Sumithra
Biography
Sumithra is an Indian actress born in Thrissur, Kerala. Her birth date is cited as September 18, 1948, in some records and September 18, 1953, in others. Known professionally by the stage name Sumithra, she has established a career spanning multiple South Indian film industries. Throughout her professional life, she has appeared in films produced in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. With 123 known acting credits, she is recognized for her versatility across these regional cinemas. In the later stages of her career, specifically following the 1990s, she became well known for portraying maternal roles in various film productions.
Career overview
Sumithra began her journey in the world of cinema during the late 1960s. She quickly emerged as a prominent figure within the South Indian film industry, building a substantial body of work that encompasses a wide variety of roles across four major regional languages. Her filmography reflects a long-standing presence in the industry, with credits spanning several decades of production. Among her notable film appearances are roles in the 1978 film Nizhal Nijamakirathu, the 2014 film Brahma, and the 2022 film Valimai. These titles represent the breadth of her career, which has evolved from her early work to her more recent contributions to contemporary cinema.
Following the 1990s, Sumithra transitioned into playing mother figures, a shift that defined much of her later professional reputation. This change in character type allowed her to remain a consistent and recognizable presence in regional film. Her ability to adapt to different linguistic markets, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, has contributed to her longevity as an actress. With 123 known credits, she maintains a significant footprint in Indian film history, continuing to work in the industry well into the 21st century.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Rajamartanda (2023)
- Valimai (2022) as Lakshmi
- Singa Paarvai (2021)
- Rajavamsam (2021)
- Entha Manchivaadavuraa (2020) as Lakshminarayana's wife
- Kennedy Club (2019)
- Ammammagarillu (2018)
- Saamy² (2018) as Bhuvana's Mother
- Chamak (2017)
- Si 3 (2017) as Kalyani Soundarapandi
- Tarak (2017) as Actor
- Muthina Kathirika (2016)
- Boxer (2015)
- Chandra (2014) as Lalitha
- Veeram (2014)
- Aryan (2014)
- Thirupathi Express (2014) as Lakshmi
- Singam 2 (2013) as Kalyani Soundarapandi
- Myna (2013)
- Chingari (2012)
- Boss (2011)
- Singam (2010) as Kalyani Soundarapandi
- Nagavalli (2010)
- Gokula (2009)
- Veerappu (2007)
- Milana (2007) as Akash's mother
- Ajay (2006)
- Rishi (2005)
- Auto Shankar (2005)
- Allari Pidugu (2005)
- Sye (2005) as Chakri's Mother
- Pakkadmane Hudugi (2004)
- Sarvabhouma (2004)
- Saamy (2003) as Bhuvana's Mother
- Dum (2003)
- Abhi (2003)
- Neenandre Ishta (2003)
- Annavru (2003) as Surya's adopted mother
- Sri Ram (2003)
- Bala (2002)
- Appu (2002)
- Dhum (2002)
- Dhruva (2002)
- Chamundi (2000)
- Jodi (1999) as Gayathri Mother
- Kallazhagar (1999)
- Samarasimha Reddy (1999)
- Premotsava (1999)
- Ulavuthurai (1998) as Vasanth Periayasammy Mother
- Mangalyam Tantunanena (1998)
- Arasiyal (1997)
- Cheluva (1997)
- Sthree (1996)
- Maravan (1993)
- Dhuruva Natchathiram (1993)
- Airport (1993)
- Singaravelan (1992) as Parvathi
- Idhu Namma Bhoomi (1992)
- Paandi Durai (1992)
- Sriramachandra (1992)
- Guru Brahma (1992)
- Gopi Krishna (1992)
- Ente Sooryaputhrikku (1991) as Dr. Srinivas' mother
- Pillai Paasam (1991)
- Panakkaran (1990) as Bhuvaneswari
- Velai Kidaichuruchu (1990)
- Bobbili Raja (1990) as Rajyalakshmi
- Doshi Nirdoshi (1990)
- Geethanjali (1989) as Prakash's mother
- Sattathin Thirappu Vizhaa (1989)
- Agni Natchathiram (1988) as Susheela
- Rudraveena (1988) as Gayathri
- Mappillai Sir (1988) as Mary
- Mr. Raja (1987)
- Thrimoorthulu (1987)
- Michael Raj (1987)
- Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987) as Rajyam
- Veerapandiyan (1987)
- Thaye Neeye Thunai (1987)
- Karna (1986)
- Agni Parikshe (1986)
- Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram (1985)
- Azhiyatha Bandhangal (1985) as Sulochana
- Kanni Raasi (1985) as Kasthuri
- Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya (1985) as Sathi
- Akkacheyude Kunjuvava (1985)
- Yemaatrathe Yemaaraathe (1985)
- Kadamattathachan (1984) as Marykutty
- Muthodu Muthu (1984) as Malathi
- Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (1984) as Seethalakshmi
- Aarorumariyathe (1984) as Thulasi
- Manasa Veena (1984)
- Anney Anney (1983)
- Sangili (1982)
- Orey Muththam (1980)
- Makkala Sainya (1980)
- Mudhal Iravu (1979)
- Chella Kili (1979)
- Mugathil Mugam Paarkalam (1979)
- Anbe Sangeetha (1979)
- Kadavul Amaitha Medai (1979)
- Paavathin Sambalam (1978) as Stella
- Justice Gopinath (1978) as Uma
- Sonnadhu Nee Thanaa (1978)
- Nizhal Nijamagirathu (1978) as Indumathi
- Ival Oru Seethai (1978) as Janaki / Usha
- Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandhai (1978)
- Chittu Kuruvi (1978) as Chittu
- Iraivan Kodutha Varam (1978) as Parimala
- Rudhra Thaandavam (1978) as daughter of priest
- Vattathukkul Chathuram (1978) as Malathi
- Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1977)
- Raghupathi Raghavan Rajaram (1977)
- Annan Oru Koyil (1977) as Lakshmi
- Mogam Muppadhu Varusham (1976)
- Swimming Pool (1976)
- Aruthu (1976)
- Appooppan (1976)
- Avalum Penn Thaane (1974) as Seetha
- Chakravakam (1974) as Padmini
- Durga (1974) as Vasanthy
- Nirmalyam (1973) as Ammini
- Nrithasala (1972)