S. Varalakshmi - Actress (Telugu, Tamil.)

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Saturday 13, June 2026, 06:30.

S. Varalakshmi in 1951 Tamil film Saudamini

Born 13 August 1925, Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, India

Died 22 September 2009 (aged 84), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Occupations Singer, actress

Years active 1935–1992

Spouse A. L. Srinivasan - (m. 1952; died 1977)​

Introduction:

VIDEO: Telugu old actress S. Varalakshmi untold story | senior actress S.Varalakshmi biography

Saridey Varalakshmi (13 August 1925 – 22 September 2009) was an Indian actress and singer who worked in Telugu and Tamil-language films. She was popular for her roles and songs in Telugu films like Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960) and Mahamantri Timmarasu (1962) and Tamil films like Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959) and in Poova Thalaiya (1969).

Life:

VIDEO: Senior Actress S. Varalakshmi Evergreen Hits | Telugu Movie Melody Songs Jukebox | Old Telugu Songs

Varalakshmi was born in Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, India. She started her career as child artist in saint role in Balayogini (1937), when she was nine years old. Gudavalli Ramabrahmam was engaged by the pioneer filmmaker K. Subramanyam to direct the Telugu version of this movie. He spotted young Varalakshmi in Kurnool. Subramanyam later cast her in his classic Seva Sadanam (1938) with M. S. Subbulakshmi.[1] She played a young friend of the heroine (M.S.), and they became close friends. She played a young girl's role in Parasuraman (Tamil, 1940) along with T. R. Mahalingam. T. R. Sundaram, cast her in a major role in his box office hit 'Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani' (1947). The title role was played by V. N. Janaki. The film was a major success and Govindan and Varalakshmi made an attractive pair. T. R. Sundaram cast her again in the lead role in 'Bhojan' (1948). Her first successful movie was Balaraju in 1948 produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramaiah. She later acted with all top heroes in Telugu and Tamil industries including M K Tyagaraja Bhagavatar in the classic Tamil film by B A Subba Rao called 'Syamala' in 1953; Sivaji Ganesan (Veerapandiya Kattabbomman), M. G. Ramachandran (Chakravarthi Thirumagal, Maattukara Velan, Needhikku Thalaivanangu), Gemini Ganesan (Poova Thalaiya, Panama Pasama), N. T. Rama Rao (Satya Harischandra), A. Nageswara Rao(ANR) (Balaraju), V. Nagayya (Naga Panchami), Ranjan (En Magan) and R. S. Manohar (Maamiyaar). She was also famous for her voice, and sung her songs in all movies she acted. Her roles as Sivaji's wife in Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and important roles in Poova Thalaiya, Savale Samali, Maattukkara Velan, Shivaji's sister in Raja Raja Chozhan and Neethikku thalaivanangu won her critical acclaim as a talented singer and actress in Tamil movies. In her later career, she acted in mother and aunt roles. She married film producer A. L. Srinivasan, an elder brother of Kavignar Kannadasan; they had two children named Nalini and Muruga She continued to act after marriage in senior roles in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She sang many beautiful songs in Telugu and Tamil films.

Her son, S. Muruga, died after suffering cardiac arrest in Chennai on 22 October 2013. He lived for 48 years.

Her daughter Nalini is a homemaker with 2 children.

Death:

Varalakshmi was bedridden during the last 6 months of her life after she fell and injured her back. She died on 22 September 2009.

Honors and awards:

She has received several awards commending her service to Tamil cinema. The most recent ones were:

Sivaji Ganesan Memorial Award Presented by the Sivaji Family in October 2007

Kavignar Kannadasan Award presented by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2004

Filmography:

