Vijayashanti is a renowned Indian actress, primarily known for her work in the Telugu film industry. She is often referred to as the “Lady Superstar” of Telugu cinema due to her significant contribution to the industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for her powerful performances, strong screen presence, and versatility, Vijayashanti became one of the most prominent and successful actresses in Telugu cinema.
Early Life and Background
Vijayashanti was born on June 24, 1966, in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu, to a Tamil family. Her birth name was Vijaya Shanti, but she became popularly known as Vijayashanti in the film industry. She was inclined toward acting from a young age and participated in school and college plays. Her family background was not in cinema, but her passion for acting led her to pursue a career in the film industry.
Career Beginnings
Vijayashanti made her acting debut at the age of 16. Her first film was the Tamil film “Prema Pusthakam” (1983), but it was in Telugu cinema where she truly rose to fame. She made her Telugu debut with “Kaaligora” in 1985, although her breakthrough came with “Maga Maharaju” (1985), where she played a role that captured the audience’s attention.
filmography :
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram | Tamil | Debut film | |
| 1980 | Khiladi Krishnudu | Telugu | ||
| 1981 | Satyam Shivam | Shanti | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Pandanti Jeevitham | Telugu | ||
| 1981 | Rajangam | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Netrikkann | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Musalodiki Dasara Pandaga | Telugu | ||
| 1981 | Nenjile Thunivirunthal | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Sandhana Malargal | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Pattam Parakkattum | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Sivappu Malli | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Pelleedu Pillalu | Santhi | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Vamsha Gouravam | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Prathikaram | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Krishnavatharam | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Ilan Jodigal | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Manjal Nilla | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Vedikkai Manidhargal | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Sri Ranga Neethulu | Lakshmi | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Rakasi Loya | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Pelli Choopulu | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Neti Bharatam | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Mukku Pudaka | Telugu | Tamil remake of Gopurangal Saivathillai | |
| 1983 | Navodayam | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Sangharshana | Radha | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Amaayaka Chakra Varthy | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Pelli Chesi Chupistam | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Dharmathmudu | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Pandanti Kaapuraniki Pannendu Suthralu | Jaya | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Keralida Hennu | Kannada | Remake of Nyayam Kavali | |
| 1983 | Simha Garjane | Kannada | ||
| 1983 | Neeru Pootha Neruppu | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Villiyanur Matha | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Thalaimagan | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Kalyana Kanavugal | Tamil | ||
| 1984 | Devanthakudu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Sundari Subbarao | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | S.P. Bhayankar | Lakshmi | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Mahanagaramlo Mayagadu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Challenge | Haarika | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Abhimanyudu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Enkennalli Charithra | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Jadagantalu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Raaraju | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Dongallo Dora | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Lorry Driver | Jayamma | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Pratighatana | Jhansi | Telugu | Nandi Award for Best Actress |
| 1985 | Agni Parvatam | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Repati Pourulu | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Pasivadi Pranam | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Muvva Gopaludu | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Yamudiki Mogudu | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Swayam Krushi | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Padamati Sandhya Ragam | Telugu | ||
| 1988 | Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu | Telugu | ||
| 1988 | Janaki Ramudu | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Muddula Mavayya | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Kondaveeti Donga | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Indrudu Chandrudu | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Eeshwar | Hindi | Debut in Hindi cinema | |
