Kavitha Ranjini, [1] known by the stage name Urvashi , is an Indian actress, dubbing artist, television host, scriptwriter and producer known for her works in the Southern film industry, predominantly in Malayalam and Tamil films. [2] She has acted in more than 350 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.
She started her acting career as a child artist, in a Malayalam movie Kathirmandapam , released in 1979. [1] Her first released film as heroine was Mundhanai Mudichu (Tamil, directed by K. Bhagyaraj) in 1983. [3] [4] She was a prominent lead actress of the 1980s and 1990s, primarily in Malayalam Films. [1] She has written the films Ulsavamelam and Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu , the latter was also produced by her. She won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Achuvinte Amma (2005), which was her comeback film after a hiatus of 6 years. [5] She has won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress a record five times, which includes three consecutive wins from 1989 to 1991. She has also received two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. [6]
Urvashi was born to popular drama actors Chavara V. P. Nair and Vijayalakshmi in Sooranad in Kollam district of Kerala .Her elder sisters are actors Kalaranjini and Kalpana. [7] She married actor Manoj K. Jayan on 2 May 1998, which ended in divorce in 2008. [8] [9]
| † | Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Kathirmandapam [10] | Child artist | |
| Sayoojyam | Child artist | Song Scene | |
| Sikharangal | Child artist | ||
| 1980 | Dwik Vijayam | Dance Student | |
| 1982 | Yaagam | ||
| Snehasammanam | — | Unreleased | |
| 1983 | Hello Madras Girl | Latha | |
| 1984 | Ethirppukal | Sudha | First lead role |
| 1985 | Ente Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude Chakki | Thulasi | |
| Nirakkoottu [11] | Sasikala | ||
| Daivatheorthu | Nani | ||
| Pathamudayam | Valsala | ||
| Karimpinpoovinakkare [12] | Chandrika | ||
| 1986 | Yuvajanotsavam | Sindhu | |
| Sunil Vayassu 20 | Premalatha | ||
| Mizhineerpoovukal [13] | Aswathy | ||
| Sukhamo Devi [14] | Devi | ||
| Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku | Rajani | ||
| Manasilloru Manimuthu | Radhika | ||
| Desatanakkili Karayarilla | Devika | ||
| Onnu Randu Moonnu | Indu | ||
| Moonnu Masagalkku Munpu | Raji | ||
| Nandi Veendum Varika | Devayani | ||
| 1987 | Adimakal Udamakal | Indu | |
| New Delhi | Uma | ||
| Agni Muhurtham | Sudha | ||
| Kottum Kuravayum | Annie | ||
| Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormakku | Sophie | ||
| Naalkkavala | Amina | ||
| Irupatham Noottandu | Jyothi | ||
| Swargam | Latha | ||
| 1988 | Anuragi | Leelamma | |
| Mukthi | Sudharma | ||
| Mattoral | Veni | ||
| Padamudra | Lakshmi | ||
| Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu | Snehalatha | ||
| Simon Peter Ninakku Vendin | Alice Simon | ||
| Oru CBI Diary Kurippu | Annie | ||
| Abkari | Sridevi | ||
| 1 August | Valsala | ||
| 1921 | Thulasi | ||
| Thanthram | Susanna | ||
| 1989 | Pandu Pandoru Deshathu | ||
| Varnatheru | Asha | ||
| Swagatham | Philomina Francis | ||
| New Year | Rekha | ||
| Akshrathettu | Sumathi | ||
| Mazhavil Kavadi | Anandavalli | First State Award | |
| Chakkikotha Chankaran | Roshney | ||
| Adikkurippu | Geetha | ||
| Mrigaya | Annamma | ||
| 1990 | Varthamanakalam | Arundhathi Menon | First State Award |
| Noottonnu Raavukal | Sudha | ||
| Nammude Naadu | Bindu | ||
| Vyuham | Lakshmi | ||
| Kuttettan | Rose Mary | ||
| Marupuram | Retna | ||
| Veena Meettiya Vilangukal | Geetha | ||
| Thoovalsparsham | Maya | ||
| Thalayanamanthram | Kanchana | Second State Award | |
| Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan | Chandrika | ||