Year Film Language Character

1937 Balayogini Telugu Child Saint

1938 Sevasadanam Tamil

1939 Raithu Bidda Telugu Beggar Girl

1940 Illalu Telugu

1940 Parasuramar Tamil

1942 Aaraichimani Tamil

1940 Sathi Murali Tamil

1944 Jagathalapratapan Tamil

1945 Mayalokam Telugu

1947 Palnati Yudham Telugu Maanchala

1947 Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani Tamil

1947 Thulasi Jalandar Tamil

1948 Balaraju Telugu Seetha

1948 Bhojan Tamil

1948 Chakradhari Tamil

1948 Kaamavalli Tamil

1949 Navajeevanam Tamil

1950 Jeevitham Telugu Lakshmi

1950 Macha Rekai Tamil

1950 Swapna Sundari Telugu

1950 Vaali Sugreeva Telugu

1951 Saudamini Tamil Hemavathi

1951 Soudamini Telugu Hemavathi

1951 Vanasundari Tamil

1951 Mohana Sundaram Tamil Visalakshi

1952 Chinna Durai Tamil Indramani

1952 Velaikaran Tamil

1953 Kodarikam Telugu

1953 Mamiyar Tamil

1953 Shyamala Tamil Shyamala

1953 Tingu Ranga Telugu Shyamala

1953 Vayyari Bhama Telugu Sudha

1954 Ammaiyappan Tamil Poongavanam

1954 Edhir Paradhathu Tamil Nalini

1954 En Magal Tamil Vasantha

1954 Sati Sakkubai Telugu Sakkubai

1955 Nam Kuzhandai Tamil

1956 Mangala Gauri Tamil

1956 Naga Panchami Telugu

1956 Naga Panjami Tamil

1956 Sri Gauri Mahatyam Telugu

1956 Verum Pechu Alla Tamil

1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamil Dhurga

1957 Rajaputhri Rahasyamu Telugu Dhurga

1957 Sati Savitri Telugu Savithri

1957 Sathiyavan Savithri Tamil Savithri

1959 Sati Tulasi Telugu

1959 Raja Sevai Tamil Gowri

1959 Rechukka Pagatichukka Telugu Gowri

1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil Queen Jakkamma

1959 Veerapandya Kattabrahmana Telugu Queen Jakkamma

1959 Sivagangai Seemai Tamil

1960 Abhimanam Telugu

1960 Deepavali Telugu Vasumathi

1960 Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam Telugu Mahalakshmi

1961 Krishna Prema Telugu

1961 Yodhana Yodhulu Telugu

1962 Mahamantri Timmarusu Telugu

1962 Vadivukku Valai Kappu Tamil Rajeswari

1963 Lava Kusha Telugu Bhoodevi

1963 Lava Kusha Tamil Bhoodevi

1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu Telugu Satyabhama

1964 Babruvahana Telugu Chitrangada

1964 Babruvahana Tamil Chitrangada

1964 Karuppu Panam Tamil Kamala

1964 Ullasa Payanam Tamil

1965 Raja Drohi Telugu

1965 Satya Harishchandra Telugu Chandramathi

1965 Veera Abhimanyu Tamil Subhadra

1965 Veerabhimanyu Telugu Subhadra

1965 Vijayasimha Telugu

1966 Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam Telugu Kunti

1966 Sri Krishna Tulabharam Telugu Shachi Devi

1967 Apoorva Piravaigal Tamil

1967 Bhama Vijayam Telugu Queen

1967 Kandan Karunai Tamil Indrani

1967 Sri Krishnavataram Telugu Draupadi

1967 Ummadi Kutumbam Telugu Kantham

1968 Nindu Samsaram Telugu Tulasamma

1968 Panama Pasama Tamil Meenakshi

1968 Uyira Maanama Tamil

1969 Aadarsa Kutumbam Telugu Jaya

1969 Aasthulu Anthasthulu Telugu

1969 Avare En Deivam Tamil

1969 Poova Thalaiya Tamil Paruvathamma

1969 Sattekalapu Satteya Telugu

1969 Thanga Surangam Tamil Kamakshi

1970 Bhayangkara Guḍhachari Telugu Kamakshi

1970 Kaaviya Thalaivi Tamil

1970 Drohi Telugu

1970 Maattukara Velan Tamil Annapurna

1970 Malathi Tamil Gowri

1971 Aathi Parasakthi Tamil Aathi Parasakthi

