S. Varalakshmi

Saridey Varalakshmi (13 August 1925 – 22 September 2009) was an Indian actress and singer who worked in Telugu and Tamil-language films. She was popular for her roles and songs in Telugu films like Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam and Mahamantri Timmarasu (1962) and Tamil films like Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959) and in Poova Thalaiya (1969).

Life Varalakshmi was born in Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, India. She started her career as child artist in saint role in Balayogini (1937), when she was nine years old. Gudavalli Ramabrahmam was engaged by the pioneer filmmaker K. Subramanyam to direct the Telugu version of this movie. He spotted young Varalakshmi in Kurnool. Subramanyam later cast her in his classic Seva Sadanam (1938) with M. S. Subbulakshmi. She played a young friend of the heroine (M.S.), and they became close friends. She played a young girl's role in Parasuraman (Tamil, 1940) along with T. R. Mahalingam. T. R. Sundaram, cast her in a major role in his box office hit 'Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani' (1947). The title role was played by V. N. Janaki. The film was a major success and Govindan and Varalakshmi made an attractive pair. T. R. Sundaram cast her again in the lead role in 'Bhojan' (1948). Her first successful movie was Balaraju in 1948 produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramaiah. She later acted with all top heroes in Telugu and Tamil industries including M K Tyagaraja Bhagavatar in the classic Tamil film by B A Subba Rao called 'Syamala' in 1953; Sivaji Ganesan (Veerapandiya Kattabbomman), M. G. Ramachandran (Chakravarthi Thirumagal, Maattukara Velan, Needhikku Thalaivanangu), Gemini Ganesan (Poova Thalaiya, Panama Pasama), N. T. Rama Rao (Satya Harischandra), A. Nageswara Rao(ANR) (Balaraju), V. Nagayya (Naga Panchami), Ranjan (En Magan) and R. S. Manohar (Maamiyaar). She was also famous for her voice, and sung her songs in all movies she acted. Her roles as Sivaji's wife in Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and important roles in Poova Thalaiya, Savale Samali, Maattukkara Velan, Shivaji's sister in Raja Raja Chozhan and Neethikku thalaivanangu won her critical acclaim as a talented singer and actress in Tamil movies. In her later career, she acted in mother and aunt roles. She married film producer A. L. Srinivasan, an elder brother of Kavignar Kannadasan; they had two children named Nalini and Muruga She continued to act after marriage in senior roles in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She sang many beautiful songs in Telugu and Tamil films.

Her son, S. Muruga, died after suffering cardiac arrest in Chennai on 22 October 2013. He lived for 48 years.

Her daughter Nalini is a homemaker with 2 children.

Death Varalakshmi was bedridden during the last 6 months of her life after she fell and injured her back. She died on 22 September 2009.

Honors and awards She has received several awards commending her service to Tamil cinema. The most recent ones were: Sivaji Ganesan Memorial Award Presented by the Sivaji Family in October 2007 Kavignar Kannadasan Award presented by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2004

Filmography Note: The lists are not comprehensive.

