Ambika (actress)
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.
Ambika | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Born | 16 August 1962 |
| Years active | 1978–1989 1997–present |
| Children | Ram Rishi |
| Parent(s) | Kunjan Nair, Sarasamma |
| Family | Radha (sister) |
| Awards | Kalaimaamani (1984) |
Personal life
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 1997 she then married actor Ravikanth in 2000, but they divorced in 2002. She is currently settled in Chennai along with her sons.[3]
Career
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 and appeared in glamorous roles in movies such as Kaakki Sattai, Vikram, Kadhal Parisu, Padikkadhavan and Maaveeran. Most of her films have been with actors such as Rajinikanth, Shankar, Mohanlal, Ambarish, Vishnuvardhan, Rajkumar, Mammootty 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, however, she appeared in many roles and songs that were characteristic by being erotic yet understated. Her hot rain songs with Vishnuvardhan are shown frequently on the TV program Midnight Masala and are considered groundbreaking in terms of being bold, stunning and revealing in an otherwise conservative industry.[7]
In Tamil, Ambika shot to fame with the movie Kakki Chattai. In the zenith of her career she was paired in the same movie with her sister Radha in Kadhal Parisu, where both actresses demonstrated their acting prowess by taking on roles of two young, beautiful sisters, who had strong, yet conflicting personalities.
After she got divorced, she returned to India from U.S later in 1997 and started acting again in films such as Periyamanushan, with Sathyaraj in a glamorous role, Maa Naanaki Pelli in Telugu and with Krishnam Raju and Simmadamari in Kannada. She acted as heroine in Vikaraman's project Mariyathai, in which Vijayakanth acted in father and son roles along with Meena and Meera Jasmin. She acted in Malayalam films such as Angel John with Mohanlal, Thanthonni and Sadgamaya and is currently 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
- 1984 Kalaimaamani Award- Vaazhkai (film)
- Cinema Express
- 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
In order of languages in which she acted the most to fewest films.
Malayalam
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Ullasam | ||
| 2019 | Mohabbathin Kunjabdullah | Alima | |
| 2019 | Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha | Herself | Archive footage/Uncredited cameo |
| 2015 | She Taxi | Annamma | |
| 2015 | Mili | Mercey | |
| 2014 | Aamayum Muyalum | Kadambari | |
| 2014 | To Noora with Love | Khadeeja | |
| 2014 | Polytechnic | Pauly's mother | |
| 2012 | Yakshi – Faithfully Yours | Vishnu's mother | |
| 2011 | Lavakumar 1984 | - | |
| 2011 | Ponnu Kondoru Aalroopam | - | |
| 2011 | Naayika | Herself | Archive footage/Uncredited cameo |
| 2010 | Sadgamaya | Gauri Sudhakaran | |
| 2010 | Thanthonni | Kathreena | |
| 2009 | Angel John | Mary | |
| 2009 | Kana Kanmani | Doctor | |
| 2009 | Vairam: Fight for Justice | Judge | |
| 2009 | The Trigger | ||
| 2007 | Hareendran Oru Nishkalankan | Hareendran's mother | |
| 2006 | Arunam | ||
| 2005 | Annorikkal | Karthu | |
| 2005 | Pandippada | Mallika | |
| 2005 | Kalyana Kurimanam | Subhadra | |
| 2005 | Ben Johnson | Pathrose's wife | |
| 2004 | Koottu | Savitha Vishwambharan | |
| 2001 | Dubai | ||
| 2000 | Sathyam Sivam Sundaram | Nandhini | |
| 2000 | Swayamvara Panthal | Latha | |
| 2000 | Varnakkazchchakal | Bhagyalakshmi | |
| 1999 | Udayapuram Sulthan | Malavika | |
| 1999 | Niram | Baby | |
| 1997 | Snehasindooram | Uma | |
| 1992 | Sabarimalayil Thankasooryodayam | ||
| 1991 | Sheershakam | ||
| 1991 | Sayanthanam | ||
| 1991 | Manju Peyyunna Rathri | ||
| 1989 | Brahmasthram | ||
| 1988 | Pattanapravesham | Shobha | |
| 1988 | Manasaputhri | ||
| 1988 | Kudumbapuranam | Geetha | |
| 1988 | Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal | Valsala | |
| 1988 | Ayitham | Bhama | |
| 1987 | Irupatham Noottandu | Aswathy Varma | |
| 1987 | Vilambaram | Sheela | |
| 1987 | Nirabhedangal | Maya | |
| 1987 | Vazhiyorakkazhchakal | Sridevi | |
| 1987 | Ezhuthapurangal | Vimala Jacob | |
| 1987 | Swathi Thirunal | Narayani Pillai Kochamma | |
| 1986 | Rajavinte Makan | Nancy | |
| 1986 | Malarum Kiliyum | Thulasi | |
| 1986 | Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu | Nirmala | |
| 1986 | Chekeranoru Chilla | Lathika Menon (Lallu) | |
| 1986 | Thidambu | - | |
| 1985 | Archana Aaradhana | Archana | |
| 1985 | Iniyum Kadha Thudarum | Mary | |
| 1985 | Ore Raktham | ||
| 1985 | Agniyasthram | ||
| 1985 | Oru Nokku Kaanan | Maya | |
| 1985 | Puzhayozhukum Vazhi | Rema | |
| 1984 | Oru Sumangaliyude Katha | Yamuna | |
| 1984 | Kalkki | - | |
| 1984 | Ente Gramam | - | |
| 1984 | Sabarimala Darsanam | ||
