Vijayashanti

Vijayashanti is an Indian film actress, producer and a politician.^[3] In a film career spanning thirty years, she has acted in over 186 feature films in a variety of roles in various Indian languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. She was tagged "The Lady Superstar" and "Lady Amitabh" of South Indian cinema.^[4][5][6] She has won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her work as a "super cop" in Karthavyam (1991), and received six Filmfare Awards South for best acting, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South) in the year 2003, and four state Nandi Awards for her performance.^[7]

Childhood

Vijayashanti was born in Madras, Madras State on 24 June 1965^[8] to Varalaxmi and Srinivas Prasad, who migrated to Madras from Ramannagudem in Warangal district, Telangana. She has said that she prefers to think of herself as being from Telangana rather than Madras, although as of 2004 she had never visited her parents' village.^[9] She completed her 10th class at Holy Angels High School, Madras, before starting her film career.^[10]

Early career 1979–1983

Vijayashanti began her acting career at the age of 13, playing the leading lady in the Tamil film Kallukkul Eeram ("The moisture inside stone / rock"), directed by Bharathiraja. In the same year, she debuted in Telugu cinema with the movie Kilaadi Krishnudu, opposite Krishna. She was given screen name "Vijaya Shanthi", which was based on that of her aunt and veteran actress Vijaya Lalitha. Vijayashantis first break as a performer came in the 1983 Telugu film Neti Bharatham directed by T. Krishna.

Stardom 1984-1992

In 1985 Vijayashanti received her first state Nandi Award for her role in Pratighatana, in which she played a University lecturer named Jhansi. At the same time she was casted in Agni Parvatam alongside super star Krishna, where she perfectly balanced her performance and Glam doll roles. In the early career itself she excelled in performance-oriented roles in films like Desamlo Dongalu Paddaru, Vandemaataram, Aruna kiranam, Repati Pourulu, Devaalayam, etc. Repati Pourulu received a Silver Nandi Award for the year 1986. This film was released after death of the movie director T. Krishna. Bharathanari in 1989 bought her second Nandi Award.

Her glamour roles, under the direction of K. Raghavendra Rao and A. Kodandarami Reddy, in films like Challenge, Kondaveeti Raja, Pasivadi Pranam, Rudranetra, Muddula Krishnaiah, Agni Parvatam, Swayamkrushi, Yamudiki Mogudu, Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu, Muddula Mavayya, Kondaveeti Donga, and Gang Leader establishing herself as one of the top actress of Telugu cinema, and being cited in the media as one of the nation's most popular and attractive personalities of the 1980's.^{[4][5][6][11][12]} Padamati Sandhya Ragam a Jandhyala directorial film is another penny in her kitty where she looks and performs as a traditional telugu girl who falls love with a American guy(Thomas Jane).

Two of her very close friends are Suhasini Mani Ratnam who has been instrumental in improving her hair dressing skills and her competitor Radha , with whom she shares special friendships. In fact, in one of the interviews to a Telugu magazine, Vijayashnathi has mentioned that she considers Suhasini as her elder sister who has been protective of her in her difficult times.

In 1992 Mondi Mogudu Penki Pellam was a huge success. In that she played a bold lady speaking Telangana slang and delivered the career-defining song "Laloo Darwaja Laskar". In the 1990s, she was the only actress demanding highest remuneration in India equal to her co-superstars.^[13] Most of her films with Telugu superstars Chiranjeevi (19 films) and Balakrishna (17 films) were huge hits and her on-screen chemistry with both actors worked very well at the box office. In 1993 she acted in a dual role Police lock up directed by Kodi Ramakrishna was a superhit. After she started concentrating on action roles, something special is her naivity showing. She was paired opposite Superstar Krishna and Shobhan Babu. She also acted opposite Daggubati Venkatesh in Shatruvu, Surya IPS and Chinarayudu and with Nagarjuna in Vijay, Janaki Ramudu and Jaitra Yatra. She also acted alongside Tamil superstars Rajinikanth, as the antagonist in the film Mannan, and with Kamal Hassan as an investigative reporter in Indrudu Chandrudu. She acted in two movies with Malayalam superstar Suresh Gopi, being Yuvathurki and Kallu Kondoru Penn. She was also starred opposite Big B Amitabh Bachchan in Zamaanat^[14] was shelved for different reason.

