeyo Ketta Kural | Ponni (first wife) | |
| 1982 | Sagalakala Vallavan | Geetha | |
| 1982 | Theerpugal Thiruththapadalam | Radha | |
| 1981 | Kadal Meengal | UMA | |
| 1981 | Antha Ezhu Naatkal | Vasanthi | |
| 1981 | Tharayil Vaazhum Meenkal | ||
| 1980 | Enga Ooru Rasathi | ||
| 1980 | Tharayil Pootha Malar | ||
| 1979 | Chakkalathi |
Kannada[edit source]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Sri Yediyuru Siddalingeshwara | ||
| 1982 | Garuda Rekhe | ||
| 1982 | Chalisuva Modagalu | Sheela | |
| 1983 | Avala Neralu | ||
| 1983 | Chakravyuha | Asha | |
| 1983 | Gayathri Maduve | ||
| 1983 | Eradu Nakshatragalu | ||
| 1983 | Bhakta Prahlada | ||
| 1983 | Hasida Hebbuli | ||
| 1984 | Naane Raja | ||
| 1984 | Mooru Janma | Chitti | |
| 1984 | Pralayanthaka | Special appearance | |
| 1984 | Apoorva Sangama | ||
| 1984 | Indina Bharatha | ||
| 1985 | Chaduranga | ||
| 1986 | Asambhava | ||
| 1986 | Digvijaya | Dual role | |
| 1986 | Shubha Milana | ||
| 1986 | Bete | ||
| 1986 | Sathkara | ||
| 1987 | Bazar Bheema | ||
| 1987 | Jeevana Jyothi | ||
| 1987 | Athiratha Maharatha | ||
| 1987 | Poorna Chandra | ||
| 1987 | Nyayakke Shikshe | ||
| 1987 | Aapadbandhava | ||
| 1988 | Dharmaathma | ||
| 1988 | Kirathaka | ||
| 1988 | Vijaya Khadga | ||
| 1989 | Hongkongnalli Agent Amar | ||
| 1997 | Simhada Mari | ||
| 1999 | Janumadatha | Ahalya | |
| 2000 | Kanasugara | ||
| 2000 | Sulthan | ||
| 2002 | Nagarahavu | ||
| 2002 | Nandhi | Nandhi's mother | |
| 2002 | Manasella Neene | ||
| 2004 | Om Ganesh | ||
| 2003 | Vijaysimha | ||
| 2017 | Kaffi Thota | Judge | |
| 2019 | Kalidasa Kannada Meshtru | Principal |
Telugu[edit source]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Addala Meda | - | |
| 1981 | Viswaroopam | Mallika | |
| 1981 | Prema Mandiram | - | |
| 1981 | Nayudu Gari Abbai | Madhavi | |
| 1981 | Bobbili Puli | Jayanthi | |
| 1983 | Rajkumar | - | |
| 1984 | Dongalu Baboi Dongalu | Swarajyam | |
| 1984 | Kurukshetramlo Sita | - | |
| 1984 | Mukhyamantri | - | |
| 1988 | August 15 Rathri | ||
| 1988 | Yamudiki Mogudu | - | |
| 1997 | Maa Nannaki Pelli | Shravani | |
| 1998 | Kodukulu | - | |
| 1998 | Rayudu | Tulasi | |
| 1999 | Neti Gandhi | ||
| 2002 | Kondaveeti Simhasanam | ||
| 2002 | Police Sisters | Jaya | |
| 2005 | Slokam | - | |
| 2006 | Manasu Palike Mouna Raagam | - |
Television[edit source]
| Year | Title | Channel | language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Kudumbam | Sun TV | Tamil | Serial |
| 2003 | Summer in America | Kairali TV | Malayalam | |
| 2005 | Koodum Thedi | |||
| 2011 | Kanalpoovu | Jeevan TV | ||
| Kerala's Favourite Film Actor | ACV | reality show as Judge | ||
| Vivel Big Break | Surya TV | |||
| 2012 | Veruthe Alla Bharya season 2 | Mazhavil Manorama | ||
| Preethiyinda | Star Suvarna | Kannada | Serial | |
| Sreepadmanabham | Amrita TV | Malayalam | ||
| 2013–2014 | Avakashikal | Surya TV | ||
| 2013 | Jodi Number one season 6 | Vijay TV | Tamil | reality show as Judge |
| 2013–2014 | Sare Gama gama gama | Puthuyugam TV | Serial | |
| 2013 | Bharthakkankarude Sradhakku | Asianet | Malayalam | reality show as Judge |
| 2014 | Jeevitha Ganam | Serial | ||
| 2014 | Veruthe Alla Bharya season 3 | Mazhavil Manorama | reality show as Judge | |
| 2016 | Uggram Ujjwalam Season 2 | |||
| 2016–2017 | Malayali Veetamma | Flowers | ||
| 2017 | Aparichitha | Amrita TV | Serial | |
| Dancing Khilladies | Zee Tamil | Tamil | reality show as Judge | |
| Zee Dance League | ||||
| 2018–2020 | Nayaki Season 1 | Sun TV | Serial | |
| 2019 | Lolluppa | reality show as Judge | ||
| 2020 | Nayaki Season 2 | Serial | ||
| 2020 | Chithi 2 | Serial, Cameo Appearance | ||
| 2020 | Thirumathi Hitler | Zee Tamil | Tamil | Serial |
Other TV Shows[edit source]
- Antha Naal Nyabagam
- Alitho Saradaga
- Star Jam
- Comedy Super Nite
- Vartha Prabhatham
- Talk With the Stars (IIFA Utsavam 2017)
- Lal Salam
- Cinema Vikatan
- Vanitha Film Awards
- Galatta Nakshatra Awards
- MGR-SIVAJI Cinema Awards
- Vanakkam Tamizha
- Suvarna Thaarangal
- Thakarppan Comedy
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