Vennira Aadai Nirmala (born as A. B. Shanthi in

Kumbakonam Kumbakonam (formerly spelt as Coombaconum or Combaconum) or Kudanthai is a city municipal corporation in the Thanjavur district in the States of India, Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located from Thanjavur and from Chennai and is the headq ...

) is an Indian actress who has appeared in

Tamil Tamil may refer to: * Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils **Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia * Tamil language, nativ ...

Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 22 scheduled languages of India. Malayalam was des ...

and

Telugu Telugu may refer to: * Telugu language, a major Dravidian language of India *Telugu people, an ethno-linguistic group of India * Telugu script, used to write the Telugu language ** Telugu (Unicode block), a block of Telugu characters in Unicode S ...

films. She was a prominent lead actress from 1960s and 70s. She is credited as Ushakumari in Malayalam film industry.

Personal life

She was born as Shanthi to Aranmanai L Balakrishnan and Rukmani at

. She had four siblings. She remains unmarried.

Acting career

Debuting through

C. V. Sridhar Chitthamoor Vijayaraghavalu Sridhar (22 July 1933 – 20 October 2008) was an Indian screenwriter and film director. He has directed nearly 60 films in Tamil language, Tamil, Hindi language, Hindi and Telugu language, Telugu Languages. Ea ...

's ''

Vennira Aadai ''Vennira Aadai'' () is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language romance film, co-written, produced and directed by Sridhar. The film stars Jayalalithaa, Nirmala, Shylashri, Srikanth and Moorthy, all in their Tamil cinema debut. It was released on 14 ...

'' 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 Bharatanatyam () is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the eight widely recognized Indian classical dance forms, and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of S ...

dancer. She acted in the TV series - Deivamagal.

Political career

M. G. Ramachandran Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (17 January 1917 24 December 1987), also popularly known as M.G.R., was an Indian politician, actor, philanthropist, and filmmaker who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987 ...

had adopted her as his sister and wanted to be his heir in politics. But she refused. MGR had nominated her to the

Tamil Nadu Legislative Council Tamil Nadu Legislative Council was the upper house of the former bicameral legislature of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It began its existence as Madras Legislative Council, the first provincial legislature for Madras Presidency. It was initia ...

. 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 can not serve as a member of parliament or state legislature. 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.

Partial filmography

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

Tamil

*''

'' (1965) *'' Ennathan Mudivu'' (1965) * '' Kadhalithal mattum Podhuma'' (1967) * '' Bhakta Prahlada'' (1967) * '' Lakshmi Kalyanam'' (1968) * ''

Chakkaram ''Chakkaram'' () is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by A. Kasilingam. The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and A. V. M. Rajan. It was released on 6 December 1968, and failed commercially. Plot Jambu is ...

'' (1968) * ''

Ragasiya Police 115 ''Ragasiya Police 115'' () is a 1968 Tamil-language spy film, directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa, supported by M. N. Nambiar, S. A. Ashokan and Nagesh. It was released on 11 January 1968, a ...

'' (1968) * ''

Muthu Chippi ''Muthu Chippi'' () is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by M. Krishnan and produced by P. L. Mohan Ram. The film stars Jaishankar, Jayalalithaa and Nagesh. The film had musical score by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. The film was released on ...

'' (1968) * ''

Kuzhanthaikkaga ''Kuzhanthaikkaga'' () is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by P. Madhavan, produced by D. Ramanaidu and written by Thuraiyur K. Moorthi, with music by M. S. Viswanathan. The film stars Padmini, R. S. Manohar, Major Sundar ...

'' (1968) * '' Poova Thalaiya'' (1969) * ''

Mannippu ''Mannippu'' () is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film, directed by M. Krishnan Nair and written by Thuraiyur K. Moorthi. The film stars Jaishankar, A. V. M. Rajan, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and Lakshmi, with Nagesh, R. S. Manohar, ...

'' (1969) * ''

Annaiyum Pithavum ''Annaiyum Pithavum'' () is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju and written by V. C. Guhanathan for AVM Productions. The film stars A. V. M. Rajan, Vanisri, Sivakumar and Lakshmi. It was released on 19 Septembe ...