1971 Aathi Parasakthi Telugu Aathi Parasakthi

1971 Bhagyavanthudu Telugu

1971 Bomma Borusa Telugu Parvathamma

1971 Ilangeswaran Tamil

1971 Kannan Karunai Tamil

1971 Meendum Vazhven Tamil Shantha Lakshmi

1971 Prem Nagar Telugu

1971 Savaale Samali Tamil Alamelu

1971 Sri Krishna Satya Telugu

1971 Thirumagal Tamil Maragatham

1971 Veguli Penn Tamil Doctor S. V. Lakshmi

1972 Attanu Diddina Koḍalu Telugu

1972 Bullet Bullodu Telugu Shantha Lakshmi

1972 Bala Bharatam Telugu Gandhari

1972 Deiva Sankalpam Tamil

1972 Delhi To Madras Tamil

1972 Pillaiyo Pillai Tamil

1972 Sri Krishna Satya Telugu Draupadi

1972 Velli Vizha Tamil Sivakami

1973 Bangaru Babu Telugu

1973 Devudu Chesina Manushulu Telugu Varalakshmi

1973 Karaikkal Ammaiyar Tamil

1973 Meena[2] Telugu Krishnaveni

1973 Nathayil Muthu Tamil

1973 Pedda Koduku Telugu

1973 Rajaraja Cholan Tamil Kundavai Pirāttiyār

1973 Srivaru Mavaru Telugu Lakshmi w/o Jagapathi

1973 Thirumalai Deivam Tamil

1974 Inti Kodalu Telugu

1974 Thaai Tamil Karpagam

1974 Devi Sri Karumari Amman Tamil Meenakshi

1975 Abhimanavathi Telugu

1975 Cinema Paithiyam Tamil

1975 Ee Kaalam Dampatulu Telugu

1975 Yashoda Krishna Telugu

1975 Ramuni Minchina Ramudu Telugu

1975 Uravu Solla Oruvan Tamil

1976 Dasavatharam Tamil Aathi Parasakthi

1976 Doralu Dongalu Telugu

1976 Raja Raja Choludu Telugu Kundavai Pirāttiyār

1976 Mamanchi Thalli Telugu Karpagam

1976 Needhikku Thalaivanangu Tamil Maragadham

1976 Pichimaraju Telugu

1976 Rojavin Raja Tamil

1976 Vayilla Poochi Tamil

1976 Vazhvu En Pakkam Tamil Vijayalakshmi

1977 Chanakya Chandragupta Telugu Muradevi

1977 Daana Veera Soora Karna Telugu Kunti

1977 Navarathinam Tamil

1977 Sri Krishna Leela Tamil Yasodha

1977 Svarganiki Nichenalu Telugu

1977 Unnai Suttrum Ulagam Tamil

1979 Kavari Maan Tamil

1979 Samajaniki Sawal Telugu

1979 Suvarilladha Chiththirangal Tamil Parvathy

1979 Viyyalavari Kayyalu Telugu

1980 Bangaru Bava[3] Telugu

1980 Ketugadu Telugu

1980 Madanamanjari Telugu

1980 Mogudu Kavali Telugu

1980 Sarada Ramudu Telugu Suvrchala

1980 Sardar Papa Rayudu Telugu Urmila Devi

1981 47 Natkal Tamil

1981 47 Rojulu Telugu

1981 Aggi Ravva Telugu Meenakshi

1981 Guru Sishyulu Telugu Meenakshi

1981 Prema Simhasanam Telugu Anasuya Devi

1982 Dheviyin Thiruvilaiyadal Tamil

1982 Eeshwara Kataksam Telugu

1982 Kaliyuga Ramudu Telugu Jayamma & Suramma

1982 Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu Telugu Seetamma

1983 Adutha Varisu Tamil Rani Amma

1983 Muddula Mogudu Telugu Varam

1983 Neti Bharatam Telugu

1983 Sri Ranga Neethulu Telugu Raja Rajeswari Devi

1983 Thoongatha Kannindru Ondru Tamil

1984 Ingeyum Oru Gangai Tamil

1984 Tharaasu Tamil

1984 Thiruppam Tamil

1984 Bangaru Kapuram[4] Telugu Mahalakshmi

1984 Punyam Koddi Purushudu[5] Telugu Gayathri Devi

1984 Devanthakudu Telugu

1985 Bullet Telugu

1985 Ooriki Soggadu Telugu Manikyam

1985 Srivaru[6] Telugu Santana Lakshmi

1986 Muddula Krishnayya Telugu Mangalagiri Ramanamma

1986 Sri Vemana Charithra Telugu

1986 Tatayya Kankanam Telugu

1987 Lawyer Suhasini Telugu

1988 Chuttalabbayi Telugu Kanakadurgamma

1989 Praja Theerpu Telugu

1991 Guna Tamil Manonmani

1995 Sankalpam Telugu Mathaji

Discography:

