Ushakumari

Vennira Aadai Nirmala

Vennira Aadai Nirmala

Indian actress

Vennira Aadai Nirmala (born as A. B. Shanthi in Kumbakonam) is an Indian actress who has appeared in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. She was a prominent lead actress from 1960s and 70s. She is credited as Ushakumari in Malayalam film industry.

Quick Facts Born, Other names ...

Personal life

She was born as Shanthi to Aranmanai L Balakrishnan and Rukmani at Kumbakonam in a Saurashtra family. She had four siblings. She remains unmarried.[1]

Acting career

Debuting through C. V. Sridhar's Vennira Aadai in 1965, she has acted as lead roles in over 400+ films encompassing four languages - Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu & Kannada. Her screen name in Malayalam films was 'Usha Kumari' In addition to her acting career, Nirmala is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.[2][3] She acted in the TV series - Deivamagal.

Political career

M. G. Ramachandran had adopted her as his sister and wanted to be his heir in politics. However, she refused.[4] MGR had nominated her to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council. Her swearing in ceremony was scheduled for 23 April 1986. Nirmala had earlier declared insolvency and according to Article 102-(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution, an insolvent person cannot serve as a member of parliament or state legislature.[5][6]

This annulment made Nirmala's nomination valid and the writ petition against it was dismissed. However, Nirmala withdrew her nomination to the council. Miffed with this incident, MGR decided to abolish the council.[7]

Partial filmography

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Tamil

Malayalam: Credited as Ushakumari

  1. Sharjah To Sharjah (2001)
  2. Poomarathanalil (1997)
  3. Kilungaatha Changalakal (1981)
  4. Kaanthavalayam (1980)
  5. Bhakthahanuman (1980)
  6. Ashwaradham(1980) as Lakshmi
  7. Iniyum Kaanaam (1979) as Nirmala
  8. Veerabhadran (1979)
  9. Randil Onnu (1978)
  10. Chakraayudham (1978)
  11. Velluvili (1978) as Savithri
  12. Hemantharaathri (1978)
  13. Thacholi Ambu (1978)
  14. Guruvayoor Keshavan (1977)
  15. Sreemurukan (1977)
  16. Amba Ambika Ambaalika (1976) as Sathyavathi
  17. Maanishaada (1975)
  18. Thomasleeha (1975)
  19. Njaan Ninne Premikkunnu (1975) as Gracy
  20. Suprabhaatham (1974)
  21. Durga (1974)
  22. Paavangal Pennungal (1973)
  23. Aashaachakram (1973)
  24. Shaasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973) as Suvarna
  25. Thaniniram (1973)
  26. Thenaruvi (1973) as Thulasi
  27. Jesus (1973) as Mary Magdalna
  28. Maravil Thirivu Sookshikkuka (1972) as Maalu
  29. Lora Nee Evide (1971) as Lora
  30. Panchavankaadu (1971) as Devamma
  31. Dathuputhran (1970) as Omana
  32. Bheekara Nimishangal (1970) as Indira
  33. Cross Belt (1970) as Leela/Mrs.Robert
  34. Vivaahitha (1970) as Leela
  35. Janmabhoomi (1969) as Madhavi
  36. Koottukudumbam (1969) as Radhika
  37. Vilakkappetta Bandhangal (1969)
  38. Punnapura Vayalar (1968) as Chinnamma
  39. Yakshi (1968) as Vijayalakshmi
  40. Sahadharmini (1967)
  41. Maadatharuvi (1967)
  42. Thalirukal (1967)
  43. NGO (1967) as Shantha
  44. Sheelavathi (1967) as Saraswathi
  45. Iruttinte Athmavu (1967) as Prema
  46. Ramanan (1967) as Karthi
  47. Jeevikkaan Anuvadikkoo (1967)
  48. Kayamkulam Kochunni (1966) as Nabeesa
  49. Station Master (1966) as Geetha & Omana
  50. Kallippennu (1966) as Kallippennu
  51. Chettathi (1965) as Susheela
  52. Kaattuthulasi (1965) as Thulasi

Telugu

•Gudachari 116 (1966)

•Bhakta Prahlada (1967)

•Ave Kallu(1967)

•Mooga Nomu(1969)

•Bangaru Talli(1971)

•Bomma Borusa(1971)

•Sati Anasuya(1971)

•Kathula Rathaiah(1972)

•Datta Putrudu(1972)

•Maa Inti Velugu(1972)

•Dhanama? Daivama?(1973)

•Mangalya Bhagyam(1974)

•Devude Gelichadu(1976)

•Chakradhari(1977)

•Karunamayudu(1978)

•Sri Anjaneya Charitra(1981)

•Andham kadhidi Aarambham(1981)

•Bala Nagamma(1981)

•Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi(1998)

•Adhipathi(2001)

•Kalisundam Raa(2000)

•Jayam Manadera(2000)

•Ninne Premistha(2000)

•Seema Simham(2002)

•Okariki Okaru(2003)

•Arjun(2004 film)

•Shankar Dada M.B.B.S(2004)

•Shankar Dada Zindabad(2007)

•Ragada (2010)

Kannada

  • Sri Renukadevi Mahathme (1975)
  • Kari Naga (1985)

Television serials

More information Year, Title ...

Awards and honours

  • 2009; Kaviarasu Kannadasan Tamizh Sangam Award[9]

References

  1. [1]
    "ഞാന്‍ വിവാഹം കഴിക്കില്ല, നൃത്തം ചെയ്ത് അച്ഛനെ സമ്പന്നനാക്കും; ഇപ്പോഴും അവിവാഹിതയായി ജീവിക്കുന്ന മലയാളത്തിന്റെ താരറാണി".
  2. [2]
    Randor Guy (31 October 2008). "Trend-setter". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 November 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  3. [3]
    M. Balaganessin (3 April 2007). "She wants novel role". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 April 2007. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  4. [4]
    The two women who took on Jayalalithaa
  5. [5]
    Rs. 4.5 lakh-fine slapped on `Vennira Aadai' Nirmala[usurped]
  6. [6]
    Court imposes Rs. 4.65-lakh fine on Vennira Adai Nirmala
  7. [7]
    TN to get back Upper House
  8. [8]
    "Sadhana Bharatam - YouTube". YouTube.
  9. [9]
    Malathi Rangarajan (3 July 2009). "A gathering of greats". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
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