Sharada Biography

Sharada (born June 12, 1945) is a three time national award winning South Indian actress. Sharada  originally hails from Andhra Pradesh. But has achieved success through Malayalam movies. Initially she has done many supporting roles in Telugu films, later on she moved to Malayalam film industry and gained success there. Sharada is also known as Urvashi Sharada because earlier the National Film Award for Best Actress was officially designated as Urvshi Award.

Early life

Sharada, a Telugu Padmashali, was born as Saraswati Devi in Tenali, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Sharada parents Venkateswar Rao and Sachyavathi Devi belonged to a family of agriculturalists. Sharada has a brother, namely Mohan Rao. Sharada was sent to Madras in her childhood to live with her grandmother Kanakamma. Sharada describes her grandmother as a strict disciplinarian who in the later days wouldn’t even let the heroes touch her and allowed rehearsals only on Sundays. Sharada started to learn dance when she was six. Sharada used to perform during Dasara and other temple festvals. It was because of her mother's desire that she learned dance. Sharada mother wanted her to become a big star in cine field. Though Sharada's father was not too interested in the idea, he didn't stop her either.

Sharada married Chalam, a famous telugu hero,producer,and comedian.Chalam was the co-star of her debut film Tandrulu Kodukulu.They both got divorced later on.

Early career

When she grew up, she started in acting in theatre, under the supervision of her grandmother. In Indian theatre and cinema, the female lead stars used to leave the field as soon as they are married. So, most of the female lead stars were very young compared to the male leads. Sharada remembers in one of the plays she acted as the wife of a person 30 years older than her when she was just 13. Sharada debut in films was with a minor role in the Telugu film Kanya Sulkam. However, she returned to theatre after it and did a major role in the Telugu version of Ratha Kanneer, a Tamil drama. The play went to get staged over 100 times in Tamilnadu.

Film career

In 1959, she began her career as Sharada. The change in name was attributed to the presence of a few other actors in the industry with the name Saraswati. Sharada came under contract to L.V. Prasad, a Telugu producer. Though she didn't get to act in any of his films, she got her formal training in acting under him, including the Navarasa lessons. Sharada largely attributes her performances and growth in the field to this training. Sharada first break came with the Akkineni Nageswara Rao starrer Iddaru mithrulu, which was a major hit. Noted for the role in the film, she got chances from Tamil and Malayalam films as well. The year 1965 changed her career as Sharada carved her niche for herself in the Malayalam film industry with her performances in Shakuntala, Murappennu, Kattu Thulasi and Inapravukal. After that, she focused in Malayalam films, acting only a few roles in other languages. Recognition came in 1967 in the form of a national honorary award for her performances in various films of 1966 including Iruttinte Athamavu. The award was the predecessor to the National Film Award for Best Actress, which was instituted in 1968. In 1969, she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Thulabharam. Sharada went on to win the award 2 more times, for Swayamvaram (1972, Malayalam) and Nimajjanam (1978, Telugu). She also won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress one time.

Later she saw success in Telugu films in protagonist roles. Sharada was so popular that she did lead roles in films starring most of the successful heroes of Telugu film industry. Post 1993, she became choosy and did only a few films. Sharada major films off late were Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002, Malayalam), Rappakal (2005, Malayalam) and Stalin (film) (2006, Telugu).

Sharada  owns a chocolate factory named Lotus Chocolates. Sharada was elected as Member of Parliament on Telugu Desam Party ticket from her native town of Tenali.

Awards

National Film Awards

1968 - Best Actress Film:Thulabharam 

1972 - Best Actress Film:Swayamvaram 

1977 - Best Actress Film:Nimajjanam 

1979 - Best Actress (Thriveni, Thara)

Filmography

Aata (2007)

Yogi (2007) 

Stalin (2006) 

Rappakal (2005) 

Sankranthi (2005)

Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002) .

Anthahpuram (1998)

Sabse Bada Mawali (1996)

Coolie No. 1 (1995)

Kashmeeram (1994) 

Major Chandrakant (1993)

Mechanic Alludu (1993)

Pelli Gola (1993)

Mother India (1992)

Jagannathakam (1991)

Killer (1991) 

Nayakuralu (1991)

Kondaveeti Donga (1990) 

Kadapa Redamma (1990)

Lorry Driver (1990)

Prema Khaidi (1990)

State Rowdy (1989)

Dhruvanakshatram (1989)

Dr. Bhawani (1989)

Goonda Rajyam (1989)

Manchi Kutumbam (1989)

Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1989)

Pardhudu (1989)

Raktha Kanneeru (1989)

Ashwathama (1988)

August 15 Rathri (1988)

