Lakshmidevi is one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema, known for her extensive work in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. Her versatile performances have won the hearts of millions, and she has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout her career. With a filmography spanning over five decades, Lakshmi has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Indian cinema.

In this article, we will explore Lakshmi’s personal life, career, achievements, and complete filmography.
Early Life and Background
Lakshmi was born into a family with a strong cultural background. She displayed a passion for acting from a young age and was encouraged to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Her natural talent and dedication soon made her one of the most sought-after actresses in Indian cinema.
Though she has maintained privacy regarding her early life, it is known that she worked tirelessly to perfect her craft, which led her to become one of the finest actresses of her generation.
Physical Attributes
Lakshmi is admired for her elegance and captivating screen presence. Here are her physical details:
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Weight: 58 kg (128 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Her expressive eyes and graceful personality have been her trademarks, making her a beloved figure in the Indian film industry.
Lakshmi’s Filmography
Below is a detailed list of Lakshmi’s film credits across various languages.
Tamil Films
Year | Film Name | Character | Remarks |
1968 | Jeevanaamsam | Lalitha | Debut Tamil film |
1970 | Maattukara Velan | Kamala Nagalingam | Successful film |
1971 | Nootrukku Nooru | Lakshmi | Gained recognition |
1972 | Kasethan Kadavulada | Rama | Popular comedy |
1974 | Dikkatra Parvathi | Parvathi | Won Filmfare Award |
1976 | Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal | Ganga | Won National Film Award |
1978 | Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral | Kalyani | Won Tamil Nadu State Film Award |
1981 | Netrikan | Meenakshi | Acted alongside Rajinikanth |
1986 | Samsaram Adhu Minsaram | Uma | Won Cinema Express Award |
1999 | Padayappa | Padayappa’s Mother | Memorable performance |
2009 | Unnaipol Oruvan | Chief Secretary | Comeback role |
2019 | Oh! Baby | Savitri/Bebakka/Baby | Popular performance |
Career Journey
Lakshmi’s acting career spans multiple decades, and she has worked in several Indian film industries, making her a prominent figure in cinema.
Debut and Early Career (1960s–1970s)
Lakshmi made her debut in the Tamil film Jeevanaamsam (1968), where she played the role of Lalitha. She quickly gained recognition for her acting skills and starred in numerous Tamil and Telugu films. Some of her early films include:
- Kanni Pen (1969)
- Maattukara Velan (1970)
- Nootrukku Nooru (1971)
Her performances in these films established her as a talented actress capable of portraying a wide range of characters.
Rise to Stardom (1970s–1980s)
During the 1970s and 1980s, Lakshmi became one of the most sought-after actresses in South Indian cinema. She delivered several critically acclaimed performances in films such as:
- Kasethan Kadavulada (1972)
- Dikkatra Parvathi (1974) – Won Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
- Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1976) – Won National Film Award for Best Actress
- Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral (1978) – Won Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress
Her ability to portray intense and emotionally driven roles made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Versatility and Expanding Horizons (1980s–1990s)
Lakshmi continued to excel in the industry, taking on diverse roles in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. Some of her notable films from this period include:
- Netrikan (1981)
- Sirai (1984)
- Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986) – Won Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil
- Paasa Paravaigal (1988)
- Padayappa (1999)
Her performances during this era showcased her adaptability and range as an actress.
Later Career and Comeback (2000s–Present)
Lakshmi made a successful transition into character roles in the 2000s. She played strong maternal and authoritative roles in films such as:
- Rhythm (2000)
- Unnaipol Oruvan (2009)
- Moone Moonu Varthai (2015)
- Oh! Baby (2019)
She has also appeared in web series and television projects, further expanding her artistic repertoire.
Personal Life and Affairs
Lakshmi has always maintained a level of privacy regarding her personal life. However, she has been open about her relationships and family life.
Affairs and Marriages
Lakshmi has been married multiple times. Her personal relationships have often been in the spotlight, but she has managed to maintain a dignified presence in the media. Despite personal challenges, she has continued to focus on her career and professional growth.
Lakshmi Devi
Mysore Narasimhachar Lakshmi Devi, known as M. N. Lakshmi Devi, is a veteran Kannada film actress with a career spanning over seven decades. She debuted in the 1952 film “Srinivasa Kalyana” and has appeared in nearly 1,000 films. Throughout her extensive career, she has portrayed a variety of roles, including comedienne, mother, and grandmother. Her notable works include “Bhakta Kanakadasa” (1960), “Bangaarada Manushya” (1972), and “Veera Kesari” (1963). She has been honored with the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lakshmi
Yaragudipadi Venkata Mahalakshmi, professionally known as Lakshmi, is an Indian actress renowned for her work across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries. Born on December 13, 1952, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, she began her acting career with the Tamil film “Jeevanaamsam” in 1968. Lakshmi gained nationwide recognition with her role in the Malayalam film “Chattakari” (1974), which was remade in Hindi as “Julie” (1975). She has acted in over 650 films and has received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award for Best Actress and multiple Filmfare Awards South.
Lakshmi Devy
Lakshmi Devy is an American actress and screenwriter who has worked in English, Tamil, and Malayalam films. She made her acting debut in the Tamil film “Nil Gavani Sellathey” (2010) and later starred in “Masala Padam” (2015), for which she also wrote the screenplay. In 2021, she won the Remi Award for Best Director for her film “When the Music Changes.” In addition to acting and directing, she is the principal of FiDi Talkies, a film production company based in the United States.
Family Life
Lakshmi is a mother and has balanced her career and personal life exceptionally well. She has often spoken about the importance of family and how it has shaped her as a person.
Net Worth and Earnings
Lakshmi’s extensive career has contributed significantly to her wealth. She has earned from films, brand endorsements, television appearances, and digital projects.
- Estimated Net Worth: $5-10 million
- Primary Sources of Income: Acting, endorsements, television projects
Her long-standing success in the entertainment industry has made her one of the most respected actresses in Indian cinema.
Awards and Achievements
Lakshmi has received numerous prestigious awards for her contribution to cinema. Some of her notable accolades include:
- National Film Award for Best Actress (Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal, 1976)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil (Dikkatra Parvathi, 1974)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress (Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral, 1978)
- Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil (Samsaram Adhu Minsaram, 1986)
Her impact on Indian cinema is undeniable, and her awards reflect her immense talent.

Lakshmi has acted in over 200 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Her filmography is extensive, and her contributions to Indian cinema remain unparalleled.
Current Status and Future Projects
Lakshmi continues to be active in the industry, taking on selective roles in films and digital projects. She remains an influential figure and a mentor to many young actors.
Her upcoming projects include:
- A highly anticipated web series
- A family drama film
- A biographical role in a historical project
Her dedication to cinema and her passion for storytelling keep her relevant even today.
Conclusion
Lakshmi’s journey in Indian cinema is nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a young actress to her status as a legendary figure in the industry, she has consistently delivered outstanding performances.
Her ability to adapt to changing times and her commitment to acting make her an inspiration for future generations. With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, Lakshmi’s contributions to Indian cinema will always be cherished.