Kavitha Ranjini, known by the stage name Urvashi, is an Indian actress, dubbing artist, television host, scriptwriter and producer known for her works in the Southern film industry, predominantly in Malayalam and Tamil films.[1] She has acted in more than 700 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.
She started her acting career as a child artist, in a Malayalam movie Kathirmandapam, released in 1979.[2] Her first released film as heroine was Mundhanai Mudichu (Tamil, directed by K. Bhagyaraj) in 1983.[3] [4] She was a prominent lead actress of the 1980s and 1990s, primarily in Malayalam Films.[2] She has written the films Ulsavamelam and Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu, the latter was also produced by her. She won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Achuvinte Amma (2005), which was her comeback film after a hiatus of 6 years.[5] She has won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress a record five times, which includes three consecutive wins from 1989 to 1991. She has also received two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.[6]
Urvashi was born to popular drama actors Chavara V. P. Nair and Vijayalakshmi in Sooranad in Kollam district of Kerala .Her elder sisters are actors Kalaranjini and Kalpana.[7] She married actor Manoj K. Jayan on 2 May 1998, which ended in divorce in 2008.[8] [9]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Kathirmandapam[10] | Child artist | ||
| Sayoojyam | Child artist | Song Scene | ||
| Sikharangal | Child artist | |||
| 1980 | Dwik Vijayam | Dance Student | ||
| 1982 | Yaagam | |||
| Snehasammanam | Unreleased | |||
| 1983 | Hello Madras Girl | Latha | ||
| 1984 | Ethirppukal | Sudha | First lead role | |
| 1985 | Ente Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude Chakki | Thulasi | ||
| Nirakkoottu[11] | Sasikala | |||
| Daivatheorthu | Nani | |||
| Pathamudayam | Valsala | |||
| Karimpinpoovinakkare[12] | Chandrika | |||
| 1986 | Yuvajanotsavam | Sindhu | ||
| Sunil Vayassu 20 | Premalatha | |||
| Mizhineerpoovukal[13] | Aswathy | |||
| Sukhamo Devi[14] | Devi | |||
| Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku | Rajani | |||
| Manasilloru Manimuthu | Radhika | |||
| Desatanakkili Karayarilla | Devika | |||
| Onnu Randu Moonnu | Indu | |||
| Moonnu Masagalkku Munpu | Raji | |||
| Nandi Veendum Varika | Devayani | |||
| 1987 | Adimakal Udamakal | Indu | ||
| New Delhi | Uma | |||
| Agni Muhurtham | Sudha | |||
| Kottum Kuravayum | Annie | |||
| Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormakku | Sophie | |||
| Naalkkavala | Amina | |||
| Irupatham Noottandu | Jyothi | |||
| Swargam | Latha | |||
| 1988 | Anuragi | Leelamma | ||
| Mukthi | Sudharma | |||
| Mattoral | Veni | |||
| Padamudra | Lakshmi | |||
| Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu | Snehalatha | |||
| Simon Peter Ninakku Vendin | Alice Simon | |||
| Oru CBI Diary Kurippu | Annie | |||
| Abkari | Sridevi | |||
| 1 August | Valsala | |||
| 1921 | Thulasi | |||
| Thanthram | Susanna | |||
| 1989 | Pandu Pandoru Deshathu | |||
| Varnatheru | Asha | |||
| Swagatham | Philomina Francis | |||
| New Year | Rekha | |||