Brahma Puthrudu (1988)

Dharma Teja (1988)

Donga Ramudu (1988)

Illu Illalu Priyuralu (1988)

Maa Telugu Talli (1988)

Parajaswamyam (1988)

Rakthabishekam (1988)

Raktha Tilakam (1988)

Rowdy No. 1 (1988)

Samsaram (1988)

Agni Putrudu (1987)

Bhargava Ramudu (1987)

Kulala Kurukshetram (1987)

Lawyer Bharti Devi (1987)

Muddayi (1987)

Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam(1987)

Presidentgari Abbayi (1987)

Ramu (1987)

Repati Swarajyam (1987)

Rotation Chakravarthi (1987)

Samrat (1987)

Sankharavam (1987)

Sharadamba (1987)

Kondaveeti Raja (1986)

Ansuyammagari Alludu (1986)

Apoorva Sahodarulu (1986)

Deshoddharakulu (1986)

Dharma Peetam Daddarillindi (1986)

Jailupakshi (1986)

Khaidi Rudraiah (1986)

Mr. Bharath (1986/I)

Muddula Krishnaiah (1986)

Ravana Brahma (1986)

Vijetha (1985) 

Adavi Donga (1985)

Raktha Sindhuram (1985)

Agni Parvatham (1985)

Bebbuli Veta (1985)

Bhale Tammudu (1985)

Devalayam (1985)

Ee Samajam Maakodu (1985)

Illaliko Pariksha (1985)

Intiko Rudramma (1985)

Krishnagaradi (1985)

Maha Sangramam (1985)

Palnati Simham (1985)

Pattabhishekham (1985)

Pralaya Rudra (1985)

Swathi (1985) 

Thayi Mamathe (1985)

Alaya Deepam (1984)

Apanidalu Adavallakena (1984)

Bharatamlo Sankharavam (1984)

Bharyamani (1984)

Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)

Chadarangam (1984)

Charitra Nayakan (1984)

Iddaru Dongalu (1984)

Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)

Justice Chakravarthy (1984)

Katha Nayakudu (1984)

Marchandi Mana Chattalu (1984)

Raaraju (1984)

Rowdy (1984)

Sardar (1984)

Ugra Roopam (1984)

Aalyashikaram (1983)

Anantham Ajnatham (1983)

Apathbandhavudu (1983)

Bahudoorapu Batasari (1983)

Bandhipottu Rudramma (1983)

Chanda Sasanudu (1983)

Durga Devi (1983)

Kala Yamudu (1983)

Kaliyuga Daivam (1983)

Kumkuma Tilakam (1983)

Kurukshetramlo Seeta (1983)

Lekhayude Marnam: Oru Flashback (1983)

Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal (1983)

Poratham (1983)

Raghu Ramudu (1983)

Swarajyam (1983)

Anguram (1982)

Jagannatha Rathachakralu (1982)

Justice Chowdhary (1982)

Main Intequam Loonga (1982) 

Nipputho Chelagatam (1982)

Ponmudy (1982) 

Pratikaram (1982)

Sindoor Bane Jwala (1982)

Nyayam Kavali (1981) 

Prema Natakam (1981)

Alludugaru Zindabad (1981)

Elippathayam (1981) 

O Amma Katha (1981)

Adhikaram (1980)

Akalangalil Abhayam (1980)

Alayam (1980)

Alludu Pattina Bharatham (1980)

Dharma Chakram (1980)

Ivar (1980)

Kaliyuga Ravana Surudu (1980)

Kodalu Vastunaru Jagratha (1980)

Mangala Gauri (1980)

Pratishodh (1980)

Rajadhi Raju (1980)

Ramudu Parashuramudu (1980)

Sannayi Appanna (1980)

Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980)

Swarga Devatha (1980)

Captain Krishna (1979)

Ente Sneham Ninakku Mathram (1979)

Gorintaku (1979)

Karthika Deepam (1979)

Pichathy Kuttappan (1979)

Priya Bandhavi (1979)

Pushyaraagam (1979)

Shivamettina Satyam (1979)

Ward No. 7 (1979)

Anubhoothikalude Nimisham (1978)

Asthamayam (1978)

Ithanente Vazhi (1978)

Maattoli (1978)

Mannu (1978) 

Manooradham (1978)

Navodayam (1978)

Ona Pudava (1978)

Reghu Vamsam (1978)

Rowdy Ramu (1978)

Society Lady (1978)

Sundharimarude Swapnangal (1978)

Taxi Driver (1978)

Amme Anupame (1977)

Anjali (1977)

Aparaajitha (1977)

Aradhana (1977)

Bhale Alludu (1977)

Daana Veera Shura Karna (1977)