VIDEO: Memories of Veteran Singer & Actress S. Varalakshm

Year Film Language Song Co-singers Music director

1937 Balayogini Telugu Karuna Nilaya Managa Tilak Moti Babu & Maruti Seetharamaiah

1939 Raithu Bidda Telugu Ravoyi Vanamali Birabira Ravoyi Kommuri Padmavati, P. Suribabu, T. Suryakumari & V. V. Subbaraju S. Rajeswara Rao

Raithuke Otiyyavalenanna P. Suri Babu, T. Suryakumari & Kosaraju

1940 Illalu Telugu Koyilokasari Vachi Koosi Poyane S. Rajeswara Rao

Neepai Mohamuno Krishna Nilupagalemoyi Krishna P. Suri Babu

1942 Aaraichimani Tamil A. R. Sakunthala Srinivasa Rao Shinde

S. Balachander

1942 Shanta Bala Nagamma Telugu Sukhadayi Sukhadayi S. Rajeswara Rao S. Rajeswara Rao

1945 Mayalokam Telugu Chelia Manakela Vaari Joli Bezawada Rajaratnam Galipenchala Narasimha Rao

Manade Prapannchamanta

1947 Palnati Yudham Telugu Chandamama O Chandamama Galipenchala Narasimha Rao

Oho Charusheela Oho Veerabala Akkineni

Ee Kuhu Raatri

Vachunate Raju Naa Raju

Ranamulo Thodagotti Akkineni

1947 Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani Tamil Kaadhal Aaginen G. Ramanathan

Kadhal Vanathilae Naam

Maadhar Manonmaniye P. S. Govindan

1948 Balaraju Telugu Evarine Nenevarine Vagavagala Nenevarine C. R. Subburaman, Galipenchala Narasimha Rao & Ghantasala

O Balaraja Jaalileda Balaraja

Roopama Neeyaraya Nijaroopamu Neeyaraya

O Balaraja Jali Leda

Chalura Vagalu A. Nageswara Rao

Teli Chudumu Hai Ghantasala

Raja Ra Na Raja

Neeku Nevaru Leru

Vere Leraya Paramesha

Varuna Varuna

1948 Bhojan Tamil Bhagyasali Puvimel Naane C. R. Subburaman

Vandhaar Ilam Singam Pol

Varuvaar En Idhaya Raajan

1949 Navajeevanam Tamil Eedilla Kathalar Name Ghantasala S. V. Venkataraman

Jeeva Sugitha Anbe Ghantasala

Aananda Manoharaa

Nalla Vaazhvu

Sri Raamaa Raghugula Naayagaa

1950 Jeevitham Telugu Aandha Nouka Palliseemaa R. Sudarsanam

Melukondi Tellavare Tellaga

Aashlanni Gaalilona Kalasipoyene

Choopavaa Naapati Tova Deva

1950 Macha Rekai Tamil Odathe Unnai Vida Matten T. R. Mahalingam C. R. Subburaman

Ellam Irunthenna... Aaadharavilaa T. R. Mahalingam

Vaan Mevum Nilaave

Maname Mayaginen Mannavane

Kanavilum Maravene Naan T. R. Mahalingam

1950 Vaali Sugreeva Telugu Endulakī Vedana S. Rajeswara Rao, Pendyala Nageswara Rao, Master Venu, Galipenchala Narasimha Rao & Ghantasala