| Kouthuka Varthakal | Aswathy | ||
| Lal Salam | Annamma | ||
| Arhatha | Aswathy | ||
| 1991 | Vishnulokam | Kasthoori | |
| Souhridham | Shiny | ||
| Mukha Chithram | Savithrikutty/Lakshmikutty | Third State Award | |
| Kakkathollayiram | Revathy | ||
| Kadinjool Kalyanam | Hrudayakumari | ||
| Chanchattam | Yamuna | ||
| Bharatham | Devi | Third State Award | |
| Kanalkkattu | Aasha | ||
| Koodikazhcha | Alice | ||
| Inspector Balram | Preethi Krishna Mathur | ||
| Bhoomika | Radha | ||
| 1992 | Utsava Melam | Kanaka Prabha | Story |
| Thiruthalvaadi | Lathika | ||
| Soorya Gayathri | Rugmini | ||
| Snehasagaram | Treesa | ||
| Simhadhwani | Jayasree | ||
| Sathyapathijna | Sreekutty | ||
| Ponnaramthottathe Rajavu | Radhika | ||
| My Dear Muthachan | Clara | ||
| Malootty | Raji | ||
| Ente Ponnu Thampuran | Kavitha | ||
| Aparatha | Prabha | ||
| Ardram | Mary | ||
| Aham | Renjini | ||
| Yodha | Damayanthi | ||
| Kizhakkan Pathrose | Chala Mary | ||
| 1993 | Venkalam | Thankamani | |
| Sthreedhanam | Vidhya | ||
| Narayam | Gayathri | ||
| Mithunam | Sulochana | ||
| Koushalam | Maya Devi | ||
| Kalippattam | Saroja | ||
| Injakkadan Mathai & Sons | Sherley | ||
| Ithu Manju Kaalam | Aswathy and Revathy | Dual role | |
| Aayirappara | Parvathy | ||
| Palayam | Jancy | ||
| 1994 | Sukham Sukhakaram | Susie | |
| Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Bhagyarekha/Sujatha | Writer & Producer | |
| Kudumba Visesham | Geetha | ||
| The City | Dr. Jyothy | ||
| Bharya | Shailaja | ||
| 1995 | Thovalapookkal | Chempakam | |
| Spadikam | Thulasi | ||
| Simhavalan Menon | Geethanjali | ||
| 1996 | Kazhakam | Radha | |
| 1997 | Kottapurathe Koottukudumbam | Sree Devi | |
| Janadhipathyam | Indira Menon | ||
| 1999 | Garshom | Noorja | Film Council Award |
| Aayiram Meni | Alice | ||
| Niram | Herself | Archive footage | |
| 2005 | Achuvinte Amma | K. P. Vanaja | National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress Amritha TV Award & Film Council Award |
| 2006 | Madhuchandralekha | Chandramathi | Fifth State Award |
| 2007 | Ayur Rekha | Alice | Extended cameo |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Herself | Archive footage Uncredited cameo |
| 2009 | Bharya Swantham Suhruthu | Molly | |
| 2010 | Mummy & Me | Clara | |
| Sakudumbam Shyamala | Minister Shyamala Vasudevan | ||
| Best of Luck | Thamara | ||
| 2011 | Ponnu Kondoru Aalroopam | Molly | |
| Kadhayile Nayika | Nandhini | ||
| Maharaja Talkies | Vimala | ||
| 2012 | Lumiere Brothers | Herself | Archive footage |
| Lakshmivilasam Renuka Makan Raghuraman | Renuka | ||
| Manjadikuru | Sujatha | ||
| 2014 | My Dear Mummy | Katrina | |
| 2016 | Vismayam | Lakshmi | Partially reshot version of Manamantha |
| 2018 | Aravindante Athidhikal [15] | Girija | |
| Ente Ummante Peru | Aisha | ||
| 2019 | Swarnamalsyangal | Herself | Archive footage |
| 2020 | Dhamaka | Annamma | |
| Varane Avashyamund [16] | Dr. Sherly | Extended Cameo | |
| 2021 | Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan | Rathnamma | Released on Disney+ Hotstar |
| 2023 | Charles Enterprises | Gomati | [17] |
| Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962 | Mrinalini teacher | [18] | |
| Rani: The Real Story | Sheela | ||
| 2024 | Iyer In Arabia | Jansi Rani | [19] |
| Ullozhukku | Leelamma | National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress [20] | |
| Her | Santha | Released on ManoramaMAX [21] | |
| 2025 | L Jagadamma Ezham Class B | Jagadamma | Also producer [22] |
| Prince and Family | Josephine | [23] | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Mundhanai Mudichu | Parimalam | |
| Apoorva Sahodarigal | Rosy | ||
| 1984 | Dhavani Kanavugal | Film actress | |
