Devayani

Sushma Jaidev (born 22 June 1974), professionally known as Devayani Rajakumaran, is an Indian actress known for her works primarily in Tamil and Malayalam films. She has also appeared in a few Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali films.

She has received several awards for her performances in Kadhal Kottai (1996), Suryavamsam (1997) and Bharathi (2000).

She was honoured with a Kalaimamani Award in 2000. She won the Best Supporting Actress for the movie Azhagi (2002). She also won the Best Television Actress for her role in the serial Kolangal (2003–2009).

Personal life Devayani was born on 22 June 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra to a Konkani father from Mangalore and a Malayali mother. She has two younger brothers Nakkhul and Mayur. The former is working as an actor and singer in the Tamil film industry. She married director Rajakumaran on 9 April 2001. They have two daughters.

Career Devayani began her career in the Hindi film Koyal, which was later cancelled during its production stage. She later appeared in Bengali film Shaat Ponchomi (1993). She also acted in a Marathi film before debuting in the South with lead roles in Malayalam films as Kinnaripuzhayoram (1994).

Devayani made her debut with the film Thotta Chinungi (1995). Flaunting her glamorous avatar, the actress gained popularity in 1996 with the film Kadhal Kottai. She starred opposite Ajith in the film which was directed by Agathiyan. The film received positive acclaim among the audience. The movie was successful in establishing Devayani as the most successful actress in South Indian Cinema.

Devayani over the years played powerful female characters until 2001 when she fell in love with Rajakumaran who directed her Vinnukum Mannukum. She has also played small cameos in hit movies like Panchathantiram (2002) alongside Kamal Haasan.

She has become a virtual cult figure in Tamil Nadu after the success of the Mega Serial Sun TV's serial Kolangal (2003–2009).

She has produced a few films that her husband directs, a notable one being Thirumathi Thamizh (2013) where she played an important role.

In the late 2010s she was a judge on a reality show on Mazhavil Manorama titled Ugram Ujwalam. In 2021, she acted in Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, a Tamil serial of Zee Tamil. Later, she slowly took up the role of mother.

Devayani has directed a short film named Kaikuttai Rani (2024). The film won Best Children's Short Film at the 7th Jaipur International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in Devayani's transition from acting to filmmaking.

Filmography Provoke Award Best Character artist FemaleKiss Daisy Marcus

Television Serials Year Serial Role Language Channel 2003–2009 Kolangal Abinaya(Abi) Tamil Sun TV 2007–2008 Manjal Magimai Soundarya/Neeraja Kalaignar TV 2010–2011 Kodi Mullai Anna Kodi/Malar Kodi Raj TV 2011–2013 Muthaaram Ranjini Devi / SivaranjaniSun TV 2019–2020 RasaathiIllavarasi Soundaravalli 2021–2022 Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal Lakshmi Zee Tamil 2021 Sembaruthi Amman (Cameo) 2023 Maari Muthupechi (Cameo)

Shows Year Serial Role Language Notes 2015–2016 Ugram Ujjwalam season 2 Judge Malayalam Mazhavil Manorama 2016–2017 Jodi Number One Tamil Vijay TV 2017 Junior Super Stars Season 2Zee Tamil 2022 Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal Niraivu Vizha Lakshmi

As director Short film Year Film Notes 2024 Kaikuttai Rani

Awards and honours Year Award category Work Result 1996 Tamil Nadu State Film Special Award for Best Actress Kaadhal Kottai 1997 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress Surya Vamsam 2000 Bharathi Kalaimamani Award by Tamil Nadu Government Contribution to Tamil Cinema 2002 ITFA Best Supporting Actress Award Azhagi 2004 Pace Awards Best Television Actress Kolangal Vivel Chinna Thirai Awards Best Actress 2007 Tamil Nadu State Television Award for Best Actress 2025 Best Short Film for Children Kaikuttai Rani