| Akshrathettu | Sumathi | |||
| Mazhavil Kavadi | Anandavalli | First State Award | ||
| Chakkikotha Chankaran | Roshney | |||
| Adikkurippu | Geetha | |||
| Mrigaya | Annamma | |||
| 1990 | Varthamanakalam | Arundhathi Menon | First State Award | |
| Noottonnu Raavukal | Sudha | |||
| Nammude Naadu | Bindu | |||
| Vyuham | Lakshmi | |||
| Kuttettan | Rose Mary | |||
| Marupuram | Retna | |||
| Veena Meettiya Vilangukal | Geetha | |||
| Thoovalsparsham | Maya | |||
| Thalayanamanthram | Kanchana | Second State Award | ||
| Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan | Chandrika | |||
| Kouthuka Varthakal | Aswathy | |||
| Lal Salam | Annamma | |||
| Arhatha | Aswathy | |||
| 1991 | Vishnulokam | Kasthoori | ||
| Souhridham | Shiny | |||
| Mukha Chithram | Savithrikutty/Lakshmikutty | Third State Award | ||
| Kakkathollayiram | Revathy | |||
| Kadinjool Kalyanam | Hrudayakumari | |||
| Chanchattam | Yamuna | |||
| Bharatham | Devi | Third State Award | ||
| Kanalkkattu | Aasha | |||
| Koodikazhcha | Alice | |||
| Inspector Balram | Preethi Krishna Mathur | |||
| Bhoomika | Radha | |||
| 1992 | Utsava Melam | Kanaka Prabha | Story | |
| Thiruthalvaadi | Lathika | |||
| Soorya Gayathri | Rugmini | |||
| Snehasagaram | Treesa | |||
| Simhadhwani | Jayasree | |||
| Sathyapathijna | Sreekutty | |||
| Ponnaramthottathe Rajavu | Radhika | |||
| My Dear Muthachan | Clara | |||
| Malootty | Raji | |||
| Ente Ponnu Thampuran | Kavitha | |||
| Aparatha | Prabha | |||
| Ardram | Mary | |||
| Aham | Renjini | |||
| Yodha | Damayanthi | |||
| Kizhakkan Pathrose | Chala Mary | |||
| 1993 | Venkalam | Thankamani | ||
| Sthreedhanam | Vidhya | |||
| Narayam | Gayathri | |||
| Mithunam | Sulochana | |||
| Koushalam | Maya Devi | |||
| Kalippattam | Saroja | |||
| Injakkadan Mathai & Sons | Sherley | |||
| Ithu Manju Kaalam | Aswathy and Revathy | Dual role | ||
| Aayirappara | Parvathy | |||
| Palayam | Jancy | |||
| 1994 | Sukham Sukhakaram | Susie | ||
| Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Bhagyarekha/Sujatha | Writer & Producer | ||
| Kudumba Visesham | Geetha | |||
| The City | Dr. Jyothy | |||
| Bharya | Shailaja | |||
| 1995 | Thovalapookkal | Chempakam | ||
| Spadikam | Thulasi | |||
| Simhavalan Menon | Geethanjali | |||
| 1996 | Kazhakam | Radha | ||
| 1997 | Kottapurathe Koottukudumbam | Sree Devi | ||
| Janadhipathyam | Indira Menon | |||
| 1999 | Garshom | Noorja | Film Council Award | |
| Aayiram Meni | Alice | |||
| Niram | Herself | Archive footage | ||
| 2005 | Achuvinte Amma | K. P. Vanaja | National Award, Amritha TV Award & Film Council Award | |
| 2006 | Madhuchandralekha | Chandramathi | Fifth State Award | |
| 2007 | Ayur Rekha | Alice | Extended cameo | |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Herself | Archive footage Uncredited cameo | |
| 2009 | Bharya Swantham Suhruthu | Molly | ||
| 2010 | Mummy & Me | Clara | ||
| Sakudumbam Shyamala | Minister Shyamala Vasudevan | |||
| Best of Luck | Thamara | |||
| 2011 | Ponnu Kondoru Aalroopam | Molly | ||
| Kadhayile Nayika | Nandhini | |||
| Maharaja Talkies | Vimala | |||
| 2012 | Lumiere Brothers | Herself | Archive footage | |
