Jayabharathi

Jayabharathi (born 28 June 1954 as Lekshmi Bharathi) is an Indian actress and two-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and National Film Award by Special Jury Award - Special Mention. Jayabharathi's first leading role was given by director P. Bhaskaran for his movie Kattukurangu in 1969. Later, she became one of the most successful Malayalam film actresses and performed with notable leading men such as Prem Nazir, Madhu, Vincent, Jayan, M. G. Soman, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. Jayabharathi-MG Soman was a popular on-screen pair of the 1970s and early 1980s. She won the Kerala State Film Awards for her performances in various films in 1972 and Madhavikutty in 1973. One of her famous films was Rathinirvedam, directed by Bharathan, which became one of the biggest box office hits in Kerala's history. It inspires similar productions all over South India, even decades after its release. After undergoing training since the age of five under Kalamandalam Natarajan, Rajaram (a student of Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai), and Vazhuvoor Samraj Pillai, Jayabharathi entered films as a teenager. Her life revolved around film studios, dance rehearsals, and stage performances. The actress is currently busy with her dance school, Aswathi Arts Academy, which she runs from home. She is also starting another one in Coimbatore. In 2003, Jayabharathi performed in nine temples in and around Kerala.