
Radha
Radha is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Radha began their career in 1981 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 45 years. With over 90 credits to their name and an average audience rating of 7.2, Radha remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 40+ years, Radha's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
Biography
Radha is a popular Indian actor and director. She was born in Kilimanoor, Kerala, in 1965. She is best known for her work in Tamil and Malayalam films. Radha became a very famous star in the 1980s and 1990s. She acted in many good and successful movies. Some of her most popular films are "Manithanin Marupakkam" and "Oru Ponnu Nenacha". She often played strong roles and made movies about family and love stories. Audiences loved her for her simple and natural acting style. Later in her career, she also worked as a film director. Radha remains a well-known and respected name in Indian cinema.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Alaigal Oivathillai (7.8)
View film →50th film
View film →Iconic Roles
Alaigal Oivathillai
Her breakthrough role in Tamil cinema, playing a romantic lead opposite Rajinikanth.
Anandha Ragam
A celebrated performance in this musical romance film, solidifying her star status.
Defining Moments
Breakthrough with 'Alaigal Oivathillai'
Her role as Mary in this Ilaiyaraaja musical film launched her into major stardom in Tamil cinema.
Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for 'Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu', recognizing her acting prowess.
Marriage and Hiatus
Her marriage to film producer T. S. Nandakumar led to a significant break from acting at the peak of her career.
Filmography
See all 90 credits →


Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Radha made her acting debut as a child artist in the 1978 Malayalam film 'Nellu'.
She is the elder sister of actress Ambika, and both were popular leading actresses in South Indian cinema during the 1980s.
Radha was a leading actress in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films, often paired with top heroes like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
She received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu' (1986).
Radha took a break from acting after her marriage in 1991, but made a comeback in later years in character roles.
Photos
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Family

Child
Thulasi Nair

Child
Karthika Nair
News & Stories

Actress Radha 25th year Wedding Anniversary Stills
14/9/2016
Legacy & Influence
Radha, born Udaya Chandrika, emerged as one of the most prominent and beloved leading actresses in South Indian cinema during the 1980s and early 1990s. Her career trajectory began as a child artist before her breakthrough as a lead actress in the Tamil film 'Alaigal Oivathillai' (1981), directed by Bharathiraja. This film established her as a fresh and natural performer, adept at portraying both innocence and emotional depth. Radha quickly became a sought-after heroine, known for her expressive eyes, graceful dance skills, and compelling screen presence. She formed highly successful on-screen pairings with top actors across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu industries, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Sivaji Ganesan, appearing in a diverse range of genres from romantic dramas to social narratives. Her performances in films like 'Anandha Ragam' (1982) and 'Muthal Mariyathai' (1985) were particularly noted for their sensitivity and charm. Radha's contribution lies in her embodiment of the quintessential heroine of her era, often portraying strong-willed, virtuous characters that resonated deeply with family audiences. She balanced commercial success with critical appreciation, working with renowned directors who shaped the New Wave of South Indian cinema. Her career, though primarily concentrated in a prolific decade, left a significant mark, making her a defining figure of 80s cinema whose work continues to be celebrated for its nostalgic value and artistic sincerity.