Radhika Sarathkumar is a prominent Indian actress, producer, and politician who has made a significant impact across various South Indian film industries, primarily in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Here’s a detailed biography:
Early Life and Background:
- Radhika was born on August 21, 1962, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- She comes from a notable film family. Her father, M. R. Radha, was a well-known Tamil actor and comedian. Her mother, Geetha, is of Sri Lankan Tamil descent.
- She has a younger sister, Nirosha, who is also an actress, and two younger brothers. She also has two half-brothers, Radha Ravi and M.R.R. Vasu, from her father’s previous marriage.
- Radhika’s education took place in India, Sri Lanka, and London, where she pursued a course that she later discontinued.
Film Career:
- Radhika’s acting debut was in 1978 with the Tamil film “Kizhakke Pogum Rail,” directed by Bharathiraja. This marked the beginning of a successful career spanning several decades.
- She quickly gained recognition for her versatile acting skills and expressive performances.
- Radhika has acted in numerous films across various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.
- Some of her notable Telugu films include “Nyayam Kavali,” which earned her the Best Telugu Actress award.
- She has also delivered memorable performances in Tamil films like “Dharma Devathai,” “Neethikku Thandanai,” and “Keladi Kanmani.”
- Radhika is known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from strong and independent women to more vulnerable and emotional roles.
filmography of Radhika Sarathkumar in TAMIL:
| Year | Film Title | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Swarna Medal | Malayalam | |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail | Tamil | Panchaali |
| 1979 | Inikkum Ilamai | Tamil | Lakshmi |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal | Tamil | Radhika |
| 1979 | Mugathil Mugam Parkalam | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Velum Mayilum Thunai | Tamil | Valli |
| 1979 | Anbae Sangeetha | Tamil | Geetha |
| 1979 | Bharyaye Aavashyamundu | Malayalam | |
| 1979 | Kanni Paruvathile | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Hamare Tumhare | Hindi | Sonia |
| 1980 | Enga Ooru Rasathi | Tamil | Anu |
| 1980 | Soolam | Tamil | Annamma |
| 1980 | Anna Paravai | Tamil | Usharani |
| 1980 | Ethir Veetu Jannal | Tamil | Urapatti |
| 1980 | Aayiram Vaasal Idhayam | Tamil | Neelu |
| 1980 | Kalam Bathil Sollum | Tamil | Rani |
| 1980 | Bhama Rukmani | Tamil | Bhama |
| 1980 | Ilamai Kolam | Tamil | Devi |
| 1980 | Idhayaththil Ore Idam | Tamil | |
| 1980 | Paruvathin Vasalile | Tamil | Usha |
| 1980 | Thai Ponggal | Tamil | Selvi |
| 1980 | Malargale Malarungal | Tamil | Dr. Devi |
| 1980 | Kumari Pennin Ullathile | Tamil | Devi Bala |
| 1980 | Apne Paraye | Hindi | Leela |
| 1981 | Kannitheevu | Tamil | Selvi |
| 1981 | Indru Poi Naalai Vaa | Tamil | Jaya |
| 1981 | Magarantham | Tamil | Geetha |
| 1981 | Thiruppangal | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Rathathin Rathame | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru | Tamil | Ponni |
| 1981 | Nyayam Kavali | Telugu | Bharathi Devi |
| 1981 | Radha Kalyanam | Telugu | Radha |
| 1981 | Kirayi Rowdylu | Telugu | Jyothi |
| 1981 | Dabbu Dabbu Dabbu | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Priya | Telugu | Priya |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oivathillai | Tamil | Mary |
| 1981 | Panneer Pushpangal | Tamil | Uma |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik | Tamil | Roopa |
| 1982 | Pokkiri Raja | Tamil | Rakkayi |
| 1982 | Poi Satchi | Tamil | Rukku |
| 1982 | Vadivangal | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Ranga | Tamil | Ganga |
| 1982 | Iniyavale Vaa | Tamil | Rekha |
| 1982 | Nandri, Meendum Varuga | Tamil | Herself |
| 1982 | Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal | Tamil | Radha |
| 1982 | Thottal Sudum | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Moondru Mugam | Tamil | Rekha |
