Suhasini Maniratnam

Suhasini Maniratnam (; born 15 August 1961) is an Indian actress who works in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films.

Early life

Suhasini Maniratnam was born at Paramakudi in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu to lawyer and veteran actor Charuhasan and Komalam. She studied at Yadhava Christian School and thereafter at a government middle school in Paramakudi before moving to Madras at the age of 12 to live with her uncle Kamal Haasan and her grandmother. She then resumed her education at Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya in Chennai and at Queen Mary's College, Chennai.

Suhasini's entry into the world of movies was quite accidental. Before completing her B.Sc. degree at college, she enrolled at the Madras Film Institute to learn cinematography. She then became the first woman to graduate from the Madras Film Institute and began her career as a technician on the film set. She belongs to the Brahmin community. Her paternal cousins Anu Hasan, Shruti Haasan, and Akshara Haasan are also actors.

Film career

As an actress

While working as a camera assistant to Ashok Kumar, the cinematographer, during her second year at Film Institute, she was spotted by Director Mahendran. Suhasini made her film debut in 1980 with the Tamil movie Nenjathai Killathe. For her first movie, she won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress. She was introduced to Malayalam cinema through Padmarajan's Koodevide (1983), which also featured Mammootty. She appeared in the AFI Fest nominated feature film Vanaprastham (1999), which starred Mohanlal.

She has acted with the late Vishnuvardhan in Bandhana (1984), Suprabhatha (1988), Muthina Haara (1990), Himapatha (1995), Hendithghelthini (1998), Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige (2007) and School Master (2010).

She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1985 Tamil film Sindhu Bhairavi, directed by K. Balachander.

As a director In 1991, Suhasini directed the anthology mini-series Penn shown on Madras Doordarshan. The series featured eight standalone episodes examining the lives of South Indian women, and starred several of her contemporaries such as Shobana, Revathi, Radhika and Amala as protagonists.

In 1995, she stepped into direction, helming her first film Indira. In November 1997, Suhasini directed a short television film titled Swayamvaram featuring Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Rajiv Menon. The script had been written by Sujatha and commissioned by Revathi and Suresh Menon.

Suhasini directed a segment titled "Coffee, Anyone?" in Amazon Prime's Putham Pudhu Kaalai (2020) and featured in the leading role alongside her cousins Shruti Haasan, Anu Hasan and her mother Komalam.

Other work Suhasini and her husband Mani Ratnam have been involved in the running of their production company Madras Talkies since 1997.

Honorary consul Suhasini was appointed the honorary consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 2015. She held the post until 2020.

Goodwill and brand ambassador

Naam Foundation “Women empowerment starts at home. My mother raised me to be independent and my father was progressive. He was the one who encouraged me to become an actress. I have been very lucky,” shared Suhasini. during a conversation with Mohammed Ali Baig at Cinematics

Suhasini founded Naam Foundation in 2010 with the objective to empower single women from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering opportunities for self-worth and independence. The foundation offers a range of programs including medical aid, self-defense training, vocational and education support, counseling, and legal aid for women and their children.

Personal life

Suhasini married film director Mani Ratnam on 26 August 1988 and the couple has a son, Nandan, born in 1992.

Awards

National Film Awards Best Actress – Sindhu Bhairavi (1985)

Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Kannada – Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu (1983) Best Actress – Telugu – Swathi (1984) Best Actress – Kannada – Suprabhatha (1988) Best Actress – Kannada – Muthina Haara (1990)

Kerala State Film Awards Best Actress – Ezhuthapurangal (1987) Best Actress – Theerthadanam (2001)

Kerala Film Critics Association Awards Best Actress – Koodevide (1983)

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Best Actress – Nenjathai Killathe (1980)

Nandi Awards Best Actress – Swathi (1984) Best Supporting Actress – Nuvvu Naaku Nachav (2001)

Cinema Express Awards Best Actress for Theerthadanam

Filmography Order based on number of films that she acted in.

