Raasi
Raasi is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Raasi began their career in 1986 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 40 years. With over 60 credits to their name, Raasi remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 40+ years, Raasi's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
- Age
- 45
Biography
Raasi (born Shivani on 29 July 1980 in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh) is a Telugu actress primarily known for her work in Telugu cinema, with appearances in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films as well. She won the Nandi Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a negative character in Teja's Nijam (2003), a role that stood out for its dramatic intensity alongside Mahesh Babu. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s with hits like Subhakankshalu (1997) and Snehithulu (1998), and delivered a notable performance in the supernatural devotional drama Devullu (2000). She married Tamil film director S.S. Nivas in 2004 and later returned to acting after a hiatus, appearing in TV serials including Janaki Kalaganaledu (2021–2023).
Career Milestones
Child acting debut in Telugu film
Lead actress breakthrough in blockbuster Telugu film
Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress – Telugu
Superhit devotional drama with pivotal role
View film →Nandi Award for Best Actress
View film →Iconic Roles
Nijam
A negative character who played the lover of the villain Malli. Raasi's performance in this role earned her the Nandi Award for Best Actress, widely regarded as her career-defining performance.
Devullu
A mother figure in a family drama about two children visiting seven holy shrines to prevent their parents' divorce, one of her most emotionally resonant roles.
Subhakankshalu
One of her breakthrough roles opposite Jagapathi Babu that established her as a leading actress in Telugu cinema.
Gokulamlo Seetha
Starred opposite Pawan Kalyan in this popular film that helped cement her status as one of the most sought-after actresses of the late 1990s Telugu film industry.
Defining Moments
Playing Sirisha, a strong-willed character who rejects the protagonist's advances and whose principled stance drives the male lead's personal transformation — praised by critics as a standout performance
Considered her breakthrough lead role and most acclaimed performance; established her screen persona as a dignified, principled female character alongside Pawan Kalyan
Transition to lead actress status with her breakthrough performance in a family drama that marked her rise from supporting roles
Widely cited as the turning point that established her as a recognized lead actress in Telugu cinema
Portraying Nirmala, a devout mother figure in a supernatural family drama centered on a pilgrimage narrative
Demonstrated her versatility beyond romantic leads into mature, emotionally grounded family roles; the film was a commercial hit directed by Kodi Ramakrishna
View film →Playing the negative role of Mahesh Babu's lover — a sharp departure from her usual image — in a high-profile action film directed by Teja
Career-defining risk: she completed the negative character role despite discovering its nature only on the first day of shoot; the role gave her renewed visibility and is frequently cited in interviews about her career resilience
View film →Raasi by the Numbers
If you watched every Raasi film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 3 days and 21h. Most-paired with Mantra — 10 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 Raasi.
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Raasi has worked most frequently with Muthyala Subbaiah (4 films), Kodi Ramakrishna (2 films), Teja (2 films), E. V. V. Satyanarayana (2 films), and Muppulaneni Siva (2 films).





Legacy & Influence
Raasi is a notable actress in Telugu and Tamil cinema, recognized for her work primarily in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her career trajectory began in the mid-1990s, and she established herself as a reliable performer in supporting and lead roles across various genres, from romantic dramas to family-oriented narratives. A significant contribution lies in her participation in films that resonated with contemporary audiences of the time, such as 'Love Today' (1997), which is remembered for its musical score and portrayal of modern relationships. Her filmography includes projects like 'Nijam' (2003), a critically acclaimed investigative thriller where her role, though not the central focus, contributed to the film's narrative depth and social commentary. While not consistently in blockbuster commercial ventures, her presence in films with substantive themes or notable technical craftsmanship added value to the projects. Her work often involved collaborations with prominent directors and actors of the era, positioning her within the industry's active professional network. Raasi's career reflects the opportunities and pathways available to actresses during that period in South Indian cinema, navigating between mainstream entertainment and content-driven films. Her performances, characterized by a natural screen presence, were part of the broader cinematic landscape that catered to evolving audience tastes. Although her public profile diminished in later years, her film roles from that era remain a part of the cinematic record for that generation. Her contribution is thus anchored in her participation in a specific wave of Telugu and Tamil cinema that blended traditional storytelling with emerging contemporary themes, leaving a mark through memorable films that continue to be referenced by audiences familiar with that period.