| 1982 | Metti | Tamil | Preetha |
| 1982 | Mamiyara Marumagala | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Idi Pellantara | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu | Telugu | Chandramathi |
| 1982 | Billa Ranga | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Yamakinkarudu | Telugu | Radha |
| 1982 | Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu | Telugu | Lalithamba |
| 1982 | Mondi Ghatam | Telugu | Latha |
| 1982 | Kayyala Ammayi Kalavaari Abbayi | Telugu | Usha |
| 1982 | Trisulam | Telugu | Yadi |
| 1982 | Mettala Savvadi | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Eenadu | Telugu | |
| 1982 | Simla Special | Tamil | Rekha |
| 1982 | Thooral Ninnu Pochu | Tamil | Uma |
| 1983 | Veetula Raman Veliyila Krishnan | Tamil | Jaya |
| 1983 | Neethibathi | Tamil | Devi |
| 1983 | Urangatha Ninaivugal | Tamil | Gowri |
| 1983 | Nenjodu Nenjam | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Prema Pichollu | Telugu | Prema |
| 1983 | Bezawada Bebbuli | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Palletoori Monagadu | Telugu | Santhi |
| 1983 | Abhilasha | Telugu | Archana |
| 1983 | Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu | Telugu | Sarada |
| 1983 | Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Puli Bebbuli | Telugu | Sita’s sister |
| 1983 | Gudachari No.1 | Telugu | Rekha |
| 1983 | Simhapuri Simham | Telugu | Mrs. Rajasekharam |
| 1983 | Todu Needa | Telugu | Radha |
| 1983 | Moodu Mullu | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Raju Rani Jackie | Telugu | Rani / Jackie |
| Year | Film Title | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Prachanda Kulla | Kannada | Pushpa |
| 1983 | Justice Raja | Malayalam | Anitha |
| 1983 | Abhilasha | Telugu | Archana |
| 1983 | Gudachari No.1 | Telugu | Rekha |
| 1983 | Palletoori Monagadu | Telugu | Santhi |
| 1983 | Moodu Mullu | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Raju Rani Jackie | Telugu | Rani / Jackie |
| 1983 | Mugguru Monagallu | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Bezawada Bebbuli | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu | Telugu | |
| 1983 | Puli Bebbuli | Telugu | Sita’s sister |
| 1983 | Simhapuri Simham | Telugu | Mrs. Rajasekharam |
| 1983 | Todu Needa | Telugu | Radha |
| 1983 | Prema Pichollu | Telugu | Prema |
| 1983 | Veetula Raman Veliyila Krishnan | Tamil | Jaya |
| 1983 | Neethibathi | Tamil | Devi |
| 1983 | Urangatha Ninaivugal | Tamil | Gowri |
| 1983 | Nenjodu Nenjam | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Nallavanuku Nallavan | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Vaidehi Kathirunthal | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Muthal Mariyathai | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Unnai Thedi Varuven | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Jeevana Chakra | Kannada | Uma |
| 1985 | Koodum Thedi | Malayalam | Devi |
| 1985 | Makan Ente Makan | Malayalam | Sujatha |
| 1986 | Samsaram Adhu Minsaram | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Oru Iniya Udhayam | Tamil | |
| 1986 | Vikram | Tamil | (Voice for Lissy) |
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal | Tamil | (Voice for Ranjini) |
| 1986 | Asli Naqli | Hindi | Vijay’s sister |
| 1986 | Naseeb Apna Apna | Hindi | Chando Singh |
| 1987 | Oru Viral Krishna Rao | Tamil | |
| 1987 | Manithan | Tamil | |
| 1987 | Sathyam Shivam Sundaram | Kannada | |
| 1987 | Kudrat Ka Kanoon | Hindi | Aarti Verma / Miss Julie Singh |
| 1988 | Paasa Paravaigal | Tamil | |
| 1988 | Poovizhi Vasalile | Tamil | |
| 1988 | Senthoora Poove | Tamil | (Voice for Nirosha) |
| 1989 | Puthiya Paathai | Tamil | |
| 1989 | En Thangachi Padichava | Tamil | |
| 1990 | Nadigan | Tamil | |
| 1990 | Avasara Police 100 | Tamil | |
| 1990 | Inaindha Kaigal | Tamil | (Voice) |
| 1990 | Aaj Ka Arjun | Hindi | Laxmi |
