Vennira Aadai Nirmala

Vennira Aadai Nirmala (born as A. B. Shanthi in Kumbakonam) is an Indian actress who has appeared in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. She was a prominent lead actress from 1960s and 70s. She is credited as Ushakumari in Malayalam film industry.

Personal life She was born as Shanthi to Aranmanai L. Balakrishnan and Radharukmani at Kumbakonam in a Sowrashtra family. She had four siblings. She remains unmarried.

Acting career

Debuting through C. V. Sridhar's Vennira Aadai in 1965, she has acted as lead roles in over 400+ films encompassing four languages - Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu & Kannada. Her screen name in Malayalam films was 'Usha Kumari' In addition to her acting career, Nirmala is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. She acted in the TV series - Deivamagal.

Political career

MGR had nominated her to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council. Her swearing in ceremony was scheduled for 23 April 1986. Nirmala had earlier declared insolvency and according to Article 102-(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution, an insolvent person cannot serve as a member of parliament or state legislature.

This annulment made Nirmala's nomination valid and the writ petition against it was dismissed. However, Nirmala withdrew her nomination to the council.

In 1989 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, She unsuccessfully contested on behalf of Janaki Faction of AIADMK against then rival faction Leader Jayalalithaa in Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency.

Partial filmography This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Tamil

Malayalam

Telugu

Kannada

Television serials

Awards and honours 2009; Kaviarasu Kannadasan Tamizh Sangam Award