| Komberi Mookan | Priya | ||
| Nerupukkul Eeram | Ganga | ||
| Oh Maane Maane | Stella | ||
| Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | Latha | ||
| Anbe Odi Vaa | Seetha | ||
| Ezhuthatha Sattangal | Meena | ||
| Vai Pandal | Santhi | ||
| Vengaiyin Mainthan | Yamuna | ||
| Oorukku Upadesam | Janaki & Madhavi | ||
| Shanthi Mugurtham | Shanthi | ||
| Neram Nalla Neram | Vadivu | ||
| Vellai Pura Ondru | Padma | ||
| Maaman Machaan | Shanthi | ||
| Ninaivukal Maraivathillai | — | ||
| 1985 | Andha Oru Nimidam | Vasanthi | |
| Aduthathu Albert | Radha | ||
| Naam Iruvar | Ratha | ||
| Oru Malarin Payanam | Kalyani | ||
| Raja Yuvaraja | Meena | ||
| Deivapiravi | Lalitha | ||
| Panam Pathum Seyyum | Jayanthi | ||
| 1986 | Thodarum Uravu | Julie | |
| Kaidhiyin Theerpu | Stella & Preethi | ||
| Machakaran | — | ||
| 1987 | Paruva Ragam | Rohini | Guest appearance |
| 1988 | Patti Sollai Thattathe | Seetha | |
| 1989 | Idhu Unga Kudumbam | Janaki | |
| Paasa Mazhai | Gomathi | ||
| 1990 | Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Tiruppurasundari | |
| Pengal Veettin Kanngal | Raadha | ||
| 1991 | Mookuthi Poo Meley | Latha Ramakrishnan | |
| 1994 | Subramaniya Swamy | Amudha | |
| Magalir Mattum | Janaki | State Award | |
| Veera Padhakkam | Vishalakshi | ||
| Vanaja Girija | Chellamma | ||
| 1995 | Naan Petha Magane | Uma Maheswari | |
| Mayabazar | Sujatha (Suji) / Mayamma | ||
| Ayudha Poojai | Vasantha | ||
| Thaikulame Thaikulame | Janaki | ||
| Pullakuttikaaran | Azhagu | Critics Award | |
| 1996 | Aruva Velu | Maruthayi | |
| Irattai Roja | Uma | Filmfare Award | |
| Vetri Vinayagar | Ponni | ||
| 1997 | Ettupatti Rasa | Palaniyamma | |
| Mannava | Sinthamani | ||
| Aravindhan | Gayathri | ||
| Vasuki | Vasuki / Kodeeswari | ||
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Arivolimangai | |
| Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa | Padmini | ||
| Viralukketha Veekkam | Gayatri | ||
| Kummi Paattu | Kamakshi | ||
| 2001 | Sigamani Ramamani | Ramamani | |
| 2002 | Panchathantiram | Ammini | |
| Game | Janaki | ||
| Thamizh | Kalaiselvi | ||
| 2003 | Three Roses | Chandralekha | |
| Thennavan | Pushpalatha | ||
| Success | Radha | ||
| Thaaye Bhuvaneswari | Parvathi | Partially reshot version of Vijayadasami | |
| 2005 | Anbe Aaruyire | Maami | |
| 2006 | Desiya Paravai | Malini | |
| 2007 | Malaikottai | Kamala | |
| Kalakkura Chandru | Host | ||
| 2009 | Siva Manasula Sakthi | Kalyani | Edison Film Award |
| Vaamanan | Divya's mother | ||
| Peraanmai | Victoria | ||
| 2010 | Manmadan Ambu | Mallika | |
| 2011 | Doo | Vasanth's mother | |
| Venghai | Thangam | ||
| Vedi | Dr. Radha Jeyachandran | ||
| 2013 | Vanakkam Chennai | Chandra | |
| 2014 | Un Samayal Arayil | Chechi | |
| Vizhi Moodi Yosithaal | KG's mother | ||
| Pechiyakka Marumagan | Pechiyakka | Unreleased | |
| 2015 | Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum | Vasanth's mother | |
| Uthama Villain | Varalakshmi | ||
| Savaale Samaali | Urvashi | ||
| Inji Iduppazhagi | Rajeswari | ||
| India Pakistan | Kathik's mother | ||
| 2016 | Adida Melam | Annapoorniyamma | |
| Unnodu Ka | Rajalatchumi | ||
| Pencil | Rajeshwari | ||
| Vaaimai | Narayani | ||
| Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum | Pavithra's mother | ||
| Bayam Oru Payanam | Abhinaya's mother | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Gomathi Gopalakrishnan | ||
| 2017 | Shivalinga | Arusuvai Annalakshmi | |
| Magalir Mattum | Gomatha Silkurayappan | ||
| Palli Paruvathile | Kalai's mother | ||
| 2018 | Koothan | Kalairasi | |
| 2019 | Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 | Chakra Mahadevi | |
| Pottu | Mohana | ||
| 2020 | Putham Pudhu Kaalai | Lakshmi Krishnan | Released on Amazon Prime Segment: Ilamai Idho Idho |
| Soorarai Pottru | Pechi | Released on Amazon Prime | |
| Mookuthi Amman | Paalthangam [24] | Released on Disney+ Hotstar | |
| Thiruvalar Panjangam | Interviewer | ||
| 2021 | Murungakkai Chips | Shanthi's aunt | |
| 2022 | Idiot | Parimalam | |
| Veetla Vishesham | Krishnaveni Unnikrishnan | ||
| 2023 | Ghosty | Aadhi | [25] |
| Yosi | Doctor Sathya | [26] | |
| Yaanai Mugathaan | Malliga | [27] | |
| Kasethan Kadavulada | Sharadha | [28] [29] | |
| Appatha | Kannamma | Urvashi's 700th film [30] | |
| 2024 | J Baby | J Baby | [31] |
| Andhagan | Sarasu | [32] | |
| Emakku Thozhil Romance | Bakkiyam | [33] | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Nyaya Neethi Dharma | ||
| Akhanda Brahmacharigalu | |||
| 1982 | Shankar Sundar | ||
| 1984 | Shravana Banthu | Urvashi/Mary/Saraswathi | |
| 1985 | Naanu Nanna Hendthi | Urvashi | |
| Shabash Vikram | Gayatri | ||
| 1986 | Sathya Jyothi | Sujatha | |
| Ee Jeeva Ninagagi | Rohini | ||
| 1987 | Anthima Ghatta | Sunitha | |
| Premaloka | Rohini | ||
| 1988 | New Delhi | Uma | |
| 31 December | Radha | ||
| 1996 | Jeevanadhi | Dr.Priyadarshini | |
| 1999 | Habba | Ambi's wife | |
| 2000 | Yaarige Saluthe Sambala | Suguna | |
| 2001 | Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu | Alamelu | |
| 2003 | Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu | Urmila | |
| Vijaya Dashami | Parvathy | ||
| 2005 | Rama Shama Bhama | Bhamamani | |
| 2008 | Nee Tata Naa Birla | Cook Draupathi | |
| Arjun | Vishalakshi Jayasimha | ||
| 2009 | Iniya | Kamala | |
| Raaj the Showman | Herself | Special appearance | |
| 2010 | Preethi Hangama | Police Inspector | |
| 2012 | Golmal Gayathri | Gayathri | |
| 2014 | Brahma | — | |
| Oggarane | Beautician | ||
| 2015 | Ram-Leela | Baby | |
| 2016 | Shivalinga | Anusooya | |
| Jaggu Dada | Jaggu Dada's mother | [34] | |
| 2018 | Sur Sur Batti | Baddi Gowramma | |
| TBA | Rowdy Fellow | [ citation needed ] | |
| TBA | Aba Jaba Daba | [ citation needed ] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Rustum | Padma | |
| Ammayiloo! Preminchandi! | Film actress | Partially reshot version of Dhavani Kanavugal | |
| Udhdhandudu | — | ||
| 1985 | Kala Rudrudu | — | |
| Bhale Thammudu | Latha | ||
| 1986 | Jeevana Poratam | Mallika | |
| Vetagallu [35] | Radha | ||
| 1988 | Anthima Theerpu | Uma | |
| 1989 | Chettu Kinda Pleader | Sujatha | |
| 1998 | Padutha Theeyaga | Durga | [36] |
| 2000 | Vijayaramaraju | Rani/Sirisha | |
| 2002 | Sandade Sandadi | Lakshmi | |
| Allari Ramudu | Collector | ||
| 2004 | Intlo Srimathi Veedhilo Kumari | Anjali Murthy | |
| Swarabhishekam | Rukminiamma | ||
| 2005 | Chakram | Lakshmi | |
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | Durga | |
| 2014 | Ulavacharu Biryani | Beautician | |
| 2015 | Jil | Jai's aunt | |
| Size Zero | Rajeswari | ||
| 2016 | Express Raja | Vasanthakokila (Uthaman's mother) | |
| Sardaar Gabbar Singh | Madhumati | ||
| Manamantha | Lakshmi | ||
| 2019 | Oh! Baby | Sulochana | |
| Raju Gari Gadhi 3 | Rajamatha | ||
| 2022 | Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu | Padmamma | |
| 2023 | Anni Manchi Sakunamule | Jagadamba |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | New Delhi | Uma | |
| 1992 | Azmaakar Dhekho (Unreleased) | — |
| Year | Title | Role | Voice to | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Nandanam | Janaki | Kalarenjini | Malayalam |
| 2010 | Drohi | Shruthi | Poonam Bajwa | Tamil |
| 2018 | Itly | Lilly | Kalpana |
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Utsavamelam | Story Writer | Malayalam | |
| 1994 | Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | |||
| Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Producer | |||
| Paatta Bhasthi | Story Writer | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Mayabazaar 1995 | Singer | Tamil | Song-"Oru Oorile" |
| 2017 | Magalir Mattum | Song-"Carratu Pottazhaga" |
| Year | Program | Role | Channel | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asianet Channel | Promo anchor | Asianet | Malayalam | Ad | |
| Veetukku Veetukku Looty | Maya | Jaya TV | Tamil | Serial | |
| 1999 | Panchami | Nirmala Joshi | Sun TV | Horror Serial | |
| 2000 | Dr. Vidya | Actress | DD Podhigai | Serial | |
| 2001–2002 | Atthamma | Annapoorani | Gemini TV | Telugu | |
| 2002 | Take It Easy Urvashi | Anchor | Raj TV | Tamil | |
| 2003 | Bhagyalakshmi | Kairali TV | Malayalam | ||
| 2006–2007 | Swarnamazha | Surya TV | |||
| 2007 | Super Star Global | Judge | Amrita TV | ||
| 2007 | Thanga Vettai | Anchor | Sun TV | Tamil | Replaced Ramya Krishnan |
| 2008–2011 | Rani Maharani | Surya TV | Malayalam | season 1–4 | |
| 2010 | Mammootty The Best Actor Award | Judge | Asianet | ||
| 2010 | Munch Star singer Junior | ||||
| 2011 | Bhima Jewels Comedy Festival | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| 2011 | Thiru Thirumathi | Anchor | Jaya TV | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Mummy & Me | Surya TV | Malayalam | ||
| 2012–2013 | Comedy Festival 2 | Judge | Mazhavil Manorama | ||
| 2013, 2019 | Comedy Stars | Asianet | |||
| 2013 | Champions | Celebrity Judge | Surya TV | ||
| 2013–2014 | Crazy Couple | Anchor | Zee Kannada | Kannada | |
| 2014 | Star Challenge | Participant | Surya TV | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Back to School | Star Vijay | Tamil | ||
| 2015–2017 | Jeevitham Sakshi | Anchor | Kairali TV | Malayalam | Replaced Sheela |
| 2015–2016 | Bhairavi Aavigalukku Priyamanaval | Komalla | Sun TV | Tamil | Serial |
| 2016, 2018 | Comedy Utsavam | Judge | Flowers TV | Malayalam | |
| 2017 | Komady Circus | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| Laughing Villa Season 2 | Surya TV | ||||
| Vamsam | Sundari | Sun TV | Tamil | Serial | |
| 2018 | Flowers Top Singer | Celebrity Judge | Flowers TV | Malayalam | |
| Urvasi Theatres | Herself/Mentor | Asianet | |||
| Thakarppan Comedy | Judge | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| 2019 | Thirumanam | Marriage counselor | Colors Tamil | Tamil | Serial (Special appearance) |
| 2020–2021 | Comedy Stars Season 2 | Judge | Asianet | Malayalam | |
| 2022 | Oru Chiri Iruchiri Bumper Chiri | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| 2023 | Entamma Super aa | Grand finale jury |
| Year | Program | Role | Channel | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alli Darbar | Herself | Kavithalaya | Tamil | ||
| Nere Chovve | Manorama News | Malayalam | |||
| Ennile Njan | ACV | ||||
| Samagamam | Amrita TV | ||||
| 2013 | Jeevitham Ithuvare | Jaihind | |||
| 2017 | Lal Salam | Amrita TV | |||
| 2017 | JB Junction | Kairali TV | |||
| 2015, 2017 | Comedy Super Nite | Flowers TV | |||
| 2017 | Badai Bungalow | Asianet | |||
| 2018 | Onnum Onnum Moonu | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| Tharapakittu | Kaumudy TV | ||||
| Morning Show | Media One | ||||
| I Personally | Kappa TV | ||||
| Aravindante Athithi Urvashi | Kairali We | ||||
| 2019 | Colors Comedy Nights | colors tamil | Tamil | ||
| Nalla Best Family | Flowers TV | Malayalam | |||
| 2020 | Bigg Boss (Tamil season 4) | Guest | Star Vijay | Tamil | Special wish video for Rekha in the opening episode |
| 2024 | Bigg Boss (Malayalam TV series) season 6 | Guest | Asianet | Malayalam | Movie promotion [37] |
Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Urvashi, KS Ravikumar, Sathyan, Yogi Babu, Jegan, Redin Kingsley