Jayasudha

Biography

 Jayasudha was born on December 17, 1958 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. She was initially named Subadra, but her family soon changed it to Sujatha, because they felt that it was a more contemporary name. Her mother had appeared in small film roles as a child but lost interest in films and gave it up. Her father also wasn't involved in films, but his first cousin Vijaya Nirmala was a famous actress and director in South Indian films, as was her husband Krishna Ghattamaneni. When Jayasudha was a child, she would watch her aunt Vijaya Nirmala film scenes and wanted to be like her. Her father disapproved of her dream of becoming an actress. When she was twelve, Vijaya Nirmala offered her a small role in the Telugu film Pandanti Kaapuram (1972), where she and her husband Krishna had leading roles. Jayasudha was excited, but her father said no, and he finally relented when Vijaya Nirmala promised him that she would personally take of her. Jayasudha had a great time acting in the film, but once the film wrapped filming, her father sent her back to school. She fought with him, begging her to continue acting in films, until he finally agreed. But she faced another obstacle, as there was already another actress named Sujatha in films, so a director gave her the name Jayasudha. She started playing in supporting roles in Tamil films, such as for a demanding filmmaker like K. Balachander who cast her in "Arangetram" and "Apporva Rangangal". The latter became a hit and she was offered her first heroine role in the Telugu film "Lakshama Rekha" (1975). It led to her second starring film, the title role in Jyothi (1976), which made her a star in Telugu films. She won the Nandi Award as Best Actress, and critics and audiences hailed as a great actress, successor to the previous reigning star Savithri Ganesh. Jayasudha decided to focus completely in Telugu films and signed so many films, that in one single year, she had 24 releases. She would continue to win more Nandi Awards for films like K. Balachander's Idi Katha Kaadu (1979). But Jayasudha was becoming increasingly unhappy with the rigorous shooting schedule, her skin problems, her father's strict managerial skills, and her on-screen pairings with much older leading men. But she refused to give up films, because she enjoyed the acclaim and respect she received from her peers, critics, audiences. She projected a explosive personality on screen, while also adding depth to her performances. Her roles were indicative of the feminist movement of the 1970s, and she was the only known actress who tackled those roles at the time. She and Jayapradha and Sridevi were the reigning heroines during the late 1970s to early 1980s, and she was often paired with them in films. While they played the glamorous roles, she always played the performance-oriented roles and walked away with awards. Her first marriage to a civilian failed amidst her hectic film schedule. She then fell in love with a Punjabi film producer named Nitin Kapoor. Although both their families initially objected to the pairing because of regional differences, they all attended the wedding in 1985. She has two children with her husband, sons Nihar (born in 1986) and Sreyanth (born in 1990). By this time, Jayasudha wasn't offered heroine roles but was offered supporting roles as mother or sister-in-law to the hero. She turned down those roles, and she collaborated with her husband on some films. However, her growing interest in Christianity and politics started getting her more attention. She converted to Christianity in 2001 but always made a point she has never renounced the Hindu religion. She won an political election, winning a seat in the Secunderabad Assembly in Andhra Pradesh, India. She still continues to act and devote time to her social causes, but her political career has taken up her time and efforts.

Spouse

Nitin Kapoor

(1985 - present) 2 children

Trivia

Has starred in over 225 Telugu films in her entire career and had 25 films released in a single year.

Niece of actress and director Vijaya Nirmala.

Even though Telugu is her mother tongue, she never learned to read or write Telugu because she was born in Madras where Tamil and English are taught in schools. She acted in 225 Telugu films by having people read lines to her, and she would remember and deliver her lines.

She married actor Jeetendra's cousin, a film producer named Nitin Kapoor, in 1985, claiming that it was their mutual love of cricket that made them close.

Vijaya Nirmala convinced Jayasudha's disapproving father to let the stage-struck girl act in films, and that she personally would take care of her, and he finally relented.

She claims that when she was a child, she was a very bad student and was only interested in films, dance, and cricket.