Telugu + List of Suhasini Maniratnam Telugu film credits Year Title Role Notes 1981 Kotha Jeevithalu Jothi 1982 Manchu Pallaki Gita Manishiko Charithra Chithra 1983 Bahudoorapu Batasari Subhashini Maga Maharaju Muddula Mogudu Sarala Subha Muhurtham Mukku Pudaka Mangatayaru 1984 Nirdhoshi Challenge Lakshmi Aparadhi Intiguttu Mangammagari Manavadu Malli Justice Chakravarthy Lakshmi Adigo Alladigo Bava Maradallu Manishiko Charitra Illalu Priyuralu Swati Swathi — 1985 Kongumudi Susheela Manglya Bandham Maharaju Bullet Usha Dampatyam Dr. Lalitha Siksha Bhagyalakshmi Jackie Mugguru Mitrulu Sravanthi Sravanthi —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu 1986 Chantabbai Jwala Santhi Nivasam Lekha Sravana Sandhya Karpoora Deepam Manasa Muddula Manavaralu Rakshasudu Sumatri Shanti Nivasam Sirivennela Subhashini —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu Kirathakudu Swetha Police Officer Seetha 1987 Thene Manasulu Radha President Gari Abbai Latha Samsaram Oka Chadarangam Uma —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu Punya Dampathulu Punnami Chandrudu Gouthami Gouthami Lawyer Suhasini Suhasini Aradhana Jennifer Brahma Nayudu 1988 Anna Chellelu Herself Cameo Bharya Bhartalu Ashalatha Chuttalabbayi Chattamto ChadarangamPadma Varasudochhadu Annapurna Manchi Donga Madhavi Ramudu Bheemudu Swathi Marana Mrudangam Uthpala Aakhari Poratam Sunadha Mala 1989 Mamathala Kovela Paape Maa Pranam Aruna Bala Gopaludu Rekha 1990 Yama Dharmaraju 1991 Amma Dharani 1992 Akka Mogudu 1993 Ratha Sarathi Dr. Shakunthala 1994 Subhalagnam Meena 1996 Ramudochadu Arundathi Hello Guru 1997 Pelli Pandiri Dr. Prabhavathi Egire Paavurama Yashodhamma 1998 Ooyala Padutha Theeyaga Radha Manasichi Choodu 2000 Sakutumba Saparivaara Sametam Vaani 2001 Nuvvu Naaku Nachav Sujatha 2003 Abhimanyu Janaki 2004 Pedababu Pedababu's mother Dost Snehalatha 2006 Seethakoka Chiluka Collector Valliddari Vayasu Padahare Puja's mother Rakhi Meenakshi Iyer 2007 Sri Mahalakshmi Lakshmi's sister 2008 Sangamam Dr. Geetha Amma Cheppindi Bose's mother 2010 Leader Rajeswari Devi —Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu Varudu Sandy's mother 2011 Bhale Mogudu Bhale Pellam Madhavi 2012 Gabbar Singh Gabbar Singh's mother —SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu Uu Kodathara? Ulikki Padathara? Suguna 2013 Baadshah Baadshah's mother Minugurulu Collector 2014 Legend Jaidev's mother Cameo 2017 Okkadu Migiladu 2018 Tholi Prema Aditya's mother Touch Chesi Chudu Shalini's mother Satya Gang 2019 Yatra Sabitha Indra Reddy Suryakantham Supriya 2020 Entha Manchivaadavuraa Jaya 2022 Malli Modalaindi Suja Balamevvadu Dr. Yashoda Gurthunda Seethakalam Dr. X 2023 Mr. Pregnant Doctor Spark Life Dr. Indira 2024 Honeymoon Express Tripura Sundari

Tamil + List of Suhasini Maniratnam Tamil film credits Year Title Role Notes1980 Nenjathai Killathe Viji Debut film as an actress —Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil 1981 Deiva Thirumanangal Kudumbam Oru Kadambam Parvathi Madhumalar Palaivana Solai Geetha —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil 1982 Vadivangal Marumagale Vazhga Lakshmi Azhagiya Kanney Thottal Sudum Lottery Ticket Kalyana Kalam Geetha Nandri, Meendum Varuga Agaya Gangai Sumathi Gopurangal Saivathillai Arukkani —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil 1983 Veetile Raman Velile Krishnan Chitti Uruvangal Maralam Lakshmi Oru Indhiya Kanavu Anamika Poikkal Kudhirai Guest appearance Apoorva Sahodarigal Thai Veedu Geetha Puthiya Sangamam 1985 Sindhu Bhairavi Sindhu —National Film Award for Best Actress —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil 1987 Manathil Uruthi Vendum Nandini Ananda Aradhanai Dhoorathu Pachai 1988 Dharmathin Thalaivan Sumathi En Bommukutty Ammavukku Lakshmi —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil 1989 Thendral Puyalanadhu Gautami En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan Saradha 1991 Penn Also director 1993 Chinna Kannamma Uma 1996 Irattai Roja Geetha 1997 Nandhini Nandhini 2001 Chocolate Saradha 2003 Vaseegara Priya's Aunt Eera Nilam Chinnathayi 2004 Shock Exorcist 2007 Satham Podathey Gynecologist 2008 Aegan Shiva's mother 2009 Balam Mahesh's sister-in-law 2010 Thillalangadi Krishna's mother 2011 Seedan Thangam 2014 Ramanujan Komalatammal —Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actress 2015 Kanchana 2 Channel MD 2017 Nibunan Mrs.Emmanuel Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2 Sister Lily 2018 Sollividava Madhu's aunt 2019 Boomerang Gowri Thiruselvan Kee Siddharth's mother 2020 Putham Pudhu Kaalai Valli Amazon Prime anthology film; also director 2025 The Verdict Elisa 2026 Anantha Annapurna Charukesi Bhagyam