Action heroine 1990–2003

In the blockbuster movie Karthavyam (1990), her electrifying performance as a tough cop (modeled after real-life supercop Kiran Bedi) won her the National Film Award for Best Actress from the Government of India and an Andhra Pradesh State award for best actress. The film, made with a budget of about 90 lakhs and grossed over 7 crores in southern territories alone. The success of this movie saw her moving away from glamorous roles and limiting herself to heroine-oriented films did not stop her from continuing as Number One. These tough lady roles made her a Superstar and became the highest paid actress in India.^[15][16] She was the path breaking actress for those female power packed action roles.^[17][18][19] Actresses like Nayanthara, Anushka shetty and Trisha are often tagged and compared with Vijayashanthi for taking the same lady oriented action roles.^[18][20][21] She was widely applaused not only from bollywood fans also from stars like Big B Amitabh Bachchan and Anil kapoor for her daring and dashing acts all without any duplicate.

A. M. Rathnam, who was Shanti's personal make-up artist, turned out to be money-making producer. Vijayashanti financially supported him and made the award-winning Karthavyam and Aasayam. In 1990, Karthavyam was dubbed into Tamil as Vyjayanthi IPS and its success brought her superstardom in Tamil cinema as well. (It was also remade in Hindi as Tejaswini, with herself playing the lead role directed by N. Chandra. This, too, did very well at the Hindi box-office). The film influence the then 10-year old C. Indhumathi who is now a IAS Officer was till then brought up on Tamil films with men playing super heroes was thoroughly impressed by Vijayashanthi's portrayal of the woman cop who fought against all odds. The woman cop grew to be her inspiration in the years to come.^[22] Vyjayanthi IPS ran for 50 days in Vetri theater in Chennai and this record is broken by a Tamil dubbed version of Baahubali in August 2015.^[23]

In 1997 she did Osey Ramulamma, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao and this was the biggest blockbuster of the year, winning her fourth Nandi Award. From this film onward she is mostly called as "Ramulamma" by the people. Later she appeared in strong roles in movies like Adavi Chukka and Rowdy Darbar, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. She also worked in a Bollywood movie Gundagardi (1997) in an action role opposite Dharmendra. Vijayashanthi has also worked for many commercials like Chandana Bros., and Power Detergent soap. She was the only actress to be first featured in a saree commercial. Later many actress followed her and are featured in many saree and dress commercials.

Political career 1998–2014

In 1998 Vijayashanti joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and was soon made the secretary of BJP's Women's Wing (Bharateeya Mahila Morcha).^[24] During the 1999 general election she was named BJP's contestant from the Cuddapah Lok Sabha seat against Sonia Gandhi of Congress(I) (however, she withdrew from the race after Sonia Gandhi decided to contest from Bellary). She started her own political party, Talli Telangana, in January 2009 which she merged into Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) due to lack of strength and support. From 1999 her movie appearances decreased as she focused on her political career. By 2004 she had stopped signing up for new films. In the 2009 general election, she won as a Member of Parliament from Medak constituency.^[25] In June 2009, she resigned from the post of secretary general of TRS, expressing solidarity with the resignation of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao.^[26] In 2011, she submitted her resignation as an MP. The resignation was later rejected by the speaker of the house, as they were not in the proper format. Later she was actively participating in politics for separate Telangana state (region), which she played a key role in the process.

Vijayashanti joined Indian National Congress party in February 2014 after split with TRS chief KCR and contesting the Lok Sabha elections 2014 on a Congress ticket.^[27] She lost in those elections and then announced that she was retreating from politics. She said she would return to the cineman in 2016 once she found a suitable script.

Personal life

She is married to a real-estate businessman and a Film producer M. V. Srinivas Prasad.^[10] He produced a movie Nippu Ravva under the banner Yuvarathna arts.

Awards

National Film Awards

• National Film Award for Best Actress - Karthavyam (1990).

Filmfare Awards South

• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South) (2003).
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Osey Ramulamma (1997).
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Police Lockup (1993).
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Karthavyam (1990).
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Bharathanaari (1989).
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Pratighatana (1985).

Nandi Awards

• Nandi Award for Best Actress - Osey Ramulamma (1997).
• Nandi Award for Best Actress - Karthavyam(1990).
• Nandi Award for Best Actress - Bharatanaari (1989).
• Nandi Award for Best Actress - Pratighatana (1985).

