Pandari Bai

Career Pandaribai began her career in acting in plays based on mythological stories before making her film debut in 1943 with the Kannada language film, Vani. She appeared in the 1954 Kannada film Bedara Kannappa opposite Rajkumar. In the film, she played Neela, wife of Kanna (played by Rajkumar), a hunter. She established herself as a lead actress portraying a woman with a "progressive" image assuming the burdens of a feudal patriarchy in films such as Sant Sakhu (1955) and Rayara Sose (1957).

Later in her career Pandari Bai played the mother of stars older than her, most of whom had played the lead with her in her earlier years.

Personal life Pandari was married to P. H. Rama Rao, a physician. The couple had no children.

Pandari Bai sustained injuries from a road accident in 1994, and lost her left arm.

Awards and honours The lesson "Gunasagari Pandari Bai" is added to the class IX Kannada Language Textbook in Karnataka state to honour the legendary actress. 2001 - Filmfare Awards South - Lifetime Achievement Award 1994–95 - Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from Karnataka Government 1968–69 - Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress - Namma Makkalu 1967–68 - Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress - Belli Moda 1965 - Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu Government

Filmography