Her first son Nihar was born in 1986, and her second son Sreyanth was born in 1990.

Her sister Subhashini played supporting roles in several of Jayasudha's starrers, such as Sivaranjani (1978) and Meghasandesam (1983).

Cousin of actor Naresh (son of Vijaya Nirmala).

Personal Quotes

To be very frank, I have a lot of fears in my mind. But when I pray to God, I feel at peace with myself. If you believe in God, I feel you can communicate with him. I don't know about the others but I can.

When I first started acting, it was a profession that was looked down upon. I also felt stupid dancing in the middle of the road and holding a hero who was as old as my father. In those days, all the heroes were very old. I didn't like that. I used to feel, 'How can a 17-year-old fall in love with a man who is as old as her father?' I wanted to fall in love with someone who was my age! I was crazy about cricketers and I wanted to marry one.

I have always been termed a serious person right from my childhood though I was a bit of a tomboy in school. I do not like artificiality in life and those who pretend to be what they are actually not.

I have many friends in the film industry like Raadhika, Revathy, and Jayapradha. Of them Jayapradha is my close friend. She was always my competitor but we are always friends. Even when a good role is offered to me in the same project we worked together and she never cribbed about it. We get along very well without any jealous feelings.

I always enjoyed my acting career. I was always recognized as a performance oriented heroine. I was always considered as the girl next door and loved. I was taken into the films that have two heroines. When either Sridevi or Jayapradha are considered for glamor role, it was me who was called up for the other performance heroine role.

