Rani Chandra

Rani Chandra (2 June 1949 – 12 October 1976) was an Indian actress and model, a winner of Miss Kerala. She died when Indian Airlines Flight 171 crashed in Bombay in 1976. She acted in several landmark films such as Nellu (Malayalam, 1974), Bhadrakali (Tamil, 1976) and Swapnadanam (Malayalam, 1976).

Background She was born to Chandran and Kanthimathi in 1949 at Fort Kochi, Travancore-Cochin (now Kerala). She had four sisters and a brother. Rani Chandra was selected as Miss Kerala in 1972.

Career Her first film, Anjusundarikal, was widely accepted by the audience. Other major films included Ulsavam, Kadarumasam, Nellu, Swapnadanam, Oonjal, Alinganam, Abhinandanam, Sindoooram, Thirumadhuram, and Anuragam. She won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for the film Swapnadanam. Rani Chandra played the major role in the very popular Tamil cinema song in the film Bhadrakali.

Death

Rani Chandra, her mother, and three sisters were killed in Indian Airlines Flight 171 crash in 1976. They were on a return flight from Bombay when their plane caught fire and nose dived near the airport, killing everyone on board. They were returning from a dance performance in the Middle East. Their earlier flight from Bombay to Madras returned to Bombay shortly after takeoff after a snag hit. The aircraft and all passengers were re-boarded onto the flight. The dead included members of her music troupe as well.

After her death, the unfinished portion of the movie Bhadrakali was finished using a double. The movie ends using earlier footage of Rani Chandra.

Awards Kerala State Film Awards:

1975 - Best Actress - Swapnadanam

Filmography

Malayalam

Oonjal (1977) Sindooram (1976) Amba Ambika Ambaalika(1976) as Ambika Ayalkkaari (1976) as Sathi Swapnaadanam (1976) as Sumithra Chirikkudukka (1976) as Malathi Anaavaranam (1976) Mallanum Mathevanum (1976) Muthu (1976) Madhuram Thirumadhuram (1976) as Radha Lakshmivijayam (1976) Swimming Pool (1976) Abhinandanam (1976) as Radha Udyaanalakshmi (1976) Aalinganam (1976) as Dr. Raji Malsaram (1975) Criminals (Kayangal) (1975) Swarnna Malsyam (1975) Hello Darling (1975) as Sumithra Mucheettukalikkaarante Makal (1975) as Zainaba Ayodhya (1975) Chalanam (1975) as Joyamma Odakkuzhal (1975) Ulsavam (1975) as Leela Love Marriage (1975) as Viji Ullaasayaathra (1975) Boy Friend (1975) Swaami Ayyappan (1975) Swarnnavigraham (1974) Bhoogolam Thiriyunnu (1974) as Vijayamma Naathoon (1974) Poonthenaruvi (1974) as Vimala Devi Kanyaakumaari (1974) Shaapamoksham (1974) Sapthaswarangal (1974) as Mini Youvanam (1974) as Sharada Kaamini (1974) Nellu (1974) as Javani Soundarya Pooja (1973) Swapnam (1973) as Vasumathi Udayam (1973) as Hema Kaattuvithachavan (1973) Police Ariyaruthu (1973) as Alice Kaalachakram (1973) as Geetha. Ragging (1973) Pacha Nottukal(1973) as Rosie Aaraadhika (1973) as Latha Jesus (1973) as Kanaikkari Kaapaalika(1973) as Lillykutti Ajnaathavasam(1973) as Kamala Driksaakshi (1973) as Rajamma Omana (1972) as Pennamma Brahmachaari (1972) Puthrakameshti (1972) Sree Guruvayoorappan (1972) Devi (1972) Chembarathi (1972) as Savithri Prathidhwani (1971) Vivaaham Swargathil (1970) Vivahasammanam (1970) as Sundari Anaachaadhanam (1969) Anchusundarikal (1968) Pavappettaval (1967) (credited as Miss Kerala)

Tamil Bhadrakali (1976) Swami Ayyappan (1975) Then Sindhudhe Vaanam (1975) Radha (1973) Porchilai (1969)