Annapoorna
Annapoorna is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Annapoorna began their career in 1990 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 36 years. With over 60 credits to their name, Annapoorna remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 30+ years, Annapoorna's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
- Age
- 77
Biography
Annapoorna (born Umamaheswari, 17 October 1948) is a veteran Telugu cinema actress from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, primarily known for playing mothers, mother-in-law, grandmother, and aunt characters across a career spanning over 50 years and 900+ films. She made her film debut in Swargam Narakam (1975) opposite Mohan Babu, and has won three Nandi Awards for her contributions to Telugu cinema. She appeared extensively alongside Chiranjeevi in 1980s films like Donga and Sangarshana, and in more recent years played the grandmother role in F3: Fun and Frustration (2022) and a role in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012). Her screen name was given to her by lyricist C. Narayana Reddy at the start of her career, and she has remained active into the 2020s with appearances in Malli Modalaindi (2022), Krishna Vrinda Vihari (2022), and O Saathiya (2023).
Career Milestones
Annapoorna by the Numbers
If you watched every Annapoorna film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 5 days and 3h. Most-paired with Brahmanandam — 11 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 Annapoorna.
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Annapoorna has worked most frequently with Ravi Raja Pinisetty (3 films), Visu (2 films), Brahmanandam (11 films), Kota Srinivasa Rao (7 films), and Tanikella Bharani (6 films).









Legacy & Influence
Annapoorna is a respected character actor in Telugu cinema, known for her portrayals of strong, often matriarchal figures and supporting roles that add emotional depth and authenticity to narratives. Her career, spanning several decades, demonstrates a consistent ability to embody a range of characters, from compassionate mothers and grandmothers to authoritative village elders, contributing significantly to the fabric of the films she appears in. Her early work in films like 'Appula Appa Rao' (1991) established her presence, but it is her later roles in critically acclaimed and popular films that solidified her reputation. In the blockbuster 'Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha' (2016), her performance as the protagonist's grandmother was pivotal, providing both comic relief and emotional grounding, which resonated strongly with audiences. This role, among others, showcases her skill in balancing traditional character archetypes with nuanced performance, making her characters memorable beyond their screen time. Her continued work in recent years, such as in 'Sammathame' (2022), indicates an enduring relevance and adaptability to contemporary storytelling. Annapoorna's primary contribution lies in her reliable and impactful supporting performances, which have enhanced numerous Telugu films across genres. She represents a cadre of veteran actors who provide stability and depth to cinematic ensembles, often serving as the emotional anchor in family-oriented and rural dramas. Her filmography, though not always in lead roles, reflects a career built on steady, quality work that supports the central narrative and enriches the viewing experience. Her presence is associated with a sense of authenticity and cultural specificity in the characters she portrays.