Karunamaya Madhusudana

Kalavilasame Preme Mana Ghantasala

Chiluca Valapuloluca Paduma

Niganigalade Vayasu S. Rajeswara Rao

Ragame Vennelai Anuragame

1951 Mohana Sundaram Tamil Avar Thaane En T. G. Linggappa

Oh Jegamathil Inbam Kanbathellam T. R. Mahalingam

Pulli Maanai Pole T. R. Mahalingam

Kanneer Thaano En T. R. Mahalingam

Oh Jegamathil Inbam Kanbathellam

Venmugil Kaana

1951 Saudamini Tamil Koohoo Ena Maangkuyil Konjudhaasaiyaale S. V. Venkatraman

Sollu Sollu Vivaramaayi

1951 Soudamini Telugu Ko Ko Ani Kavvinche Koyilamma S. V. Venkatraman

Cheppu Cheppu Thaggu Thaggu

Daivame Pagayene Kalame

Ninu Chere Dhaariledha

1951 Vanasundari Tamil Azhagana Thaadi Raja C. R. Subburaman

Nane Rani

1952 Chinna Durai Tamil Aaaraadha Sogam T. G. Lingappa

1952 Shyamala Tamil Pudhu Vaazhvu Kanden Naan Poovil G. Ramanathan, T. V. Raju & S. B. Dinakar Rao

Thaaye Sangkari Udutha Sarojini

Aha, Ahaa Naan Bhaagyasaali

Inbam Kanden Indre M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

1952 Tingu Ranga Telugu Idi Yemi Maayoō Kada T. V. Raju & S. B. Dinakar Rao

Thalli Sangkari Udutha Sarojini

Haayī Haayī Naa Santhosham

Leda Munipidi kanugonaleda Ghantasala

1952 Velaikaran Tamil Naane Raani En Maname R. Sudarsanam

Ezhil Vaan Mugam Thannaiye

Kaadhalum Poi Aagume T. R. Mahalingam

1953 Kodarikam Telugu Navmasamasam Mosi C. N. Pandurangan

Tīrenuga Cheluvaarenuga Ghantasala

Devi Eeswari Mampahi

Ninuchoose Bhagya Mennatikaina

Uyyalalugaoi Papayi

1953 Mamiyar Tamil Arul Purivaaye Jaganmaathaa C. N. Pandurangan

Vazviniley Nannalithuve A. M. Rajah

Devi Eeswari Jagathamba

Singara Roopa Karunaa

Aiyirandu Thingalaayi

1953 Vayyari Bhama Telugu Elane Elane Neditu S. Rajeswara Rao

Vikasinnchene Jaaji Virulanni

1954 Ammaiyappan Tamil Kaadhal Puraa Kaadhile T. R. Pappa

Sidhaindhadhe.... Manamogana Jeevan M. L. Vasanthakumari

1954 En Magal Tamil Engal Vaazhvum Engal C. N. Pandurangan

Pennaaga Pirandhorku

Konden Arum Perum T. M. Soundararajan

Ulaginil Vaazhvu Tharum Kalvi T. Sathyavathi

Vaazhvinile Aanandam

1954 Sati Sakkubai Telugu Ogirala Ramachandra Rao

1955 Sri Krishna Tulabharamu Telugu Ika Ne Gichina Geethu H. R. Padmanabha Shastri & Babu Rao

Ee Lolaakshulu Nee Priyottamanu

Enta Mosa Mahaa Naadhaa

Krishna Mukunda Murare P. Suri Babu & Jikki

Dhanadhaan Yaadikamulu Gani

Nandagopaalude Thanavaadaithe

Nadhude Jagannadhu Jikki

Nee Mahatyam Okintayun

Bale Manci Chaukaberamu P. Suri Babu

Mirjalagalada Nayanathi

Vratamulonarcu Kaalamuna

1955 Nam Kuzhandai Tamil Ulagam Pora Thinusai M. D. Parthasarathy

Kadhaiyaa Alladhu Karpanaiyaa

O! Mariyaadhai Ariyaadha Podhu Kothamangalam Seenu

Idhayathile Pugundha

1956 Kanakatara Telugu Ennaallu Ennaallu Vishadagaadha Ghantasala

Emayinaaro Paapalendunnaaro

Bhagyavati Nene Saubhagyavati Nene

Ento Allaarumuddugaa

Bhartapraanammule Baligonna

1956 Naga Panjami Tamil Om Namasivaaya

Sambo Maha Devaa V. Nagayya

1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamil Ematramthaana En Vazhvile G. Ramanathan