Discography

Year Film Language Song Co-singers Music director 1937 Balayogini Telugu Karuna Nilaya Managa Tilak Moti Babu & Maruti Seetharamaiah1939 Raithu BiddaTelugu Ravoyi Vanamali Birabira Ravoyi Kommuri Padmavati, P. Suribabu, T. Suryakumari & V. V. Subbaraju S. Rajeswara Rao Raithuke Otiyyavalenanna P. Suri Babu, T. Suryakumari & Kosaraju1940 IllaluTelugu Koyilokasari Vachi Koosi Poyane S. Rajeswara Rao Neepai Mohamuno Krishna Nilupagalemoyi Krishna P. Suri Babu1942 AaraichimaniTamil A. R. Sakunthala Srinivasa Rao Shinde S. Balachander 1942 Shanta Bala Nagamma Telugu Sukhadayi Sukhadayi S. Rajeswara Rao S. Rajeswara Rao 1945 Mayalokam Telugu Chelia Manakela Vaari Joli Bezawada Rajaratnam Galipenchala Narasimha Rao Manade Prapannchamanta 1947 Palnati YudhamTelugu Chandamama O Chandamama Galipenchala Narasimha Rao Oho Charusheela Oho Veerabala Akkineni Ee Kuhu Raatri Vachunate Raju Naa Raju Ranamulo Thodagotti Akkineni1947 Aayiram Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani Tamil Kaadhal Aaginen G. Ramanathan Kadhal Vanathilae Naam Maadhar Manonmaniye P. S. Govindan1948 Balaraju Telugu Evarine Nenevarine Vagavagala Nenevarine C. R. Subburaman, Galipenchala Narasimha Rao & Ghantasala O Balaraja Jaalileda Balaraja Roopama Neeyaraya Nijaroopamu Neeyaraya O Balaraja Jali Leda Chalura Vagalu A. Nageswara Rao Teli Chudumu Hai Ghantasala Raja Ra Na Raja Neeku Nevaru Leru Vere Leraya Paramesha Varuna Varuna 1948 Bhojan Tamil Bhagyasali Puvimel Naane C. R. Subburaman Vandhaar Ilam Singam Pol Varuvaar En Idhaya Raajan 1949 Navajeevanam Tamil Eedilla Kathalar Name Ghantasala S. V. Venkataraman Jeeva Sugitha Anbe Ghantasala Aananda Manoharaa Nalla Vaazhvu Sri Raamaa Raghugula Naayagaa 1950 Jeevitham Telugu Aandha Nouka Palliseemaa R. Sudarsanam Melukondi Tellavare Tellaga Aashlanni Gaalilona Kalasipoyene Choopavaa Naapati Tova Deva 1950 Macha RekaiTamil Odathe Unnai Vida Matten T. R. Mahalingam C. R. Subburaman Ellam Irunthenna... Aaadharavilaa T. R. Mahalingam Vaan Mevum Nilaave Maname Mayaginen Mannavane Kanavilum Maravene Naan T. R. Mahalingam1950 Vaali Sugreeva Telugu Endulakī Vedana S. Rajeswara Rao, Pendyala Nageswara Rao, Master Venu, Galipenchala Narasimha Rao & Ghantasala Karunamaya Madhusudana Kalavilasame Preme Mana Ghantasala Chiluca Valapuloluca Paduma Niganigalade Vayasu S. Rajeswara Rao Ragame Vennelai Anuragame 1951 Mohana Sundaram Tamil Avar Thaane En T. G. Linggappa Oh Jegamathil Inbam Kanbathellam T. R. Mahalingam Pulli Maanai Pole T. R. Mahalingam Kanneer Thaano En T. R. Mahalingam Oh Jegamathil Inbam Kanbathellam Venmugil Kaana 1951 SaudaminiTamil Koohoo Ena Maangkuyil Konjudhaasaiyaale S. V. Venkatraman Sollu Sollu Vivaramaayi 1951 SoudaminiTelugu Ko Ko Ani Kavvinche Koyilamma S. V. Venkatraman Cheppu Cheppu Thaggu Thaggu Daivame Pagayene Kalame Ninu Chere Dhaariledha 1951 Vanasundari Tamil Azhagana Thaadi Raja C. R. Subburaman Nane Rani 1952 Chinna Durai Tamil Aaaraadha Sogam T. G. Lingappa 1952 Shyamala Tamil Pudhu Vaazhvu Kanden Naan Poovil G. Ramanathan, T. V. Raju & S. B. Dinakar Rao Thaaye Sangkari Udutha Sarojini Aha, Ahaa Naan Bhaagyasaali Inbam Kanden Indre M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar1952 Tingu Ranga Telugu Idi Yemi Maayoō Kada T. V. Raju & S. B. Dinakar Rao Thalli Sangkari Udutha Sarojini Haayī Haayī Naa Santhosham Leda Munipidi kanugonaleda Ghantasala 1952 Velaikaran Tamil Naane Raani En Maname R. Sudarsanam Ezhil