Hridhayame Sakshi (1977)

Indradhanusu (1977)

Itha Ivide Vare (1977)

Nurayum Pathayum (1977)

Randu Lokam (1977)

Sreedevi (1977)

Swarganiki Nitchenalu (1977)

Vishukkani (1977)

Amrudha Vahini (1976)

Chennai Valarthiya Kutty (1976)

Ennai Pol Oruvan (1976)

Kanyadanam (1976)

Mahatmudu (1976)

Mazhai Megam (1976)

Nimajjanam (1976)

Paalkkadal (1976)

Suprabhatam (1976)

Abhimanam (1975)

Balipeetam (1975)

Bharati (1975)

Ninaithathai Mudippavan (1975)

Raagam (1975)

Saubhagyavati (1975)

Thiruvonam (1975)

Vykunthapalli (1975)

Zamindarugari Ammayi (1975)

Adambaralu Anubhandalu (1974)

Devudu Chesina Pelli (1974)

Harathi (1974)

Oru Pidi Ari (1974)

Palle Paduchu (1974)

Premalu Pellilu (1974)

Radhamma Pelli (1974)

Thayi Pirandhal (1974)

Thulabharam (1974)

Urvashi (1974)

Abhimanavanthulu (1973)

Agni Rekha (1973)

Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973)

Enippadikal (1973) 

Ida Lokam (1973)

Jeevitham (1973)

Mallamma Katha (1973)

Mayadari Malligadu (1973)

Sharada (1973)

Thekkan Kattu (1973)

Udhayam (1973)

Veendum Prabatham (1973)

Vishali (1973)

Anveshanam (1972)

Brahmachari (1972)

Gandharava Kshetram (1972)

Gnana Oli (1972) 

Kalam Marindi (1972)

Manavadu Danavudu (1972)

Maya (1972)

Professor (1972)

Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku (1972)

Sree Guruvayoorappan (1972)

Swayamvaram (1972) 

Aabhijathyam (1971) 

Amayakuralu (1971)

Chelleli Kapuram (1971)

Jeevitha Chakram (1971)

Pagabattina Paduchu (1971)

Sati Ansuya (1971)

Sisindri Chittibabu (1971)

Vilakkuvangiya Veena (1971)

Ambalaprav (1970)

Cross Belt (1970)

Kakka Thamburatti (1970)

Kuttavali (1970)

Mindapennu (1970)

Pasidi Manasulu (1970)

Pearl View (1970)

Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970) 

Sambarala Rambabu (1970)

Stree (1970)

Tara (1970)

Triveni (1970)

Adimagal (1969) 

Jwala (1969)

Kootu Kudumbam (1969)

Kumara Sambhavam (1969)

Manushulu Marali (1969)

Mooladhanam (1969)

Nadhi (1969) 

Sandhya (1969)

Shri Rama Katha (1969)

Susie (1969)

Veettu Mrugam (1969)

Velliyazhcha (1969)

Vilakkapetta Bandhangal (1969)

Vila Kuranja Manushyan (1969)

Agni Pareeksha (1968)

Aparadhini (1968)

Asuravithu (1968)

Hotel High Range (1968)

Kadal (1968)

Kaliyalla Kalyanam (1968)

Karthika (1968)

Karutha Pournami (1968)

Kattu Kurangu (1968)

Mana Samsaram (1968)

Manaswini (1968)

Midumidukki (1968)

Punnapra Vyalar (1968)

Thulabharam (1968) 

Yakshi (1968)

Anveshichu Kandethiyilla (1967)

Arakkillam (1967)

Chitra Mela (1967)

Kasavuthattam (1967)

Kavalaam Chundan (1967)

Mull Kireedom (1967)

Pareeksha (1967)

Thalirukal (1967)

Udhyogastha (1967)

Archana (1966)

Bhakta Potana (1966)

Iruttinde Athmavu (1966) 

Jail (1966)

Kanmanikal (1966)

Karuna (1966)

Manikya Kottaram (1966)

Pakalkkinavu (1966)

Shrimati (1966)

Tilottama (1966)

Chaduvukonna Bharya (1965)

Inapravugal (1965)

Kathirunna Nikah (1965)

Kattu Thulasi (1965)

Murappennu (1965) 

Rajamalli (1965)

Shakuntala (1965)

Arunagiri Nathar (1964)

Daagudumootalu (1964)

Murali Krishna (1964) 

Vazhkai Vazhvadarke (1964)

Valmiki (1963/I)

Kumkumam (1963)

Thobuttuvulu (1963)

Valmiki (1963/II)

Atma Bandhuvu (1962)

Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)

Tandrulu Kodukulu (1961)