Ramya Krishnan
Ramya Krishnan is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Ramya Krishnan began their career in 1986 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 40 years. With over 150 credits to their name and an average audience rating of 6.0, Ramya Krishnan remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Ramya Krishnan's influence on Tamil cinema is generational — their work continues to define the standard for the industry.
- Born
Biography
Ramya Krishnan is a popular actor and director from India. She was born in Chennai and has worked in movies for many years. She is known for playing strong and memorable roles. One of her most famous films is the 1996 movie "Mahathma." In recent years, she also directed and starred in the 2021 film "Republic." She acts in movies about many different subjects, from love stories to social issues. Audiences of all ages enjoy her work. She is considered one of the most talented and respected artists in the Indian film industry.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Vilangu (9.0)
View film →50th film
View film →100th film
View film →Iconic Roles
Baahubali: The Beginning
The powerful and righteous queen of Mahishmati who adopts the infant Baahubali and raises him as her own, becoming the moral compass of the kingdom.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The queen whose tragic death sets the central conflict of the story in motion, revealing the truth about her son's lineage and the throne of Mahishmati.
Super Deluxe
A former adult film actress who returns to her family, navigating complex relationships and societal judgment with resilience.
Defining Moments
Padayappa
Her portrayal of the antagonist Neelambari in the Rajinikanth-starrer 'Padayappa' became a cultural phenomenon, earning her widespread acclaim and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.
Baahubali: The Beginning
Her role as Queen Sivagami in S.S. Rajamouli's epic 'Baahubali' brought her pan-Indian fame and critical acclaim, winning her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu.
Super Deluxe
Her nuanced performance as Leela in the critically acclaimed anthology film 'Super Deluxe' showcased her versatility and was praised as a career-best performance.
Filmography
See all 150 credits →
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Ramya Krishnan made her acting debut as a child artist at age 13 in the Tamil film 'Vellai Manasu' (1978).
She is the niece of veteran Tamil actor Sivakumar.
She won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu for her role as Sivagami in 'Baahubali: The Beginning' (2015).
She received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Padayappa' (1999).
She is married to film director Krishna Vamsi.
Signature Dialogues
Naam irukkara idathukku naan dhaan raani... Naan irukkara idathukku neenga dhaan raaja.
Neelambari·Padayappa
Photos
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Family
Spouse
Krishna Vamsi
News & Stories
Actor Ramya Krishnan photos.
9/1/2018
Actress Ramya Krishnan latest stills.
6/12/2017
Aval Short Film Posters
26/5/2017
Ramya Krishnan to act as ghost in her next
13/2/2016
Legacy & Influence
Ramya Krishnan's career in Indian cinema, spanning over three decades, is a testament to her formidable screen presence and remarkable versatility. Beginning as a child artist and transitioning to a leading lady in the late 1980s and 1990s, she became a prominent figure in Tamil and Telugu cinema, often portraying strong-willed characters that defied simplistic categorization. Her true legacy, however, was cemented with her iconic portrayal of Queen Sivagami in S.S. Rajamouli's epic 'Baahubali' duology (2015, 2017). Her performance, embodying regal authority, fierce maternal instinct, and political acumen, became the moral and narrative backbone of the films. Sivagami is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's most powerful female characters, redefining the scope and impact of supporting roles in large-scale filmmaking. Beyond this landmark role, Krishnan has consistently chosen parts that challenge norms. In the critically acclaimed anthology 'Super Deluxe' (2019), her portrayal of Leela, a transgender woman navigating a complex past, showcased her depth and fearlessness as a performer, earning widespread praise. Her career trajectory—from commercial heroine to a character actor of immense gravitas—illustrates a successful navigation of an industry often typecast by age and gender. She has contributed significantly to the perception of mature female actors, proving they can command pivotal, audience-beloved roles in both mainstream blockbusters and arthouse cinema. Her work across five languages has made her a pan-Indian figure, respected for her dedication to craft and her ability to elevate every project she is part of.