| 1990 | Kizhakku Vaasal | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Captain Magal | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Vasanthakala Paravai | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Chavettupada | Malayalam | |
| 1991 | Nagini | Kannada | Doctor |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Kizhakku Cheemayile | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Arthana | Malayalam | Bharathi |
| 1994 | Pasumpon | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Pavithra | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Muthu | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Suryodayam | Tamil | |
| 1997 | Arasiyal | Tamil | |
| 1998 | En Aasai Rasave | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Kaadhale Nimmadhi | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Sandhippoma | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Himmatwala | Hindi | Kiran |
| 1999 | Nilave Mugam Kaattu | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Amarkalam | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Lal Baadshah | Hindi | Mrs. Ranbhir Singh |
| 2000 | Ennavale | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Vamsoddharakudu | Telugu | |
| 2001 | Friends | Tamil | |
| 2001 | Ethirum Puthirum | Tamil | |
| 2002 | Baba | Tamil | |
| 2002 | Roja Kootam | Tamil | |
| 2003 | Villain | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Attahasam | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Chandramukhi | Tamil | |
| 2006 | Thimiru | Tamil | |
| 2006 | Thalaimagan | Tamil | |
| 2007 | Mozhi | Tamil | |
| 2008 | Vaaranam Aayiram | Tamil | |
| 2009 | Jaganmohini | Tamil | |
| 2010 | Kutty | Tamil | |
| 2010 | Singam | Tamil | |
| 2011 | Mappillai | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Kalakalappu | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Saguni | Tamil |
| Year | Film Title | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Gouravam | Tamil | |
| 2014 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Thanga Magan | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Sandamarutham | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Pa Paandi | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Mr. Chandramouli | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Echcharikkai | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Market Raja MBBS | Tamil | |
| 2019 | The Gambinos | Malayalam | |
| 2020 | Vaanam Kottattum | Tamil | |
| 2022 | Marutha | Tamil | |
| 2022 | Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu | Telugu | |
| 2022 | Kuruthi Aattam | Tamil | |
| 2023 | Mark Antony | Tamil | |
| 2024 | Thayamma Kudumbathaar (TV Serial) | Tamil |
Radhika Sarathkumar’s Telugu films:
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Nyayam Kavali | Bharathi Devi |
| 1981 | Radha Kalyanam | Radha |
| 1981 | Kirayi Rowdylu | Jyothi |
| 1981 | Dabbu Dabbu Dabbu | |
| 1981 | Priya | Priya |
| 1982 | Idi Pellantara | |
| 1982 | Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu | Chandramathi |
| 1982 | Billa Ranga | |
| 1982 | Yamakinkarudu | Radha |
| 1982 | Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu | Lalithamba |
| 1982 | Mondi Ghatam | Latha |
| 1982 | Kayyala Ammayi Kalavaari Abbayi | Usha |
| 1982 | Trisulam | Yadi |
| 1982 | Mettala Savvadi | |
| 1982 | Eenadu | |
| 1983 | Prema Pichollu | Prema |
| 1983 | Bezawada Bebbuli | |
| 1983 | Palletoori Monagadu | Santhi |
| 1983 | Abhilasha | Archana |
| 1983 | Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu | Sarada |
| 1983 | Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu | |
| 1983 | Puli Bebbuli | Sita’s sister |
| 1983 | Gudachari No.1 | Rekha |
| 1983 | Simhapuri Simham | Mrs. Rajasekharam |
| 1983 | Todu Needa | Radha |
| 1983 | Moodu Mullu | |
| 1983 | Raju Rani Jackie | Rani / Jackie |
| 1983 | Mugguru Monagallu | |
| 1984 | Hero | Mrs. Rajasekharan |
| 1984 | Srimathi Kaavali | Jaya |
| 1984 | Yuddham | Raja’s mother |
| 1984 | Babulugaadi Debba | Gowri |
| 1984 | Kondaveeti Nagulu | |
| 1984 | Bava Maradalu | |
| 1984 | Abhimanyudu | |
| 1984 | Ammayiloo! Preminchandi! | |
| 1984 | Punyam Koddi Purushudu | |