Nalangittu Parpomadi A. P. Komala

Sollaley Vilakka Theriyale P. Leela

1957 Rajaputhri Rahasyamu Telugu Yemaye Raja Nee Premaye G. Ramanathan

Thalayanti Podhamate A. P. Komala

Tholisare Manasu Kalisene P. Leela

1957 Sati Savitri Telugu Enduko Ohoho Vilasala P. B. Sreenivas M. Balamuralikrishna, Mallik, Master Venu, P. Suribabu, Baburao, J. Lakshminarayana, H. R. Padmanabha Sastry & S. Rajeswara Rao

Raavelano P. B. Sreenivas

Nammithine Janani P. Sreenivasan & Udutha Sarojini

Amma.... Kaavave Amma

Maataa Idena

Navaratnanchita

Pati Bhakti

Praananaatha

Thaguna Idi Janaka

1957 Sathiyavan Savithri Tamil Edhuko Indraanandham P. B. Sreenivas S. V. Venkatraman

Raavelano P. B. Sreenivas

Ambigaiye Kadhi Nee Endhan P. Sreenivasan & Udutha Sarojini

Ammaa.... Katharulvaai Ammaa

Anbarin Innuyir Vandhida

Navaratnanchita

Pati Bhakti

Naan Vaanagum

Thaguna Idi Janaka

1959 Sathi Thulasi Telugu Arthinchi Parulu Ninnadugavaccheranuchu (Padyam) Pamarthi

Alagha Prabhava Chakra

Yevaro Thanevaro Yevaro

O Matha Nammithi Nee Padhame

Jaya Mangala Gowri

Tholi Janmambuna Nochinatti

Dhasiga Sevincha Thaganaa

1959 Veera Bhaskarudu Telugu Elage Sukhala Charinchemu Bala P. B. Sreenivas S. Hanumantha Rao

Karunaaleni Rajaneethi

Chelee Valape Kale Avuna

Manasara Kalyani Palikinchu Veena P. Leela

Dhaari Kaanaradhaye P. Leela

1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil Singara Kanne Un G. Ramanathan

Vetrri Vadivelane.... Manam Kanintharul V. N. Sundaram

Takku Takku Ena Adikkadi P. Susheela & A. P. Komala

1959 Veerapandya Kattabrahmana Telugu Chinnari Thalli G. Ramanathan

Vijaya Varadayaka.... Prabho Krupakara B. Gopalam

Takku Takku Bada Bada S. Janaki & A. P. Komala

1959 Sivagangai Seemai Tamil Thanimai Nerndhadho Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy

Muthu Pugazh Padaittha Radha Jayalakshmi

Thendral Vanthu Veesatho T. S. Bhagavathi

1960 Abhimanam Telugu Rama Idhi Yemi Ghantasala

1960 Deepavali Telugu Mahadeva Deva Mahaneeya Ghantasala

Agni Sakshiga

Haye Haye Andala Raja

1960 Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam Telugu Sri Devini Needu Deverini Pendyala Nageswara Rao

Varala Beramaya Vanaram Beramaya

Ee Niradharana Barinchalenu

1961 Krishna Prema Telugu Repe Vasthadanta Gopaludu Ghantasala Pendyala Nageswara Rao

Cheliyalu Muddaraalu

Krishnaa Radhamano Vihari

Navaneetha Chorudu Nandha Kishorudu Jikki

Navaneetha Chorudu Nandha Kishorudu (pathos) Jikki

1962 Mahamantri Timmarusu Telugu Leela Krishna Nee Leelalu Pendyala Nageswara Rao

Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara P. Susheela

1962 Vadivukku Valai Kappu Tamil Thaamadham Seiyathe Thozhi K. V. Mahadevan

1963 Lava Kusa Telugu Rajata Rajadharmamata Ghantasala

1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu Telugu Veyi Shubhamulu Kalugu Neeku Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham Tamil Vaazhvil Subangalum Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1964 Babruvahana Telugu Maa Saati Vaaru Pamarthi

Yemani Thaanaaduno

Nee Sari Manohari Ghantasala

Vardillu Papa

1964 Babruvahana Tamil Pamarthi

1965 Raja Drohi Telugu Kamitham Theerenu Nede Cheliya K. V. Mahadevan & Y. N. Sharma

1965 Satya Harishchandra Telugu He Chandrachooda Madanantaka Shoolapane Ghantasala Pendyala Nageswara Rao

Andhala Tanaya Aananda Nilaya

Andhala Tanaya Aananda Nilaya (pathos)