'' (1969) * ''Kanni Penn'' (1969) * '' Thanga Surangam'' (1969) * ''

Thunaivan ''Thunaivan'' () is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language Hindu devotional film directed by M. A. Thirumugam and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. It was written by V. Balamurugan, while the music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film sta ...

'' (1969) * ''

Enga Mama ''Enga Mama'' () is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar and produced by P.K.V.Sankaran and Aarumugam. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa and Vennira Aadai Nirmala. The film had musical score by M. S. Vi ...

'' (1970) * ''

Veettuku Veedu ''Veettuku Veedu'' () is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by C. V. Rajendran and written by Chitralaya Gopu. It was based on Gopu's play ''Thikku Theriyatha Veettil'' which was based on the English play ''Right Bed Wrong Hus ...

'' (1970) * ''Kannan Varuvan'' (1970) * ''Noorandu Kalam Vazhga'' (1970) * ''Sangamam'' (1970) * ''

Yaen? ''Yaen'' () is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language film directed by T. R. Ramanna. It was released on 14 January 1970 and emerged a success. Plot Kamala (Lakshmi) is a girl of marriageable age. She lives with her elder brother ( A. V. M. Rajan), he ...

'' (1970) * ''Vairakiyam'' (1970) * ''

Namma Kuzhandaigal ''Namma Kuzhandaigal'' () is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language children's film directed by Srikanth and produced by D. Ramanaidu. It is based on writer Poovannan's novel ''Aalam Vizhudhu''. The film stars Major Sundarrajan, Pandari Bai and Vennira A ...

'' (1970) * '' Babu'' (1971) * ''

Thangaikkaaga ''Thangaikkaaga'' () is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by D. Yoganand. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and Lakshmi. It was released on 6 February 1971. Plot Cast *Sivaji Ganesan as Ramu/Ravi *Vennira Aada ...

'' (1971) * ''Deivam Pesuma'' (1971) * ''

Aathi Parasakthi ''Aathi Parasakthi'' () is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan and produced by Chitra Productions. It stars Gemini Ganesan and Jayalalithaa. The film was dubbed in Hindi as ''Jai Jagat Janani'' ...

'' (1971) * ''Anbukkor Annan'' (1971) * ''Needhi Dhevan'' (1971) * '' Sudarum Sooravaliyum'' (1971) * ''

Thanga Gopuram ''Thanga Gopuram'' () is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language film produced, written and directed by M. S. Solaimalai. It stars Jaishankar and Jayalalithaa, with Sundarrajan, V. K. Ramasamy, M. R. R. Vasu, Srikanth, Vennira Aadai Nirmala, Srividya a ...

'' (1971) * ''

Veguli Penn ''Veguli Penn'' () is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language mystery drama film directed and co-written by S. S. Devadoss. The film stars Gemini Ganesh and Devika, with R. Muthuraman, Nagesh, V. K. Ramasamy, V. Nirmala, Radhika, K. Balaji and S. Varala ...

'' (1971) * ''

Aval ''Aval'' () may refer to: * ''Aval'' (1967 film) * ''Aval'' (1972 film) * ''Aval'' (2017 film) * ''Aval'' (TV series), a 2011 Indian Tamil-language family soap opera {{disambiguation ...

'' (1972) * ''

Bathilukku Bathil ''Bathilukku Bathil'' () is a 1972 Indian Tamil-language Western film directed by Jambu. The film stars A. V. M. Rajan, R. Muthuraman, C. R. Vijayakumari and Vennira Aadai Nirmala. It was released on 1 September 1972. Plot A man seeks reveng ...

'' (1972) * ''Thaikku Oru Pillai'' (1972) * ''

Anbu Sagodharargal ''Anbu Sagodharargal'' () is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Lakshmi Deepak. It is a remake of the director's own Telugu film ''Pandanti Kapuram''. The film stars Jaishankar, S. V. Ranga Rao, Jamuna (actress), Jamuna, Major Sundarr ...