Vaan Mugam Thannaiye Kaadhalum Poi Aagume T. R. Mahalingam1953 Kodarikam Telugu Navmasamasam Mosi C. N. Pandurangan Tīrenuga Cheluvaarenuga Ghantasala Devi Eeswari Mampahi Ninuchoose Bhagya Mennatikaina Uyyalalugaoi Papayi 1953 Mamiyar Tamil Arul Purivaaye Jaganmaathaa C. N. Pandurangan Vazviniley Nannalithuve A. M. Rajah Devi Eeswari Jagathamba Singara Roopa Karunaa Aiyirandu Thingalaayi 1953 Vayyari BhamaTelugu Elane Elane Neditu S. Rajeswara Rao Vikasinnchene Jaaji Virulanni 1954 AmmaiyappanTamil Kaadhal Puraa Kaadhile T. R. Pappa Sidhaindhadhe.... Manamogana Jeevan M. L. Vasanthakumari1954 En Magal Tamil Engal Vaazhvum Engal C. N. Pandurangan Pennaaga Pirandhorku Konden Arum Perum T. M. Soundararajan Ulaginil Vaazhvu Tharum Kalvi T. Sathyavathi Vaazhvinile Aanandam 1954 Sati Sakkubai Telugu Ogirala Ramachandra Rao1955 Sri Krishna Tulabharamu Telugu Ika Ne Gichina Geethu H. R. Padmanabha Shastri & Babu Rao Ee Lolaakshulu Nee Priyottamanu Enta Mosa Mahaa Naadhaa Krishna Mukunda Murare P. Suri Babu & Jikki Dhanadhaan Yaadikamulu Gani Nandagopaalude Thanavaadaithe Nadhude Jagannadhu Jikki Nee Mahatyam Okintayun Bale Manci Chaukaberamu P. Suri Babu Mirjalagalada Nayanathi Vratamulonarcu Kaalamuna 1955 Nam Kuzhandai Tamil Ulagam Pora Thinusai M. D. Parthasarathy Kadhaiyaa Alladhu Karpanaiyaa O! Mariyaadhai Ariyaadha Podhu Kothamangalam Seenu Idhayathile Pugundha 1956 Kanakatara Telugu Ennaallu Ennaallu Vishadagaadha Ghantasala Emayinaaro Paapalendunnaaro Bhagyavati Nene Saubhagyavati Nene Ento Allaarumuddugaa Bhartapraanammule Baligonna 1956 Naga Panjami Tamil Om Namasivaaya Sambo Maha Devaa V. Nagayya1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamil Ematramthaana En Vazhvile G. Ramanathan Nalangittu Parpomadi A. P. Komala Sollaley Vilakka Theriyale P. Leela 1957 Rajaputhri Rahasyamu Telugu Yemaye Raja Nee Premaye G. Ramanathan Thalayanti Podhamate A. P. Komala Tholisare Manasu Kalisene P. Leela 1957 Sati Savitri Telugu Enduko Ohoho Vilasala P. B. Sreenivas M. Balamuralikrishna, Mallik, Master Venu, P. Suribabu, Baburao, J. Lakshminarayana, H. R. Padmanabha Sastry & S. Rajeswara Rao Raavelano P. B. Sreenivas Nammithine Janani P. Sreenivasan & Udutha Sarojini Amma.... Kaavave Amma Maataa Idena Navaratnanchita Pati Bhakti Praananaatha Thaguna Idi Janaka 1957 Sathiyavan Savithri Tamil Edhuko Indraanandham P. B. Sreenivas S. V. Venkatraman Raavelano P. B. Sreenivas Ambigaiye Kadhi Nee Endhan P. Sreenivasan & Udutha Sarojini Ammaa.... Katharulvaai Ammaa Anbarin Innuyir Vandhida Navaratnanchita Pati Bhakti Naan Vaanagum Thaguna Idi Janaka 1959 Sathi Thulasi Telugu Arthinchi Parulu Ninnadugavaccheranuchu (Padyam) Pamarthi Alagha Prabhava Chakra Yevaro Thanevaro Yevaro O Matha Nammithi Nee Padhame Jaya Mangala Gowri Tholi Janmambuna Nochinatti Dhasiga Sevincha Thaganaa 1959 Veera Bhaskarudu Telugu Elage Sukhala Charinchemu Bala P. B. Sreenivas S. Hanumantha Rao Karunaaleni Rajaneethi Chelee Valape Kale Avuna Manasara Kalyani Palikinchu Veena P. Leela Dhaari Kaanaradhaye P. Leela1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil Singara Kanne Un G. Ramanathan Vetrri Vadivelane.... Manam Kanintharul V. N. Sundaram Takku Takku Ena Adikkadi P. Susheela & A. P. Komala1959 Veerapandya Kattabrahmana Telugu Chinnari Thalli G. Ramanathan Vijaya Varadayaka.... Prabho Krupakara B. Gopalam Takku Takku Bada Bada S. Janaki & A. P. Komala1959 Sivagangai Seemai Tamil Thanimai