| 1984 | Anubandham | Malli |
| 1984 | Gruhalakshmi | |
| 1985 | Mangalya Balam | |
| 1985 | Jwala | |
| 1985 | Ragile Gundelu | Radha |
| 1985 | Illale Devata | Lakshmi |
| 1986 | Swathi Muthyam | Lalitha |
| 1986 | Jeevana Poratam | |
| 1986 | Bandham | |
| 1986 | Santhi Nivasam | Lalitha |
| 1986 | Jailu Pakshi | |
| 1986 | Ravana Brahma | Radhika |
| 1986 | Ukku Manishi | Radha |
| 1986 | Kotigadu | |
| 1987 | Aranyakanda | Poornima |
| 1987 | Donga Mogudu | Seetha |
| 1987 | Sardar Dharmanna | |
| 1987 | Ummadi Mogudu | |
| 1987 | Karthika Pournami | |
| 1987 | Aradhana | Gangamma |
| 1987 | Aatma Bandhuvulu | |
| 1987 | America Abbayi | |
| 1987 | Nyayaniki Sankellu | Viplava |
| 1987 | Marana Homam | |
| 1988 | Aanimuthyam | Prasanthi |
| 1988 | Anna Chellelu | Radha |
| 1988 | Dharma Teja | Sampoorna |
| 1990 | Raja Vikramarka | Maya |
| 1990 | Idem Pellam Baboi | Jhansi |
| 1992 | Swathi Kiranam | Sarada |
| 1992 | College Bullodu | Saraswathi |
| 1994 | Palnati Pourusham | Maya |
| 1997 | Aaro Pranam | |
| 1997 | Kutumba Gouravam | |
| 1998 | Suryavamsam | Vasundhara |
| 1998 | Abhishekam | Vijay’s Mother |
| 1999 | Arundhati | |
| 1999 | Prema Katha | Subhadra |
| 2000 | Vamsoddharakudu | Varalakshmi |
| 2017 | Raja the Great | Constable Anantha Lakshmi |
| 2022 | Aadavallu Meeku Joharlu | Aadhi Lakshmi |
| 2022 | Krishna Vrinda Vihari | Amruthavalli |
Malayalam films:
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Swarna Medal | Unknown |
| 1979 | Bharyaye Aavashyamundu | Unknown |
| 1983 | Justice Raja | Anitha |
| 1983 | Kaikeyi | Unknown |
| 1985 | Koodum Thedi | Devi |
| 1985 | Makan Ente Makan | Sujatha |
| 1991 | Chavettupada | Unknown |
| 1993 | Arthana | Bharathi |
| 2017 | Ramaleela | Ragini |
| 2019 | The Gambinos | Mariamma |
| 2019 | Ittymaani: Made in China | Annamma Plamootil |
| 2024 | Pavi Caretaker | Mariyamma |
Kannada films:
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Prachanda Kulla | Pushpa |
| 1985 | Jeevana Chakra | Uma |
| 1987 | Sathyam Shivam Sundaram | Unknown |
| 1991 | Nagini | Dr. Revathi |
| 2021 | Yuvarathnaa | Unknown |
Television Career:
| Year | TV Serial | Language | Channel | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Penn | Tamil | Doordarshan | Lead role; Television debut |
| 1999–2001 | Chithi | Tamil | Sun TV | Saradha / Sakthi (Dual role); Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2002–2005 | Annamalai | Tamil | Sun TV | Annamalai (Title role); Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2005–2006 | Selvi | Tamil | Sun TV | Selvi (Title role); Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2006–2008 | Arasi | Tamil | Sun TV | Arasi / Dual roles; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2009–2011 | Chellamay | Tamil | Sun TV | Chellamay; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2013–2015 | Vani Rani | Tamil | Sun TV | Vani & Rani (Twin sisters); Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2015–2016 | Thamarai | Tamil | Sun TV | Producer; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2017–2019 | Chandrakumari | Tamil | Sun TV | Chandrakumari / Amman dual role; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2020–2021 | Senthoora Poove | Tamil | Star Vijay | Producer; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2022 | Ethirneechal | Tamil | Sun TV | Producer; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
Production Career:
| Year | Production Title | Language | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai | Tamil | Producer | Won Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director |
| 1999 | Chithi (TV Serial) | Tamil | Producer | One of the most successful Tamil television serials; Produced by Radaan Mediaworks |
| 2015 | Thangamagan | Tamil | Producer | |
| 2015 | Maari | Tamil | Producer |
Full Filmography Across All Industries
Radhika Sarathkumar has acted in over 300 films across multiple Indian film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Below is a detailed breakdown of her movies across all industries.
