Sushma Jayadev (born 22 June 1974), professionally known as Devayani Rajakumaran, is an Indian actress known for her works primarily in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. She also appears in few Kannada, Hindi and Bengali.
She was honoured with a Kalaimamani Award in 2000. She won the Best Supporting Actress for the movie Azhagi (2002). She also won the Best Television Actress for her role in the serial Kolangal (2003–2009).
Personal life
Devayani was born on 22 June 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra to a Konkani father from Mangalore and a Malayali mother.[1] She has two younger brothers Nakkhul and Mayur. The former is working as an actor and singer in the Tamil film industry,[2] while the latter would also make his acting debut in an upcoming film.[3] She married director Rajakumaran on 9 April 2001.[4][5] They have two daughters, Iniya and Priyanka.[6][7]
Career
Devayani began her career in the Hindi film Koyal, which was later cancelled during its production stage.[8] She later appeared in Bengali film Shaat Ponchomi (1993).[9] She also acted in a Marathi film before debuting in the South with lead roles in Malayalam films as Kinnaripuzhayoram (1994).
Devayani made her debut with the film Thotta Chinungi (1995). Flaunting her glamorous avatar, the actress gained popularity in 1996 with the film Kadhal Kottai. She starred opposite Ajith in the film which was directed by Agathiyan. The film received positive acclaim among the audience.[10] The movie was successful in establishing Devayani as the most successful actress in South Indian Cinema.[11] Devayani, later, appeared in many films opposite several renowned names in the film industry.[12]
The late 90s and early 2000s were the golden years for Devayani as she delivered over 50 films, and most of them were blockbusters.[13]
Devayani over the years played powerful female characters until 2001 when she fell in love with Rajakumaran who directed her Vinnukum Mannukum. She has also played small cameos in hit movies like Panchathantiram (2002) alongside Kamal Haasan.
She has become a virtual cult figure in Tamil Nadu after the success of the Mega Serial Sun TV's serial Kolangal (2003–2009).
She has produced a few films that her husband directs, a notable one being Thirumathi Thamizh (2013) where she played an important role.[14]
In the late 2010s she was a judge on a reality show on Mazhavil Manorama titled Ugram Ujwalam. In 2021, she acted in Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, a Tamil serial of Zee Tamil.[15] Later, she slowly took up the role of mother.[16]
Devayani has directed a short film named Kaikuttai Rani (2024).[17] The film won Best Children's Short Film at the 7th Jaipur International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in Devayani's transition from acting to filmmaking.[18]
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