Srimanmaha Divyatejo Virajee

Satyamunakendhu Bhangamu Jaruguvela

Namo Bhuthanadha Namo Deva Deva Ghantasala

Lokabandava Sarvalokaika Vandya

1966 Sri Krishna Tulabharam Telugu Vidhudu Nee Maata Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1967 Kandan Karunai Tamil Velli Malai Mannava K. V. Mahadevan

1967 Sri Krishnavataram Telugu Krishna Govinda Dwarakavaasa T. V. Raju

Ee Seerojamul Chepatti

1969 Thanga Surangam Tamil Petramanam Sirayile T. K. Ramamoorthy

1970 Bhayangkara Gudhachari Telugu T. K. Ramamoorthy

1970 Kaaviya Thalaivi Tamil Kavidhaiyil Ezhudhiya Eduthnatharadi P. Susheela K. V. Mahadevan

1971 Ilangeswaran Tamil Jothimayamana S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

1971 Kannan Karunai Tamil S. V. Venkatraman

1973 Karaikkal Ammaiyar Tamil Anbe Sivam Endru Paaduvome Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan

1973 Pedda Koduku Telugu Thama Gonthu Nulime Varike P. Adinarayana Rao

1973 Rajaraja Cholan Tamil Eduthandhanadi Thillayile Seerkazhi Govindarajan Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan

Thanjai Periya Koyil Pallandu Vaazhgave Seerkazhi Govindarajan & T. R. Mahalingam

1973 Thirumalai Deivam Tamil Neela Nira Megamellaam Neeye Kanna Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan

1973 Valli Deivanai Tamil Velava Thiru Amarar Kula N. S. Thyagarajan

1974 Devi Sri Karumari Amman Tamil Kanne Kanmaniye Karumaari Shankar–Ganesh

1974 Thaai Tamil Mangalam Kaappaal Sivasakthi M. S. Viswanathan

1976 Mamanchi Thalli Telugu M. S. Viswanathan

1976 Needhikku Thalaivanangu Tamil Intha Pachai Killikoru M. S. Viswanathan

1977 Sri Krishna Leela Tamil Nalla Naal K. V. Mahadevan

1978 Anantha Bairavi Tamil Umaiyavale Mariamma R. Ramanujam

1979 Kavari Maan Tamil Sollavallaayo Kiliye Ilaiyaraaja

1986 Muddula Krishnayya Telugu Mangalagirinelu Maharani V. Ramakrishna K. V. Mahadevan

1991 Guna Tamil Unnai Naan Ariven Ilaiyaraja

References:

 Melody-filled screen presence by Randor Guy in The Hindu, 2009
Melody-filled screen presence
RANDOR GUY

To yesteryear actor S. Varalakshmi, who passed away recently.

Multilingual SINGING STAR: S. Varalakshmi, in ‘Navajeevanam’ (middle) and with V.N. Janaki in ‘Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani’.

Saridey Varalakshmi (1927-2009) was a popular multilingual singing star who played a variety of roles including the female lead, vamp, later mother and aggressive mother-in-law in hit movies in Tamil and Telugu. She left an indelible footprint in the shifting sands of cinema through her portrayal in movies such as ‘Balaraju’, ‘Palnati Yuddham’, ‘Maya Lokam’, ‘Lava Kusa’ (Telugu), ‘Seva Sadanam’, ‘Aayiram Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani’, ‘Navajeevanam’, ‘Veerapandiya Kattabomman’, ‘Chakravarthi Thirumagal’, ‘Panamaa Paasamaa.’ Her performance in ‘Poova Thalaiya’ (Tamil) is considered her best. Her fame and name rippled out thanks to her excellent voice and acting talent and her knowledge of Carnatic Music, which she learnt as a young girl. Some of her movie songs such as ‘Kaadhal Aaginen’ (‘Apoorva Chinthamani’) and ‘Emaatram Thaana En Vaazhviley’ (‘Chakaravarthi Thirumagal’) were very popular.

Varalakshmi also had a stint in Kannada cinema and played a major role in the Rajkumar-starrer ‘Babruvaahana’. However she did not meet with the same success that she did in her other language films.