| 1983 | Sandhyakku Virija Poovu | Priya | |
| 1983 | Enikku Vishakunnu | Shantha | |
| 1983 | Adyathe Anuragam | Shyamala | |
| 1983 | Asthi | Priyamvada | |
| 1983 | Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal | Molamma | |
| 1983 | Marakkillorikkalum | Suma | |
| 1983 | Theeram Thedunna Thira | Jayalakshmi | |
| 1983 | Eettappuli | Padmavathi | |
| 1983 | Kaathirunna Naal | ||
| 1983 | Father Damien | ||
| 1982 | Anuraagakkodathi | Susheela | |
| 1982 | Dheera | Indhu | |
| 1982 | Mukhangal | ||
| 1982 | Sharam | Sindhu | |
| 1982 | Ethiraalikal | Thulasi | |
| 1982 | Kelkatha Shabdam | Jayanthi | |
| 1982 | Olangal | Rita | |
| 1982 | Mylanchi | Shahitha | |
| 1982 | Pooviriyum Pulari | Renuka | |
| 1981 | Enne Snehikkoo Enne Maathram | ||
| 1981 | Swarangal Swapnagal | Latha | |
| 1981 | Thaaraavu | Akka | |
| 1981 | Njan Ninne Marakkilla | ||
| 1981 | Sambhavam | Radha | |
| 1981 | Maniyan Pillai Athava Maniyan Pillai | Kamalam | |
| 1981 | Guha | Devu | |
| 1981 | Asthamikkatha Pakalukal | Raji | |
| 1981 | Prema Geethangal | Geetha Kumari | |
| 1981 | Archana Teacher | Bharathi | |
| 1981 | Veshangal | ||
| 1981 | Chamayam | ||
| 1980 | Dooram Arike | Shirly | |
| 1980 | Puzha | - | |
| 1980 | Eden Thottam | Usha | |
| 1980 | Aagamanam | Seetha | |
| 1980 | Vaiki Vanna Vasantham | Sheeba | |
| 1980 | Swantham Enna Padam | Priya | |
| 1980 | Anthappuram | Usha | |
| 1980 | Meen | Roselin | |
| 1980 | Ammayum Makalum | Radha | |
| 1980 | Kaavalmaadam | Malli | |
| 1980 | Ithile Vannavar | Bindu | |
| 1980 | Sathyam | Seetha | |
| 1980 | Angaadi | Ayisha | |
| 1980 | Aniyaatha Valakal | Sujatha | |
| 1980 | Ishtamaanu Pakshe | Nandinikutty | |
| 1980 | Theekkadal | Sumam | |
| 1980 | Akalangalil Abhayam | Yamuna | |
| 1980 | Seetha | Seetha | |
| 1980 | Theeram Thedunnavar | ||
| 1980 | Pappu | Herself | |
| 1979 | Edavazhiyile Poocha Minda Poocha | Shyamala | |
| 1979 | Maamaankam | Manipennu | |
| 1979 | Prabhaathasandhya | Mini | |
| 1979 | Pratheeksha | ||
| 1979 | Neeyo Njaano | Geetha | |
| 1979 | Enikku Njaan Swantham | Geetha | |
| 1979 | Thuramukham | Rosi | |
| 1979 | Agniparvatham | Vimala | |
| 1979 | Raajaveedhi | ||
| 1979 | Veerabhadran | - | |
| 1979 | Krishnapparunthu | - | |
| 1979 | Lajjaavathi | Radha | |
| 1979 | Ajnaatha Theerangal | Geetha | |
| 1979 | Neelathamara | Kunjimalu | |
| 1978 | Asthamayam | Guest Role | |
| 1978 | Samayamaayilla Polum | Latha | |
| 1978 | Aval Viswasthayaayirunnu | child artist | |
| 1977 | Vidarunna Mottukal | Sumam | child artist |
| 1977 | Dheerasameere Yamunaatheere | child artist | |
| 1977 | Taxi Driver | child artist | |
| 1976 | Chottanikkara Amma | child artist |
Tamil
| 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 | ||
| 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
| 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
| 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 | - | |
| 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
| Year | Title | Channel | language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Kudumbam | Sun TV | Tamil | Serial |
| 2003 | Summer in America | Kairali TV | Malayalam | Serial |
| 2005 | Koodum Thedi | |||
| 2011 | Kanalpoovu | Jeevan TV | ||
| Kerala's Favourite Film Actor | ACV | |||
| Vivel Big Break | Surya TV | reality show as Judge | ||
| 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 | |
| 2014 | Veruthe Alla Bharya season 3 | Mazhavil Manorama | Malayalam | reality show as Judge |
| 2016 | Uggram Ujjwalam Season 2 | reality show as Judge | ||
| 2016–2017 | Malayali Veetamma | Flowers | ||
| 2017 | Aparichitha | Amrita TV | Malayalam | Serial |
| Dancing Khilladies | Zee Tamil | Tamil | reality show as Judge | |
| Zee Dance League | ||||
| 2018–Present | Nayaki | Sun TV | Serial | |
| 2019 | Lolluppa | reality show as Judge |
Other TV Shows
- 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
References
- "Bedai Bunglow with Ambika". asianet. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- "Will Solve Issues Between Government, Party: Rahul". newindianexpress.com. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- "Ambika profile". Kerala9. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2014-11-16.
- "Ambika". Manorama Online. Archived from the original on 15 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- "Ambika profile". Chakpak. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012.
- "Ambika to launch her son". Kollywood Today. 9 January 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
- "Ambika rain song". Youtube. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 2014-09-20.
- "Ambika returns". Dailomo. 4 February 2009. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009.
External links
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