Other honors

Silver Screen Empress Award from TSR TV9 Awards (2011)

Filmography

1. Naayudamma as Naayudamma / Jhansi

2004

1. Indiramma

2003

1. Sivani
2. Sri Bannari Amman (Tamil) dubbed into Telugu as 'Maha Chandi'

2002

1. Sri Srimathi Sathyabhaama co-starring Raghu
2. Sambhavi IPS
3. Saahasa Baludu Vichitra Kothi
4. Rifles (Kannada) dubbed into Telugu as Vandemaataram

2001

1. Vijayanthi
2. Adavi Chukka .... Chukkamma/Santhi co-starring Charan Raj

2000

1. Sri Srimati Satyabhama co-starring Rehman

1999

1. Rajasthan (Tamil) dubbed into Telugu as Rajastan, co-starring Sarath Kumar
2. Bharata Rathna co-starring Vinod Kumar
3. Suryodayam as Indra (Tamil)

1998

1. Thadayam .... Lawyer Nandhini (Tamil) dubbed into Telugu as Chattam, co-starring Ramki
2. Srivaarante Maa Vaare co-starring Suman
3. Kallukonduru Penn (Malayalam)

1997

1. Rowdy Darbaar co-starring Ramki
2. Gundagardi (Hindi) co-starring Aditya Pancholi and Dharmendra
3. Osey Ramulamma .... Ramulamma co-starring Krishna and Ramki (dubbed into Tamil as Adimai Penn)

1996

1. Young Turks (Yuvathurki) (Malayalam) dubbed into Telugu as Delhi Dairy, co-starring Suresh Gopi

1995

1. Street Fighter - Vijayashantii

1994

1. Lady Boss co-starring Vinod Kumar (dubbed into Tamil as 'Lady Boss')
2. Maga Rayudu
3. Tejasvini .... Asst. Supt. of Police Tejasvini Joshi
4. Kuntee Putrudu co-starring Mohan Babu
5. Attaa Kodallu co-starring Shashi Kumar
6. Rowdy Mogudu co-starring Mohan Babu

1993

1. Kunthi Putrudu co-starring Mohan Babu
2. Aashayam co-starring Jagapathi Babu (dubbed into Tamil as Aasayam)
3. Doragaariki Donga Pellaam .... Rani co-starring Krishna
4. Chinarayudu co-starring Venkatesh
5. Nippu Ravva co-starring Balakrishna
6. Police Lockup (Vijaya, Shanti) co-starring Vinod Kumar (dubbed into Tamil as Police-Lockup)
7. Mechanic Alludu co-starring Chiranjeevi (dubbed into Tamil as Mechanic Maappillai)

1992

1. Mannan co-starring Rajanikanth (Tamil)
2. Mondi Mogudu Penki Pellam co-starring Suman
3. Rowdy Inspector co-starring Balakrishna (dubbed into Tamil as Auto Raani)
4. Aparadhi .... Paro co-starring Anil Kapoor

1991

1. Jaitra Yatra co-starring Nagarjuna
2. Gang Leader .... Kanyakumari co-starring Chiranjeevi
3. Stuartpuram Police Station co-starring Chiranjeevi
4. Talli Tandrulu co-starring Balakrishna
5. Lorry Driver co-starring Balakrishna
6. Muddula Menalludu co-starring Balakrishna
7. Surya IPS co-starring Venkatesh

1990

1. Karthavyam .... Vyjayanthi co-starring Vinod Kumar (dubbed into Tamil as Vyjayanthi IPS)
2. Palnaati Rudraiah co-starring Suman
3. Kondaveeti Donga .... Srilatha co-starring Chiranjeevi
4. Muqaddar Ka Badshaah .... Bharti Rathod
5. Naagaastram co-starring Krishna
6. Shatruvu .... Vijaya co-starring Venkatesh

1989

1. Bhale Donga co-starring Balakrishna
2. Vijay co-starring Nagarjuna
3. Koduku Diddina Kaapuram co-starring Krishna
4. Gunda Raajyam co-starring Krishna
5. Bhaarata Naari co-starring Vinod Kumar
6. Dorikite Dongalu co-starring Sobhan Babu
7. Rudranetra co-starring Chiranjeevi
8. Eeshwar .... Lalita co-starring Anil Kapoor
9. Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu .... Rekha co-starring Chiranjeevi
10. Indrudu Chandrudu co-starring Kamal Hassan
11. Muddula Mavayya .... Radha co-starring Balakrishna

1988

1. Inspector Pratap co-starring Balakrishna
2. Donga Pelli co-starring Sobhan Babu
3. Aswadhdhaama co-starring Krishna
4. Yamudiki Mogudu co-starring Chiranjeevi
5. Yuddha Bhoomi co-starring Chiranjeevi
6. Manchi Donga co-starring Chiranjeevi
7. Janaki Ramudu co-starring Nagarjuna