Other Ventures:
- Apart from acting, Radhika is a successful entrepreneur and producer.
- She founded Radaan Mediaworks, a production company that has produced numerous successful television serials, including “Chithi,” “Selvi,” and “Arasi.” These serials have garnered significant popularity and acclaim.
- Radhika has also ventured into politics, further expanding her public presence.
Personal Life:
- Radhika has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Malayalam actor-director Pratap Pothen.
- She later married Richard Hardy.
- In 2001, she married actor Sarathkumar, with whom she has a son named Rahul.
awards and recognitions:
| Year | Award | Category | Work/Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Filmfare Award – South | Best Actress – Telugu | Nyayam Kavali | |
| 1985 | National Film Award | Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director | Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai (Producer) | |
| 1986 | Filmfare Award – South | Best Actress – Tamil | Dharma Devathai | |
| 1987 | Filmfare Award – South | Best Actress – Tamil | Neethikku Thandanai | |
| 1988 | Cinema Express Award | Best Actress | Paasa Paravaigal and Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran | |
| 1988 | Tamil Nadu State Film Award | Special Prize | Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran | |
| 1989 | Tamil Nadu State Film Award | Best Actress | Ninaivu Chinnam | |
| 1990 | Filmfare Award – South | Best Actress – Tamil | Keladi Kanmani | |
| 1995 | Tamil Nadu State Film Award | Special Prize | Pasumpon and Rani Maharaani | |
| 1999 | Nandi Award | Best Supporting Actress | Prema Kadha | |
| 2008 | Vivel Chinnathirai Award | Best Actress | Arasi (TV Serial) | |
| 2010 | Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal | Best Overall Performance Award | Arasi (TV Serial) | |
| 2012 | Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal | Special Jury Award for Best Actress | Chellamay (TV Serial) | |
| 2014 | Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal | Best Actress | Vani Rani (TV Serial) | |
| 2014 | Filmfare Award – South | Lifetime Achievement Award | Contribution to South Indian Cinema | |
| 2015 | Filmfare Award – South | Best Supporting Actress – Tamil | Thanga Magan | |
| 2015 | South Indian International Movie Award | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Thanga Magan | |
| 2016 | Provoke Lifestyle Award | TV Sensation of the Year | Various TV Serials |
Political Career of Radhika Sarathkumar
| Year | Party / Movement | Role / Involvement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) | Member | Joined under the leadership of Jayalalithaa. |
| 2007 | Left AIADMK | Resigned from the party | Cited lack of recognition and internal differences. |
| 2007 | Launched own party | Co-founder of AISMK (with R. Sarathkumar) | AISMK = All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi. |
| 2007–2011 | All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) | Core Member & Public Speaker | Campaigned in Tamil Nadu elections. |
| 2011 | Alliance with AIADMK | AISMK joined AIADMK alliance | Supported AIADMK-led coalition in 2011 TN elections. |
| 2011–2016 | Inactive politically | Focused on acting and production | Stepped back from active political participation. |
| 2021 | Spotted at BJP events | Attended events with R. Sarathkumar | Sparked speculation of political comeback. |
| 2023–Present | AISMK (active again) | Supporter, occasionally speaks at functions | Political stance mostly aligned with husband’s moves. |
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJmZ5iCfkD4&pp=ygUbcmFkaGlrYSBpbnRlcnZpZXcgaW4gdGVsdWd1
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/radikaasarathkumar/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/realradikaa/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/realradikaa
