
Uma Padmanabhan
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
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
Began career as compere and newsreader on Sun TV, hosting the popular morning show Vanakkam Tamizhagam
Film debut in Tamil cinema
Notable supporting role in Rajinikanth blockbuster
Appeared in Shankar/Vijay hit Nanban as Mrs. Ramakrishnan
View film →Critical role in Aarohanam, a National Award-winning Tamil drama
View film →Uma Padmanabhan by the Numbers
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.
Filmography
See all 60 credits →











Collaboration Network
The Constellation
Top 10 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Uma Padmanabhan.
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →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?
Uma Padmanabhan is known for her work as a television anchor and host on Tamil television channels.
She is a prominent socialite in Chennai's cultural and entertainment circles.
She made her film debut in the Tamil film 'Sivi' in 2007.
She played the role of Mrs. Ramakrishnan, the mother of the character played by Vijay, in the 2012 film 'Nanban'.
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.