Varalakshmi was born in 1927 in the zamindari town of Jaggampeta (then in Madras Presidency, now in Andhra Pradesh), and belonged to a middle class family. Due to circumstances, she grew up in her uncle’s house in Kurnool, where he was a musician. Spotting her flair for music, he formally trained her in Carnatic music.

Her debut:

During this period, the stormy petrel of Telugu cinema and social protest filmmaker Gudavalli Ramabramham (‘Mala Pilla’, ‘Raithu Bidda’, ‘Apavaadhu’) was engaged by the pioneer filmmaker K. Subramanyam to direct the Telugu version of his popular Tamil movie ‘Balayogini’. The film had many children in major roles and Ramabramham, touring Andhra looking for fresh talent, spotted young Varalakshmi in Kurnool. With his encouragement and Subramanyam’s nod, Varalakshmi sailed into the world of lens and lights with this film in 1938.

Impressed by her looks and singing skills, Subramanyam cast her in his classic ‘Seva Sadanam’ (1938) with M. S. Subbulakshmi. Varalakshmi played a young friend of the heroine (M.S.), and thus began a close friendship between the two, which helped Varalakshmi to hone her singing skills. She played a young girl’s role in ‘Parasuraman’ (Tamil, 1940) along with T. R. Mahalingam. Little did she know then that he would play a major role in her life later, both on and off screen.

T. R. Sundaram, Modern Theatres’ boss, cast her in a major role in his box office hit ‘Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani’ (1947). The title role was played by V. N. Janaki, who had no hero. The hero who solves the puzzles in the movie (P. S. Govindan) had a heartthrob (Varalakshmi.) The film was a major success and Govindan and Varalakshmi made an attractive pair. T. R. Sundaram cast her again in the lead role in ‘Bhojan’ (1948) with Govindan as hero. This film did not do as well as expected.

Pasupuleti Kannamba cast her in her Tamil movie ‘Navajeevanam’ (1949), an emotion-drenched family story about a young man from a poor family (Sriram) who falls in love and marries a rich girl (Varalakshmi).

Films with Mahalingam:

Varalakshmi’s association with T. R. Mahalingam began in 1950. She played the heroine in ‘Machharegai’ (1951), ‘Mohanasundaram’ (1951), ‘Chinnadurai’ (1952) and ‘Velaikkaran’ (1952). However these were not successful. ‘Ramabra’ (1945) was the first movie of Akkineni Nageswara Rao as full fledged hero with two heroines, Varalakshmi and P. Shanthakumari. It was a box office hit. ‘Balaraju’ (1947) again with Nageswara Rao, was a major hit and some of Varalakshmi’s songs became popular. She was also paired with ANR in the classic ‘Palnati Yuddham’ as Manchala who loses her lover in the historic battle. The two sang a duet (‘Ohoooohooo..Charuseela’), which is still hummed and remembered by Telugu film buffs.

Varalakshmi acted with all the top heroes of her day including Sivaji Ganesan (‘Veerapandiya Kattabbomman’), M. G. Ramachandran (‘Maattukara Velan,’ ‘Needhikku Thalaivanangu’), N. T. Rama Rao (‘Lava Kusa’), Chittoor V. Nagaiah (‘Nagapanchami’), Ranjan (‘En Magan’) and R. S. Manohar (‘Maamiyaar’).

K. S. Gopalakrishnan, the star-maker, cast her as an aggressive woman in ‘Panammaa Paasamma’ in which she excelled as the tough lady. Then came her crowning glory with K. Balachandar’s ‘Poova Thalaiya’, in which Gemini Ganesh and Jaishankar played major roles. Here again, she played a tough woman pitted against Jaishankar.

Later, she came under the influence and intimate association of Al. Srinivasan, a leader of the Tamil film industry. With the onset of middle age, opportunities became rare and her health began to suffer.

To keep herself occupied, Varalakshmi lent her voice for some films. The last years of her life were spent in physical pain, as she suffered from a hip fracture and was hospitalised often.

The end came on September 22. She was 82.

Varalakshmi’s powerful acting and her lilting melodies shall ever be remembered by moviegoers of south India.

 "Meena (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 January 2024.

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 "Bangaru Kapuram (1984)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 2 June 2023.

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VIDEO: S Varalakshmi Personal Life Struggles | Actress & Singer Saridey Varalakshmi

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