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Uma Padmanabhan

Uma Padmanaban

Uma Padmanabhan is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Uma Padmanabhan began their career in 2007 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 19 years. With over 60 credits to their name and an average audience rating of 6.0, Uma Padmanabhan remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 10+ years, Uma Padmanabhan's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.

Born
Age
60
60+Known Credits
4.8Avg Rating
veteranCareer Phase

Biography

Uma Padmanabhan is a Tamil actress and television anchor best known as the longtime host of Sun TV's flagship program Vanakkam Tamizhagam, who has also appeared in over 30 Tamil films in supporting roles. Her notable film appearances include Aarohanam (2012), Nanban (2012), Yaaruda Mahesh (2013), Kaatrin Mozhi (2018), and Taana (2020), often playing maternal or character roles. She began her screen career as a newsreader before becoming one of Sun TV's primary live show hosts when the channel launched in 1993, establishing her as a recognizable face in Tamil households. Her film work in Kaatrin Mozhi (2018), directed by Radha Mohan and starring Jyotika, and in Sivi (2007) reflects her ability to move between television and cinema in character-supporting capacities.

Career Milestones

1993

Began career as compere and newsreader on Sun TV, hosting the popular morning show Vanakkam Tamizhagam

1998

Film debut in Tamil cinema

2007

Notable supporting role in Rajinikanth blockbuster

2012

Appeared in Shankar/Vijay hit Nanban as Mrs. Ramakrishnan

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2012

Critical role in Aarohanam, a National Award-winning Tamil drama

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The Numbers

Uma Padmanabhan by the Numbers

Total Films0
Back-to-back Watch0 days+ 22h
Hit Ratio0%
Yrs Active0
Versatility0/10
Repeat Directors0
Biggest CollaborationManobala5 films together

If you watched every Uma Padmanabhan film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 2 days and 22h. Most-paired with Manobala — 5 films together.

Collaboration Network

Collaboration Network

The Constellation

Top 10 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Uma Padmanabhan.

Uma Padmanabhannfilms togetherSee full filmography →

Career Analytics

Genre Breakdown

Drama
44%
Comedy
33%
Action
11%
Horror
11%

Language Distribution

Tamil
100%

Films by Decade

3
2000s
23
2010s
4
2020s

Top Co-Actors

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Uma Padmanabhan has worked most frequently with Prabhu Deva (2 films), Manobala (5 films), Santhanam (4 films), Aadukalam Naren (4 films), and Hansika Motwani (4 films).

Did You Know?

1

Uma Padmanabhan is known for her work as a television anchor and host on Tamil television channels.

2

She is a prominent socialite in Chennai's cultural and entertainment circles.

3

She made her film debut in the Tamil film 'Sivi' in 2007.

4

She played the role of Mrs. Ramakrishnan, the mother of the character played by Vijay, in the 2012 film 'Nanban'.

5

In 'Unnale Unnale' (2007), she portrayed the sister of the male lead, Karthik, played by Vinay Rai.

Legacy & Influence

Uma Padmanabhan has carved a distinct niche in the Tamil entertainment industry, primarily recognized for her sophisticated presence and versatility across television and film. Her career trajectory began in television, where she established herself as a popular anchor and host, bringing a polished and engaging demeanor to various talk shows and events. This foundation in television provided a springboard into Tamil cinema, where she has been selectively cast in supporting roles that often leverage her dignified screen persona. Her filmography, though not extensive, includes notable performances in critically acclaimed projects. In the blockbuster 'Nanban' (2012), a remake of '3 Idiots', her portrayal of Mrs. Ramakrishnan, the compassionate mother, added emotional depth to the narrative and was widely appreciated. She further demonstrated her acting range in the indie drama 'Aarohanam' (2012), playing a pivotal supporting role. Her work in 'Kaatrin Mozhi' (2018) continued this trend of choosing projects with strong narratives. While not a mainstream leading actress, her consistent choice of quality films and her ability to embody mature, relatable characters have made her a respected figure. Her primary contribution lies in bridging the worlds of Tamil television and cinema, bringing a sense of reliability and grace to every role. She represents a segment of performers who excel in character-driven parts, enriching stories without necessarily dominating the spotlight. Her career underscores the importance of strong supporting actors in building a film's emotional fabric and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions