Khushbu Sundar, popularly known as Khushbu, is one of the most iconic actresses in South Indian cinema, especially known for her work in Tamil and Telugu films. With her charming screen presence, versatile acting, and ability to adapt to a variety of roles, Khushbu became one of the top heroines in the 1980s and 1990s. She later transitioned into a successful career in television and politics, becoming a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu.
Early Life:
Khushbu was born as Nandita Khushboo Sundar on September 29, 1970, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She hails from a Sindhi family, and her father, a businessman, was initially against her entry into the film industry. However, Khushbu developed an interest in acting from a young age and made her debut at the age of 16.
Entry into Cinema:
Khushbu made her acting debut in the Hindi film industry with the movie “Disha” in 1983, though the film did not make a significant impact. However, her real breakthrough came when she entered the South Indian film industries, particularly Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films.
Her first major success was in Telugu cinema with the film “Kalyana Mandapam” (1990), where she played the lead role. However, it was in Tamil cinema that Khushbu became a household name. Her pairing with top stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), and Vijayakanth made her one of the most popular actresses in Tamil cinema in the late 1980s and 1990s.
FILMOGRAPHY :
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Burning Train | School Student | Hindi |
| 1980 | Thodisi Bewafaii | Nandu | Hindi |
| 1980 | Pyaara Dushman | — | Hindi |
| 1981 | Naseeb | Young Julie | Hindi |
| 1981 | Laawaris | Young Mohini | Hindi |
| 1981 | Aapas Ki Baat | Roshni | Hindi |
| 1981 | Kaalia | Rina | Hindi |
| 1981 | Poonam | Young Poonam | Hindi |
| 1982 | Dard Ka Rishta | Khushbu | Hindi |
| 1982 | Bemisal | Meena | Hindi |
| 1982 | Raaste Pyar Ke | Anu | Hindi |
| 1985 | Jaanoo | Bittu | Hindi |
| 1985 | Meri Jung | Komal Varma | Hindi |
| 1985 | Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam | Munni | Hindi |
| 1986 | Patton Ki Bazi | Preet Oberoi | Hindi |
| 1986 | Tan-Badan | Gauri | Hindi |
| 1986 | Kaliyuga Pandavulu | Bharathi | Telugu |
| 1986 | Captain Nagarjun | Radha | Telugu |
| 1987 | Trimurtulu | Julie | Telugu |
| 1987 | Bharatamlo Arjunudu | Sensational Subhadra | Telugu |
| 1987 | Kirai Dada | Rekha | Telugu |
| 1987 | Marana Homam | Kamala | Telugu |
| 1988 | Chinnodu Peddodu | Kavitha | Telugu |
| 1988 | Ugranethrudu | Mandakini | Telugu |
| 1988 | Aatma Katha | — | Telugu |
| 1988 | Prema Kireetam | Swathi | Telugu |
| 1988 | Jeevana Jyothi | Noorjahan | Telugu |
| 1988 | Veguchukka Pagatichukka | Kaani | Telugu |
| 1988 | Chinni Krishnudu | — | Telugu |
| 1988 | Dharmathin Thalaivan | Devi | Tamil |
| 1988 | Ranadheera | Radha | Kannada |
| 1988 | Anjada Gandu | Asha | Kannada |
| 1989 | Varusham 16 | Radhika | Tamil |
| 1989 | Vetri Vizha | Jaya | Tamil |
| 1989 | Yuga Purusha | Chithra | Kannada |
| 1989 | Premagni | — | Kannada |
| 1989 | Hrudaya Geethe | Asha | Kannada |
| 1989 | Rudra | Asha | Kannada |
| 1989 | Thaligagi | — | Kannada |
| 1989 | Gagana | Asha | Kannada |
| 1989 | Kaliyuga Bheema | — | Kannada |
| 1989 | Onti Salaga | Leela | Kannada |
1990s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Paattukku Naan Adimai | Julie | Tamil |
| 1990 | Kizhakku Vasal | Selvi | Tamil |
| 1990 | Naanum Indha Ooruthan | Sevvanthi | Tamil |
| 1990 | Aarathi Edungadi | Meera | Tamil |
| 1990 | My Dear Marthandan | Rani | Tamil |
| 1990 | Thalattu Padava | Narmadha | Tamil |
| 1990 | Enkitta Mothathe | Saroja | Tamil |
| 1990 | Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Shalini Shivaraman | Tamil |
| 1990 | Nadigan | Geetha | Tamil |
| 1990 | Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin | Sonu | Hindi |
| 1990 | Guru Sishyulu | Chithra | Telugu |
| 1990 | Alajadi | Priya | Telugu |
| 1990 | Jayasimha | Seetha | Telugu |
| 1990 | Pundara Ganda | — | Kannada |
| 1991 | Chinna Thambi | Nandhini | Tamil |
| 1991 | Vigneshwar | Ramya Rajendran | Tamil |
| 1991 | Iravu Sooriyan | Khushbu | Tamil |
| 1991 | Kizhakku Karai | Mahalakshmi | Tamil |
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Annamalai | Subbulakshmi | Tamil |
| 1992 | Singaaravelan | Sumathi | Tamil |
| 1992 | Pandian | Priya | Tamil |
| 1993 | Uthama Raasa | Janaki | Tamil |
| 1993 | Maravan | Devi | Tamil |
| 1995 | Murai Maman | Rukmini | Tamil |
| 1995 | Chinna Vathiyar | Priya | Tamil |
| 1996 | Love Birds | Anjali | Tamil |
| 1996 | Mr. Romeo | Bhavani | Tamil |
| 1997 | Raman Abdullah | Meena | Tamil |
| 1999 | Viralukketha Veekkam | Seetha | Tamil |
2000s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Alaipayuthey | Dr. Shyamala | Tamil |
| 2002 | Sri Bannari Amman | Bannari Amman | Tamil |
| 2005 | June R | Advocate | Tamil |
| 2006 | Stalin | Indira | Telugu |
| 2007 | Periyar | Maniammai | Tamil |
| 2008 | Kuselan | Himself | Tamil |
| 2008 | Pazhani | Parvathi | Tamil |
| 2009 | Villain | Janaki | Tamil |
2010s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Pen Singam | Chief Minister | Tamil |
| 2011 | Ponnar Shankar | Kundhavi | Tamil |
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Regina’s Mother | Tamil |
| 2018 | Traffic Ramasamy | Herself | Tamil |
| 2018 | Agnyaathavaasi | Indrani | Telugu |
2020s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Annaatthe | Angayarkanni | Tamil | Extended cameo |
| 2022 | Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee | Herself | Tamil | Special appearance |
| 2024 | Aranmanai 4 | Herself | Tamil | Cameo in “Amman” song; co-producer |
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award / Honor | For / Category | Language / Industry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Tamil Nadu State Film Special Prize | Best Actress – Chinna Thambi | Tamil | Major hit of the decade |
| 2000s | Kalaimamani Award | Contribution to Cinema | Tamil Nadu Govt. | Prestigious state award |
| 2007 | Behindwoods Gold Medal | Excellence in Cinema | Tamil | For overall contribution |
| 2010 | Tamil Nadu State TV Award | Best Actress – Kalki (TV Serial) | Tamil Television | Hit serial performance |
| 2021 | Padma Shri (Nominated) | Arts (Cinema) | National | Not conferred yet |
| 2022 | AVM Gold Medal | Contribution to Tamil Cinema | Tamil | Celebrated legacy |
Personal Life:
- Khushbu married film actor, director, and producer Sundar C in 2000.
- They have two daughters, Avanthika and Ananditha. Their production house is named Avni Cinemax, after their elder daughter.
Transition to Television and Politics:
After retiring from films, Khushbu transitioned to a career in television. She became a popular television host and actress, appearing in numerous Tamil and Telugu serials. Her show “Khushbu’s Kitchen” was well-received, where she showcased her culinary skills and interacted with celebrities.
Khushbu also became involved in politics, joining the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2014. She became a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice. However, after a few years with Congress, Khushbu switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020, marking a significant shift in her political career. Her entry into politics allowed her to remain in the public eye and continue her engagement with social issues, particularly women’s empowerment.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9a7gy_OGE&pp=ygUZa3VzYnUgaW50ZXJ2aWV3IGluIHRlbHVndQ%3D%3D
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/khushsundar/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/khushsundar