Kannada

+ List of Suhasini Maniratnam Kannada film credits Year Title Role Notes 1983 Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu Kavitha —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada 1984 Bandhana Dr. Nandini 1986 Hosa Neeru Bhavana 1986 Usha Usha 1988 Suprabhatha Hema —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada 1990 Muthina Haara Annapurna —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada 1995 Himapatha Sumithra 1997 Amruthavarshini Veena Ganga Yamuna Cameo 1998 Hendithghelthini Radha 1999 Vishwa Indu 2000 Yaarige Saluthe Sambala Lakshmi Swalpa Adjust Madkolli 2001 Ellara Mane Dosenu Media reporter 2003 Annavru Gowri 2005 O Gulabiye 2006 Mohini 9886788888 Mohini's mother 2007 Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige Kanaka —Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada 2010 Eradane Maduve Malavika School Master Sneha Deadly-2 2011 Sanju Weds Geetha Lakshmi Mathond Madhuvena Malavika 2013 Myna Doctor 2014 Sachin! Tendulkar Alla Sakshi Dinesh —SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Kannada 2015 Rebel Anupama Masterpiece Durga 2016 Viraat Chief Minister Preethiyalli Sahaja Naani Suraksha 2017 Masti Gudi Chief Minister Vismaya Mrs. Immanuel 2018 Prema Baraha Madhu's aunt Ambi Ning Vayassaytho Nandini 2019 Yaana Sujatha Ayushman Bhava Harshini Prasad 2020 Varnapatala Doctor 2022 Monsoon Raaga Hasini

Malayalam + List of Suhasini Maniratnam Malayalam film credits Year Title Role Notes 1983 Koodevide Alice Adaminte Vaariyellu Vasanthi 1984 Thathamme Poocha Poocha Kalyani Unni Vanna Divasam Anu Aksharangal Bharathi Aarorumariyathe Sudha Ente Upasana Lathika 1985 Katha Ithuvare Rekha 1986 Pranamam Usha/Thulasi Rakkuyilin Ragasadassil Janani 1987 Ezhuthapurangal Rajalakshmi —Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal Neena 1988 Oohakachavadam Malathy 1989 Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam Capt. Alice Cherian 1993 Samooham MLA Rajalekshmi 1997 Bhaaratheeyam Revathy 1999 Varnachirukukal Anjali Gupta Vanaprastham Subhadra Thamburatti 2001 Theerthadanam Vinodini —Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress 2002 Nammal Snehalatha 2005 Vacation Celina 2006 Pachakuthira Akash's mother Photo appearance 2009 Vilapangalkkappuram Dr. Mary Varghese Nammal Thammil Rosy IAS Makante Achan Rema 2013 Kalimannu Dr. Sophy 2015 Love 24x7 Dr. Sarayu Salt Mango Tree Deepika 2017 Solo Mrs.Vidya Ramachandran 2021 Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Khadeejumma 2023 Pookkaalam Clara 2025 Madhuram Jeevamrutha Bindu 2026 Gracy Filming

Other language + Year Title Role Language 2003 Stumble Nandini English 2015 Waiting Pankaja Hindi

As director and writer Year Title Credited as Notes Director Writer 1991 Penn TV series 1992 Roja 1993 Thiruda Thiruda 1995 Bombay Indira 1997 Iruvar 1999 Ganesh Vasanth TV series 2000 Alai Payuthey 2010 Raavanan 2020 Putham Pudhu Kaalai Amazon Prime film; for the segment Coffee, Anyone?

Television + Year Title Role Language Channel Notes Hasini Pesum Padam Host Tamil Jaya TV Autograph Weekend with Stars Zee Tamil TV Ninaivu Kurippugal DD Podhigai 2020 Bigg Boss 4 Herself Star Vijay Guest 2022 Modern Love Hyderabad Gangamma Telugu Amazon Prime Video 2024 Jai Mahendran Shobha Malayalam Sony LIV Soul Stories Rani Manorama Max Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale Herself English Netflix Documentary film

Dubbing artist + Year Title Actress Role Notes 1991 Thalapathi Shobhana 1993 Thiruda Thiruda Heera Rajagopal 1997 Iddaru Tabu Telugu dubbed version 1998 Uyire Manisha Koirala Tamil dubbed version