| 1990 | Karthavyam | Telugu | National Film Award for Best Actress | |
| 1990 | Lorry Driver | Telugu | ||
| 1990 | Sathruvu | Telugu | ||
| 1991 | Gang Leader | Telugu | ||
| 1991 | Surya IPS |
(1991–2025)
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Rowdy Inspector | Inspector Jyothi | Telugu |
| 1991 | Indra Bhavanam | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Mannan | Vasanthi | Tamil |
| 1992 | Chinarayudu | Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 1993 | Police Lockup | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Lady Boss | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Osey Ramulamma | Ramulamma | Telugu |
| 1995 | Ammoru | Soundarya (Goddess) | Telugu |
| 1995 | Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam… | Telugu | |
| 1996 | Adavi Chukka | Telugu | |
| 1997 | Rowdy Durbar | Telugu | |
| 1999 | Sarpayagam | Telugu | |
| 2000 | Nayudamma | Telugu | |
| 2003 | Indiramma | Indira | Telugu |
| 2006 | Naayudamma | Telugu | |
| 2020 | Sarileru Neekevvaru | Bharathi (professor) | Telugu |
| 2025 | Upcoming project (TBA) | — | Telugu |
Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam Films
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Films | ||||
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram | Kaathi | Tamil | Debut Tamil film |
| 1981 | Rajangam | Sathya | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Netrikkann | Sangeetha | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Nenjile Thunivirunthal | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Sandhana Malargal | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Pattam Parakkattum | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Ilanjodigal | Geetha | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Manjal Nilla | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Vedikkai Manidhargal | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Neeru Pootha Neruppu | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Villiyanur Matha | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Thalaimagan | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Kalyana Kanavugal | Tamil | ||
| 1992 | Mannan | Shanti Devi | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Thadayam | Jyothi | Tamil | Also producer; dubbed into Telugu as Chattam |
| 1999 | Suryodayam | Indra | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Rajasthan | Gayathri | Tamil | |
| 2003 | Sri Bannari Amman | Amman | Tamil | Dubbed in Telugu as Maha Chandi |
| Hindi Films | ||||
| 1989 | Eeshwar | Lalitha | Hindi | Debut Hindi film |
| 1990 | Muqaddar Ka Badshaah | Bharthi Rathod | Hindi | |
| 1992 | Apradhi | Paro | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Tejasvini | ASP Tejasvini Joshi | Hindi | Also producer |
| 1997 | Gundagardi | Deepa | Hindi | |
| Kannada Films | ||||
| 1983 | Keralida Hennu | Kannada | ||
| 1983 | Simha Gharjane | Lalitha | Kannada | |
| 2001 | Vande Matharam | Gayatri | Kannada | |
| Malayalam Films | ||||
| 1996 | Yuvathurki | Malayalam | Dubbed in Telugu as Delhi Diary | |
| 2000 | Kallu Kondoru Pennu | Sita | Malayalam |
Personal Life
Vijayashanti is known to be a private individual when it comes to her personal life. She has not been very open about her relationships, and very little is known about her family life. Her dedication to her craft and her strong presence in both the film industry and politics have made her a respected figure.
Political Career Overview
1. Initial Political Affiliation:
Vijayashanti’s political journey began in the early 2000s. She first joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was led by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). However, her time with TDP was relatively short-lived, as she later shifted to the Indian National Congress (INC).
2. Joining the Indian National Congress (INC):
In 2009, Vijayashanti joined the Indian National Congress (INC). She was active in campaigning for the party, especially in the context of the Telangana movement, which was gaining momentum at the time.
3. Member of Parliament (MP):
Vijayashanti’s political career reached a significant milestone in 2009 when she contested the Lok Sabha elections and won from the Medak constituency in Telangana as a candidate from the Congress Party. Her victory was significant, given the growing political importance of the Telangana region.
Vijayashanti has won many awards, including:
- National Award: Won for Best Actress in 1990 for her role in Karthavyam
- Filmfare Awards South: Won Best Actress in 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1998
- Nandi Awards: Won four awards for Best Actress in Telugu
- Silver Lotus Award: Won Best Actress in 1991
- Cinema Express Award: Won Best Actress in Telugu in 1993
- IIFA: Won Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema (Female) in 2012
- Kalaimamani Award: Received from the Tamil Nadu Government.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k_vxkIloWk&pp=ygUgdmlqYXlhc2FudGhpIGludGVydmlldyBpbiB0ZWx1Z3U%3D
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/vijayashanthi_m/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/VijayashanthiOfficial/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/vijayashanthi_m/status/1729487360658956690