Filmography

1. Velayudham (2011) - Tamil film
2. Kalavaramaye Madilo
3. Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008)
4. Kalidasu (2008)
5. Raksha (2008)
6. Parugu (2008)
7. Vijaya Dasami (2007)
8. "Photo"
9. Bommarillu (2006)
10. Style (2006)
11. Balu (2005)
12. Vishnu (2003)
13. Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2003)
14. Fools (2003)
15. Ammaye Navvithe (2001)
16. Ishtam (2001 film) (Malayalam film)
17. Thavasi (2001) - Tamil film
18. Chinna (2001)
19. Alaipayuthey (2000) - Tamil film
20. Kante Koothurne Kanu (2000)
21. Yuvakudu (2000)
22. Sooryavansham (1999) (as Jaya Kapoor)
23. Raayalaseema Ramanna Choudhary
24. Daddy Daddy (1998)
25. Anthimanthaarai (1996)
26. Deyyam (1996)
27. Money Money (1995)
28. Rikshavodu (1995)
29. Bangaru Kutumbam(1994)
30. Shrinatha Kavi Sarvabhowma(1993)
31. Sarovaram (1993)
32. Inspector Jhansi (1993)
33. Akka Pettanam Chelleli Kapuram (1993)
34. Money (1993)
35. Aunty
36. Pellala Rajyam
37. Thodi Kodallu
38. Pandiyan (1992) - Tamil film
39. Repati koduku
40. Chillara Mogudu Allari Koduku
41. Aasthi mooredu aasa baaredu
42. Jeevitha khaidi
43. Doragaariki Donga pellam (Guest Appearance)
44. Kali kaalam
45. Vijay (1989)
46. Naa Mogudu Naake Sontham (1989)
47. Vontari Poratam (1989)
48. Raogari Illu (1988)
49. Bharyabhartala Bandam (1988)
50. Kanchana Seeta (1988)
51. Sardar Dharmanna (1987)
52. Aatma Bandhuvulu (1987)
53. Magadheerudu (1986)
54. Aadi Dampathulu (1986)
55. Dharma Peetam Daddarillindi (1986)
56. Muddula Manavaraalu (1986)
57. Tandra Paparayudu (1986)
58. Andarikante Monagadu (1985)
59. Edadugula Bandham (1985)
60. Maha Sangramam (1985)
61. Mangalya Balam (1985)
62. Palnati Simham (1985)
63. Thirugubatu (1985)
64. Bharatamlo Sankharavam (1984)
65. Bharyamani (1984)
66. Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)
67. Dandayatra (1984)
68. Iddaru Dongalu (1984)
69. Jagan (1984)
70. Yuddham (1984)
71. Zakhmi Sher (1984)
72. Trisulam (1983)
73. Amayakudu Kadhu Asadhyudu (1983)
74. Lanke Bindelu (1983)
75. Meghasandesam (1983)
76. Poratham (1983)
77. Raj Kumar (1983)
78. Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu (1983)
79. Gruha Pravesam (1982)
80. Anuraga Devatha (1982)
81. Madhura Swapnam (1982)
82. Naa Desam (1982)
83. Nipputho Chelagatam (1982)
84. Raga Deepam (1982)
85. Yuvaraju (1982)
86. Aadavallu Meeku Joharulu (1981)
87. Agni Poolu (1981)
88. Illalu (1981)
89. Premaabhishekam (1981)
90. Prema Tarangalu (1980)
91. Edantastulameda (1980)
92. Gajadonga (1980)
93. Gopala Krishnudu (1980)
94. Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980)
95. Sreevari Muchatlu (1980)
96. Idi Katha Kaadu (1979)
97. Andamaina Anubhavam (1979)
98. Driver Ramudu (1979)
99. Ninaithale Inikkum (1979)
100. Intinti Ramayanam (1979)
101. Judagadu (1979)
102. Kalyani (1979)
103. Mande Gundelu (1979)
104. Muddula Koduku (1979)
105. Shivamettina Satyam (1979)
106. Pattakathi Bhairvan (1979) - Tamil film
107. Shri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam (1979) .... Goddess Lakshmi
108. Yugandhar (1979)
109. Pranam Kareedu (1978)
110. Kalanthakulu (1978)
111. Katakatala Rudraiah (1978)
112. KD No. 1 (1978)
113. Lawyer Vishwanath (1978)
114. Sivaranjani (1978)
115. Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1978)
116. Aaina (1977) - Hindi film - Usha G. Shastri
117. Aame Katha (1977)
118. Adavi Ramudu (1977)
119. Amaradeepam (1977)
120. Gadasu Pillodu (1977)
121. Gadusu Ammayi (1977)
122. MallePuvvu (1977)
123. Premalekhalu (1977)
124. Jyothi (1976)
125. Alludochhadu (1976)
126. Mangalyaniki Maromudi (1976)
127. Monagadu (1976)
128. Raju Vedale (1976)
129. Secretary (1976)
130. Apoorva Raagangal (1975) - Tamil film
131. Soggadu (1975)
132. Thangathile Vairam (1975) - Tamil film
133. Melnaatu Marumagal (1975) - Tamil film
134. Pattikaatu Raja (1974) - Tamil film
135. Vellikhizhamai Viratham (1974) - Tamil film
136. Tirapathi (1974)
137. Nanna Avanillai (1974) - Tamil film
138. Sollathan Ninaikkiren (1973) - Tamil film
139. Bharatha Vilas (1973) - Tamil film
140. Arangetram (1973) - Tamil film
141. Pandanti Kapuram (1972)

Producer:

1. Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990)

Awards

Filmfare Awards South

• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Jyothi (1976)
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Aame Katha (1977)
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Grihapravesam (1982)
• Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) - Premabhishekam(1983)
• Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award (Telugu) for Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2004)^[8]
• Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award (Telugu) for Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008)
• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award - South (2010)

[edit] Nandi Awards

• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Jyothi (1975)
• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Aame Katha (1977)
• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Idi Katha Kaadu (1979)
• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Premabhishekam (1981)
• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Meghasandesam (1982)
• Nandi Award for Best Actress for Dharmatmudu (1983)

Other Awards

• Kalasagar Award as Best Actress for Meghasandesam (1982)
• Pride of Indian Cinema Award (2007)^[9]
• Andhra Pradesh Cinegoer's Association-Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)^[10]
•