Vennira Aadai Nirmala

Vennira Aadai Nirmala
Born
Shanthi

Other namesNirmala (Nimmi), Usha kumari
OccupationActress
Years active1965–present
ParentFather : Aranmanai L Balakrishnan - Mother : Rukmani

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.

Personal life

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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

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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

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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

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

Tamil

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Malayalam: Credited as Ushakumari

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  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

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Gudachari 116 (1966)

Bhakta Prahlada (1967)

Ave Kallu (1967)

Mooga Nomu (1969)

Andariki Monagadu (1971)

Bangaru Talli (1971)

Bomma Borusa (1971)

Sati Anasuya (1971)

Kathula Rathaiah (1972)

Bhale Mosagadu (1972)

Datta Putrudu (1972)

Maa Inti Velugu (1972)

Somaripothu (1972)

Dhanama? Daivama? (1973)

Varasuralu (1973)

Sthree Gowravam (1974)

Mangalya Bhagyam (1974)

Devude Gelichadu (1976)

Chakradhari (1977)

Karunamayudu (1978)

Chukkalo Chandrudu (1980)

Kaali (1980)

Guru (1980)

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

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Television serials

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Year Title Role Channel Notes
2000 Micro Thodargal- Mounam Oru Bashai Raj TV
2001 Meendum Meendum Sirippu Sun TV [citation needed]
2004–2006 Kalki Jaya TV
2006-2007 Raja Rajeswari Sun TV
2008 Manikoondu Parvathi Devi Sun TV
2013–2018 Deivamagal Janaki Chidambaram
2004 Aaradhana A series on Indian Music Composers Doordarshan Producer,Screenplay writer and Actor
2007 Be'zubaan A Tele series in Hindi Doordarshan
2009 Sri Aandal Dance Drama Doordarshan
2009-2010 Pushpanjali A Tele series Doordarshan
2012-2017 Konjum Salangai & Dheem Tharikita Tele series based on Classical dance competition among children successfully telecasted for over five years. DD Podhigai
2021 Saadhana Bharatam Exclusive YouTube Channel which explores Bharatanatyam and also incites motivation for youth to excel in their careers and much more. Channel Link:[8] YouTube

Awards and honours

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  • 2009; Kaviarasu Kannadasan Tamizh Sangam Award[9]

References

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