'' (1973) * ''Engal Thaai'' (1973) * '' Pookaari'' (1973) * ''Prarthanai'' (1973) * '' Vakkuruthi'' (1973) * '' Nyayam Ketkirom'' (1973) * ''Veettukku Vandha Marumagal'' (1973) * ''Nalla Mudivu'' (1973) * ''Avalukku Nigar Avale'' (1974) * ''Pathu Madha Bandham'' (1974) * ''Samayalkaran'' (1974) * ''Sisubalan'' (1974) * ''Ingeyum Manidhargal'' (1975) * '' Naalai Namadhe'' (1975) * ''Eduppar Kai Pillai'' (1975) * ''

Idhayakkani ''Idhayakkani'' () is a 1975 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film, starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role, with Pandari Bai, R. S. Manohar and Radha Saluja among others enacting supporting roles. The film was directed by A. Jaga ...

'' (1975) * ''

Oorukku Uzhaippavan ''Oorukku Uzhaippavan'' () is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by M. Krishnan Nair, starring M. G. Ramachandran, Vanisri and Venniradai Nirmala. It is a remake of the 1970 Kannada film '' Baalu Belagithu''. The film was ...

'' (1976) * ''

Unakkaga Naan ''Unakkaga Naan'' () is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language drama film produced by K. Balaji and directed by C. V. Rajendran. Starring Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Lakshmi and Vennira Aadai Nirmala, it is a remake of the 1973 Hindi film ''Namak Ha ...

'' (1976) * ''Janaki Sabadham'' (1976) * ''Ellam Avale'' (1977) * '' Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga'' (1977) * ''Maamiyar Veedu'' (1977) * ''

Meenava Nanban ''Meenava Nanban'' () is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Sridhar. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and Latha, with M. N. Nambiar, Nagesh among others enacting supporting roles. It was released on 14 A ...

'' (1977) * ''Kaviraja Kalamegam'' (1978) * ''Karunamoorthi'' (1978) * ''

Gnana Kuzhandhai ''Gnana Kuzhandhai'' () is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, directed by K. Kameshwara Rao and written by Era. Pazhanisamy. Music was by K. V. Mahadevan. The film stars Baby Sudha and Master Sridhar, with Gemini Ganesan ...

'' (1979) * ''Nadagame Ulagam'' (1979) * ''Velli Ratham'' (1979) * '' Kaali'' (1980) * ''

Guru Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...

'' (1980) * ''

Kallukkul Eeram ''Kallukkul Eeram'' () is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by P. S. Nivas, starring Bharathiraja, Sudhakar, Aruna and Vijayashanti. This film marked the cinematic debut for both Aruna and Vijayashanti. Plot This is a story of tw ...

'' (1980) * ''Deiva Thirumanangal-Meenakshi Kalyanam'' (1981) * ''Deiva Thirumanangal-Srinivasa Kalyanam'' (1981) * '' Bala Nagamma'' (1981) * ''

Nadodi Raja ''Nadodi Raja'' () is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by S. M. Ummar, starring Rajeev and Mucherla Aruna. The film was released on 15 October 1982. Plot Cast * Rajeev * Mucherla Aruna * Amrad Kumar * Sangili Murugan * Sathya ...

'' (1982) * '' Arunachalam'' (1997) * ''

Vaimaye Vellum ''Vaimaye Vellum'' () is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language crime film directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Parthiban and Rachana Banerjee. The film, produced by S. R. Balajee, had musical score by Deva and was released on 14 February 1997. Plot Pe ...

'' (1997) * ''

Thaalikaatha Kaaliamman ''Thaalikaatha Kaaliamman'' is a 2001 Tamil-language Hindu devotional film directed by R. Somasunder. The film stars Prabhu, Kausalya and Sanghavi. The film, produced by P. Kannappan Yadav, has musical score by Sirpy and was released on 16 Fe ...

'' (2001) * '' Kaamaraasu '' (2002) * ''

Periyar Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy (17 September 1879 – 24 December 1973), revered as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar, was an Indian social activist and politician who started the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam. He is known as the 'F ...

