Mahalakshmi is a celebrated Indian actress known for her work across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. She is one of the most accomplished actresses in Indian cinema, having played lead and character roles in over 400 films across multiple languages. With a career spanning over five decades, Lakshmi has won several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress, Filmfare Awards, and State Awards.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Lakshmi’s biography, personal details, career milestones, net worth, and a complete filmography.
Personal Details of Lakshmi
| Full Name | Lakshmi Narayan |
| Nickname | Lakshmi |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1952 |
| Age | 71 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Producer, Television Host |
| Years Active | 1968 – Present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse(s) | Bhaskar (Divorced), M. Sivachandran (m. 1987) |
| Children | Aishwarya (Daughter) |
| Father | Yaragudipati Varada Rao |
| Mother | Not Available |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Early Life & Background
Lakshmi was born on December 13, 1952, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She comes from a prominent film background as her father, Yaragudipati Varada Rao, was a renowned filmmaker and producer in the South Indian film industry.
Lakshmi was initially drawn to theater and literature, but her natural screen presence led her to make her acting debut in the Tamil film industry in the late 1960s. Her breakthrough performances helped her become one of the most sought-after actresses in Tamil and Telugu cinema.
Filmography
Lakshmi has appeared in over 400 films across various Indian languages. Below is a detailed filmography.
Tamil Films
| Year | Film Name | Character |
| 1968 | Jeevanaamsam | Lalitha |
| 1970 | Maattukara Velan | Kamala |
| 1971 | Nootrukku Nooru | Lakshmi |
| 1972 | Kasethan Kadavulada | Rama |
| 1973 | Rajaraja Cholan | Princess Kundavai |
| 1976 | Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal | Ganga |
| 1981 | Netrikan | Meenakshi |
| 1986 | Samsaram Adhu Minsaram | Uma |
| 1992 | Annamalai | Annamalai’s Mother |
| 1999 | Padayappa | Padayappa’s Mother |
| 2004 | Vasool Raja MBBS | Janaki’s Mother |
| 2019 | Oh! Baby | Savitri |
Telugu Films
| Year | Film Name | Character |
| 1974 | Chattakari | Julie |
| 1986 | Sravana Megalu | |
| 1996 | Ninne Pelladata | Mahalakshmi |
| 1998 | Premante Idera | Murali’s Mother |
| 2019 | Gang Leader | Saraswathi |
Kannada Films
| Year | Film Name | Character |
| 1976 | Naa Ninna Mareyalare | Usha |
| 1983 | Pallavi Anu Pallavi | Anu |
| 1989 | Hoovu Hannu | Ramabai |
Hindi Films
| Year | Film Name | Character |
| 1975 | Julie | Julie |
| 2004 | Hulchul | Lakshmi Devi |
Career Journey
Lakshmi’s illustrious career can be divided into several key phases:
Early Career & Rise to Stardom (1968–1975)
- Lakshmi made her acting debut in Tamil cinema with Jeevanaamsam (1968).
- By the early 1970s, she became one of the most bankable actresses, working with top stars like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, and Rajinikanth.
- Notable films from this period:
- Jeevanaamsam (1968)
- Maattukara Velan (1970)
- Nootrukku Nooru (1971)
- Kasethan Kadavulada (1972)
- Rajaraja Cholan (1973)
- Dikkatra Parvathi (1974) – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
National Award-Winning Performance (1976)
Lakshmi delivered one of the most iconic performances of her career in Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1976), winning the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Versatile Filmography & Pan-Indian Appeal (1977–1990)
- Lakshmi expanded her career into Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema.
- She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for Chattakari (1974).
- Her Bollywood debut came with Julie (1975), where she played the lead role and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
- She became the most sought-after actress for strong, character-driven roles.
- Notable films:
- Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral (1978)
- Netrikan (1981)
- Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986) – Cinema Express Award for Best Actress
- Palaivana Rojakkal (1986)
Transition to Character Roles (1990–2010)
- Lakshmi transitioned into supporting roles, playing strong maternal and authority figures.
- She was part of major hits like:
- Annamalai (1992)
- Padayappa (1999)
- Rhythm (2000)
- Vasool Raja MBBS (2004)
- Unnaipol Oruvan (2009)
Continued Legacy & Television Career (2010–Present)
- Lakshmi remains active in films and television.
- She has appeared in popular TV serials and talk shows, further solidifying her status as a veteran actress.
- Recent films include:
- Oh! Baby (2019)
- Kushi (2023)
Awards & Achievements
Lakshmi has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- National Film Award for Best Actress – Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1976)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil – Dikkatra Parvathi (1974)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam – Chattakari (1974)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Hindi – Julie (1975)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Multiple wins
Net Worth & Lifestyle
- Estimated Net Worth: $5-8 Million (Approx.)
- Sources of Income: Films, Television, Brand Endorsements
- Properties: Owns luxury homes in Chennai and Bangalore
- Lifestyle: Leads a simple yet luxurious lifestyle
Legacy & Influence
Lakshmi has influenced multiple generations of actors, proving that talent and versatility can create longevity in cinema. She remains a symbol of powerful women in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Lakshmi’s journey in the Indian film industry is legendary. With unmatched versatility, an inspiring career, and a lasting impact, she remains one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema.