1987

1. Padamati Sandhya Ragam co-starring Thomas Jane
2. Bhargava Ramudu co-starring Balakrishna
3. Kalyana Thambhulam co-starring Shobhan Babu
4. Bhanumati Gari Mogudu co-starring Balakrishna
5. Muddayi co-starring Krishna
6. Swayam Krushi .... Ganga co-starring Chiranjeevi
7. Dongagaru Swagatam co-starring Sobhan Babu
8. Pasivadi Pranam co-starring Chiranjeevi
9. Muvva Gopaludu co-starring Balakrishna
10. Sahasa Samrat co-starring Nandamuri Balakrishna

1986

1. Deshoddharakudu co-starring Nandamuri Balakrishna
2. Jeevana Poratam co-starring Shobhan Babu
3. Samsaaram Oka Sangeetam co-starring Chandramohan
4. Aruna Kiranam co-starring Raja Sekhar
5. Samaajamlo Stree co-starring Suman and Bhanu Chandar
6. Brahmashtram co-starring Krishna
7. Dhairyavanthudu co-starring Chiranjeevi
8. Repati Pourulu co-starring Rajasekhar
9. Chanakya Shapadham co-starring Chiranjeevi
10. Kondaveeti Raja co-starring Chiranjeevi
11. Naaga Devata co-starring Arjun
12. Sravana Sandhya co-starring Sobhan Babu
13. Sakkanodu co-starring Sobhan Babu
14. Apoorva Sahodarulu co-starring Balakrishna
15. Muddula Krishnaiah co-starring Balakrishna

1985

1. Pratighatana .... Jhansi co-starring Chandra Mohan and Raja Shekhar
2. Srivaru co-starring Sobhan Babu
3. Ooriki Soggaadu co-starring Sobhan Babu
4. Darja Donga co-starring Suman
5. Chiranjeevi co-starring Chiranjeevi
6. Thirugubaatu co-starring with Mohanbabu
7. Sreevaru co-starring with Shobhan babu
8. Agni Parvatam co-starring Krishna
9. Desamlo Dongalupaddaru co-starring Suman
10. Devalayam co-starring Sobhan Babu
11. Bhandhi co-starring with Krishnam raju
12. Kottha pelli Kuthuru
13. Pattabhishekham co-starring Balakrishna
14. Vande Mataram co-starring Rajasekhar

1984

1. Kurra Cheshtalu co-starring Suman
2. Kutumba Gouravam co-starring Muralimohan
3. Adadhani Saaal co-starring Muralimohan
4. Veerabhadhrudu co-starring Karthik
5. Dongallo Dora co-starring Suman
6. Raaraju co-starring Krishnam Raju
7. Jadagantalu co-starring Suresh
8. Enkennalli Charithra co-starring Suman
9. Abhimanyudu co-starring Shobhan Babu
10. Challenge .... Haarika co-starring Chiranjeevi
11. Mahanagaramlo Maayagaadu co-starring Chiranjeevi
12. SP Bhayankar co-starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Krishnam Raju
13. Sundari-subbarao co-starring with chandhra mohan
14. Devanthakudu co-starring Chiranjeevi

1983

1. Kalyana Kanavugal (Tamil)
2. Thalaimagan (Tamil)
3. Villiyanur Matha (Tamil)
4. Neeru Pootha Neruppu (Tamil)
5. Keralida Hennu (Kannada)
6. Pandanti Kaapuraniki Pannendu Suthralu
7. Dharmathmudu
8. Pelli Chesi Chupistam
9. Amaayaka Chakra Varthy
10. Sangarshana co-starring Chiranjeevi
11. Navodayam
12. Mukku pudaka
13. Neti Bharatam co-starring Suman
14. Pelli Choopulu
15. Rakasi Loya
16. Shri Ranganeetulu co-starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao

1982

1. Vedikkai Manidhargal (Tamil)
2. Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (Tamil)
3. Manjal Nilla (Tamil)
4. Ilan Jodigal (Tamil)
5. Krishnavatharam co-starring with Krishna
6. Prathikaram co-starring Shobhan Babu
7. Vamsha Gouravam co-starring Shobhan Babu
8. Pelleedu Pillalu .... Santhi

1981

1. Sivappu Malli (Tamil)
2. Pattam Parakkattum (Tamil)
3. Sandhana Malargal (Tamil)
4. Nenjile Thunivirunthal (Tamil)
5. Netrikkann (Tamil)
6. Rajangam (Tamil)
7. Pandanti Jeevitham co-starring Shoban Babu
8. Satyam Sivam

1980

1. Khiladi Krishnudu co-starring Krishna
2. Kallukkul Eeram (Tamil)

Filmography (Producer)

1. Karthavyam (1990) - Telugu
2. Nippu Ravva (1993) - Telugu
3. Tejaswini (1994) — Hindi
4. Adavi Chukka (1999) — Telugu

References

External links

• Vijayshanti at the Internet Movie Database