'' (2007)

Malayalam: Credited as Ushakumari

# Kaattu Thulasi - 1965 # Station Master # Janma Bhoomi # Kalli Penn # Sharjah To Sharjah (2001) # Poomarathanalil (1997) # Kilungaatha Changalakal (1981) # Kaanthavalayam (1980) # Bhakthahanuman (1980) # Ashwaradham(1980) as Lakshmi # Iniyum Kaanaam (1979) as Nirmala # Veerabhadran (1979) # Randil Onnu (1978) # Chakraayudham (1978) #

Velluvili ''Velluvili'' ( en, Challenge) is a 1978 Malayalam film, starring Soman and Jayabharathi in the lead roles. It marked the directorial debut of K. G. Rajasekharan. It was shot mostly at Perumbavoor, Kerala. The film released along with the Prem ...

(1978) as Savithri # Hemantharaathri (1978) # Thacholi Ambu (1978) # Guruvayoor Keshavan (1977) # Sreemurukan (1977) # Amba Ambika Ambaalika (1976) as Sathyavathi # Maanishaada (1975) # Thomasleeha (1975) # Njaan Ninne Premikkunnu (1975) as Gracy # Suprabhaatham (1974) # Durga (1974) # Paavangal Pennungal (1973) # Aashaachakram (1973) # Shaasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973) as Suvarna # Thaniniram (1973) #

Thenaruvi ''Thenaruvi'' is a 1973 Indian Malayalam film, directed and produced by Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Vijayasree, Adoor Bhasi, G. K. Pillai and K. P. Ummer in the lead roles. The film had musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast *Prem Naz ...

(1973) as Thulasi # Jesus (1973) as Mary Magdalna #

Maravil Thirivu Sookshikkuka ''Maravil Thirivu Sookshikkuka'' is a 1972 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film, directed by J. Sasikumar and produced by R. S. Rajan. The film stars Prem Nazir, Vijayasree, Adoor Bhasi and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. The film had musi ...

(1972) as Maalu # Lora Nee Evide (1971) as Lora # Panchavankaadu (1971) as Devamma #

Dathuputhran ''Dathuputhran'' is a 1970 Indian Malayalam film, directed and produced by Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela and Jayabharathi in the lead roles. The film had musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast *Prem Nazir as Ponnachan * ...

(1970) as Omana # Bheekara Nimishangal (1970) as Indira # Cross Belt (1970) as Leela/Mrs.Robert # Vivaahitha (1970) as Leela # Janmabhoomi (1969) as Madhavi # Koottukudumbam (1969) as Radhika # Vilakkappetta Bandhangal (1969) # Punnapura Vayalar (1968) as Chinnamma #

Yakshi ''Yakshinis'' or ''yakshis'' (यक्षिणी sa, yakṣiṇī or ''yakṣī''; pi, yakkhiṇī or ''yakkhī'') are a class of female nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies that are different from devas and ...

(1968) as Vijayalakshmi # Sahadharmini (1967) # Maadatharuvi (1967) # Thalirukal (1967) # NGO (1967) # Sheelavathi (1967) as Saraswathi #

Iruttinte Athmavu ''Iruttinte Athmavu'' () is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by P. Bhaskaran and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on his own short story of the same name. It stars Prem Nazir and Sharada in lead roles with Thikkurissy Sukum ...

(1967) as Prema #

Ramanan ''Ramanan'' (Malayalam: രമണന്‍) is the most celebrated work of Malayalam poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai. It is a play written in the form of verse. It is a pastoral elegy written after the death of his friend, Edappally Raghavan ...

(1967) as Karthi # Jeevikkaan Anuvadikkoo (1967) #

Kayamkulam Kochunni Kayamkulam Kochunni (born 1818) was a heroic outlaw from Kayamkulam, who lived during the late 19th century. He was active in the Travancore area in the present-day Kerala, India. He is said to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor. Le ...