Nerndhadho Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Muthu Pugazh Padaittha Radha Jayalakshmi Thendral Vanthu Veesatho T. S. Bhagavathi 1960 Abhimanam Telugu Rama Idhi Yemi Ghantasala 1960 DeepavaliTelugu Mahadeva Deva Mahaneeya Ghantasala Agni Sakshiga Haye Haye Andala Raja 1960 Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam Telugu Sri Devini Needu Deverini Pendyala Nageswara Rao Varala Beramaya Vanaram Beramaya Ee Niradharana Barinchalenu 1961 Krishna Prema Telugu Repe Vasthadanta Gopaludu Ghantasala Pendyala Nageswara Rao Cheliyalu Muddaraalu Krishnaa Radhamano Vihari Navaneetha Chorudu Nandha Kishorudu Jikki Navaneetha Chorudu Nandha Kishorudu (pathos) Jikki1962 Mahamantri Timmarusu Telugu Leela Krishna Nee Leelalu Pendyala Nageswara Rao Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara P. Susheela 1962 Vadivukku Valai Kappu Tamil Thaamadham Seiyathe Thozhi K. V. Mahadevan 1963 Lava Kusa Telugu Rajata Rajadharmamata Ghantasala 1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu Telugu Veyi Shubhamulu Kalugu Neeku Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham Tamil Vaazhvil Subangalum Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1964 Babruvahana Telugu Maa Saati Vaaru Pamarthi Yemani Thaanaaduno Nee Sari Manohari Ghantasala Vardillu Papa 1964 Babruvahana Tamil Pamarthi 1965 Raja Drohi Telugu Kamitham Theerenu Nede Cheliya K. V. Mahadevan & Y. N. Sharma1965 Satya Harishchandra Telugu He Chandrachooda Madanantaka Shoolapane Ghantasala Pendyala Nageswara Rao Andhala Tanaya Aananda Nilaya Andhala Tanaya Aananda Nilaya (pathos) Srimanmaha Divyatejo Virajee Satyamunakendhu Bhangamu Jaruguvela Namo Bhuthanadha Namo Deva Deva Ghantasala Lokabandava Sarvalokaika Vandya 1966 Sri Krishna Tulabharam Telugu Vidhudu Nee Maata Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1967 Kandan Karunai Tamil Velli Malai Mannava K. V. Mahadevan 1967 Sri Krishnavataram Telugu Krishna Govinda Dwarakavaasa T. V. Raju Ee Seerojamul Chepatti 1969 Thanga Surangam Tamil Petramanam Sirayile T. K. Ramamoorthy 1970 Bhayangkara Gudhachari Telugu T. K. Ramamoorthy 1970 Kaaviya Thalaivi Tamil Kavidhaiyil Ezhudhiya Eduthnatharadi P. Susheela K. V. Mahadevan 1971 Ilangeswaran Tamil Jothimayamana S. M. Subbaiah Naidu 1971 Kannan Karunai Tamil S. V. Venkatraman 1973 Karaikkal Ammaiyar Tamil Anbe Sivam Endru Paaduvome Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan 1973 Pedda Koduku Telugu Thama Gonthu Nulime Varike P. Adinarayana Rao 1973 Rajaraja Cholan Tamil Eduthandhanadi Thillayile Seerkazhi Govindarajan Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan Thanjai Periya Koyil Pallandu Vaazhgave Seerkazhi Govindarajan & T. R. Mahalingam 1973 Thirumalai Deivam Tamil Neela Nira Megamellaam Neeye Kanna Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan 1973 Valli Deivanai Tamil Velava Thiru Amarar Kula N. S. Thyagarajan 1974 Devi Sri Karumari Amman Tamil Kanne Kanmaniye Karumaari Shankar–Ganesh 1974 Thaai Tamil Mangalam Kaappaal Sivasakthi M. S. Viswanathan 1976 Mamanchi Thalli Telugu M. S. Viswanathan 1976 Needhikku Thalaivanangu Tamil Intha Pachai Killikoru M. S. Viswanathan 1977 Sri Krishna Leela Tamil Nalla Naal K. V. Mahadevan 1978 Anantha Bairavi Tamil Umaiyavale Mariamma R. Ramanujam 1979 Kavari Maan Tamil Sollavallaayo Kiliye Ilaiyaraaja 1986 Muddula Krishnayya Telugu Mangalagirinelu Maharani V. Ramakrishna K. V. Mahadevan 1991 Guna Tamil Unnai Naan Ariven Ilaiyaraja