(1966) as Nabeesa # Station Master (1966) as Geetha & Omana # Kallippennu (1966) as Kallippennu # Chettathi (1965) as Susheela # Kaattuthulasi (1965) as Thulasi

Telugu

* '' Bhakta Prahlada'' (1967) * ''

Ave Kallu ''Ave Kallu'' () is a 1967 Indian Telugu-language mystery thriller film directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar and produced by AVM Productions, starring Krishna and Kanchana. It was simultaneously made in Tamil as ''Athey Kangal'', with Kanchana ...

'' (1967) * ''

Mooga Nomu ''Mooga Nomu'' () is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced M. Murugan, M. Saravanan and M. Kumaran of AVM Productions and directed by D. Yoganand. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Jamuna, with music composed by R. Govar ...

'' (1969) * ''Bangaru Talli'' (1971) * '' Bomma Borusa'' (1971) * ''Kathula Rathaiah'' (1972) * '' Datta Putrudu '' (1972) * ''Devude Gelichadu'' (1976) * ''

Karunamayudu ''Karunamayudu'' () is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language biographical film written and directed by A. Bhimsingh. It stars Vijayachander as Jesus of Nazareth. The film won two Nandi Awards, was notable for two song sequences narrating the Birth of ...

'' (1978) * ''Sri Anjaneya Charitra'' (1981) * '' Bala Nagamma'' (1981) * '' Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi'' (1998) * ''

Adhipathi ''Adhipathi'' () is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language action film, produced by Mohan Babu under his Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner and directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty. It stars Mohan Babu, Nagarjuna, Preeti Jhangiani and Soundarya, with mu ...

'' (2001) * ''

Kalisundam Raa ''Kalisundham Raa'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Udayasankar and produced by D. Suresh Babu. It stars Venkatesh and Simran, with music composed by S. A. Rajkumar. It received the National Film Award for Best Feature ...

'' (2000) * ''

Jayam Manadera ''Jayam Manadera'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by N. Shankar and produced by D. Suresh Babu under the Suresh Productions banner. It stars Venkatesh, Soundarya and Bhanupriya, with music composed by Vandem ...

'' (2000) * ''

Ninne Premistha ''Ninne Premistha'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language romance film, produced by R. B. Choudary on the Super Good Films banner, directed by R. R. Shinde. It stars Nagarjuna, Srikanth, Soundarya, and Rajendra Prasad. The music was composed b ...

'' (2000) * ''

Seema Simham ''Seema Simham'' () is a 2002 Telugu-language action film, produced by J.Bhagawan & DVV Danayya under the Sri Balaji Art Creations banner and directed by G. Ram Prasad. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Simran, Reema Sen, and music is composed by ...

'' (2002) * ''

Okariki Okaru ''Okariki Okaru'' () is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by cinematographer Rasool Ellore in his directorial debut. It stars Sriram and Aarthi Chhabria. The film was praised for the non-vulgarity and classiness carrie ...

'' (2003) * '' Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.'' (2004) * ''

Shankar Dada Zindabad ''Shankar Dada Zindabad'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Prabhu Deva. Starring Chiranjeevi and Karishma Kotak, the film is a remake of the 2006 Hindi film ''Lage Raho Munnabhai'' and a sequel to '' Shankar Dada ...

'' (2007) * ''

Ragada ''Ragada'' () is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by Veeru Potla and produced by D. Siva Prasad Reddy. It stars Nagarjuna, Anushka Shetty, and Priyamani in lead roles, with the music composed by S. Thaman. The film revolve ...

'' (2010)

Kannada

* ''Sri Renukadevi Mahathme'' (1975) * ''Kari Naga'' (1985)

Television serials

Awards and honours

*2009; Kaviarasu Kannadasan Tamizh Sangam Award

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nirmala, Vennira Aadai Actresses in Malayalam cinema Living people Indian film actresses Actresses in Tamil cinema People from Thanjavur district 1948 births Indian television actresses Actresses in Tamil television Actresses from Tamil Nadu 20th-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian actresses All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians Actresses in Telugu cinema Actresses in Kannada cinema