| Lakshmivilasam Renuka Makan Raghuraman | Renuka | |||
| Manjadikuru | Sujatha | |||
| 2014 | My Dear Mummy | Katrina | ||
| 2016 | Vismayam | Lakshmi | Partially reshot version of Manamantha | |
| 2018 | Aravindante Athidhikal[15] | Girija | ||
| Ente Ummante Peru | Aisha | |||
| 2019 | Swarnamalsyangal | Herself | Archive footage | |
| 2020 | Dhamaka | Annamma | ||
| Varane Avashyamund[16] | Dr. Sherly | Extended Cameo | ||
| 2021 | Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan | Rathnamma | Released on Disney+ Hotstar | |
| 2023 | Charles Enterprises | Gomati | [17] | |
| Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962 | Mrinalini teacher | [18] | ||
| Sheela | ||||
| 2024 | Iyer in Arabia | Jansi Rani | [19] | |
| Ullozhukku | Leelamma | [20] | ||
| Her | Santha | Released on ManoramaMAX [21] < | -- filming has begun as verified by a reliable source. --> |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Mundhanai Mudichu | Parimalam | |
| Apoorva Sahodarigal | Rosy | ||
| 1984 | Dhavani Kanavugal | Film actress | |
| Komberi Mookan | Priya | ||
| Nerupukkul Eeram | Ganga | ||
| Oh Maane Maane | Stella | ||
| Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | Latha | ||
| Anbe Odi Vaa | Seetha | ||
| Ezhuthatha Sattangal | Meena | ||
| Vai Pandal | Santhi | ||
| Vengaiyin Mainthan | Yamuna | ||
| Oorukku Upadesam | Janaki & Madhavi | ||
| Shanthi Mugurtham | Santhi | ||
| Neram Nalla Neram | Vadivu | ||
| Vellai Pura Ondru | Padma | ||
| Maaman Machaan | Shanthi | ||
| Ninaivukal Maraivathillai | |||
| 1985 | Andha Oru Nimidam | Vasanthi | |
| Aduthathu Albert | Radha | ||
| Naam Iruvar | Ratha | ||
| Oru Malarin Payanam | Kalyani | ||
| Raja Yuvaraja | Meena | ||
| Deivapiravi | Lalitha | ||
| Panam Pathum Seyyum | Jayanthi | ||
| 1986 | Thodarum Uravu | Julie | |
| Kaidhiyin Theerpu | Stella & Preethi | ||
| Machakaran | |||
| 1987 | Paruva Ragam | Rohini | Guest appearance |
| 1988 | Patti Sollai Thattathe | Seetha | |
| 1989 | Idhu Unga Kudumbam | Janaki | |
| Paasa Mazhai | Gomathi | ||
| 1990 | Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Tiruppurasundari | |
| Pengal Veettin Kanngal | Raadha | ||
| 1991 | Mookuthi Poo Meley | Latha Ramakrishnan | |
| 1994 | Subramaniya Swamy | Amudha | |
| Magalir Mattum | Janaki | State Award | |
| Veera Padhakkam | Vishalakshi | ||
| Vanaja Girija | Chellamma | ||
| 1995 | Naan Petha Magane | Uma Maheswari | |
| Mayabazar | Sujatha (Suji) / Mayamma | ||
| Ayudha Poojai | Vasantha | ||
| Thaikulame Thaikulame | Janaki | ||
| Pullakuttikaaran | Azhagu | Critics Award | |
| 1996 | Aruva Velu | Maruthayi | |
| Irattai Roja | Uma | Filmfare Award | |
| Vetri Vinayagar | Ponni | ||
| 1997 | Ettupatti Rasa | Palaniyamma | |
| Mannava | Sinthamani | ||
| Aravindhan | Gayathri | ||
| Vasuki | Vasuki / Kodeeswari | ||
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Arivolimangai | |
| Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa | Padmini | ||
| Viralukketha Veekkam | Gayatri | ||
| Kummi Paattu | Kamakshi | ||
| 2001 | Sigamani Ramamani | Ramamani | |
| 2002 | Panchathantiram | Ammini | |
| Game | Janaki | ||
| Thamizh | Kalaiselvi | ||
| 2003 | Three Roses | Chandralekha | |
| Thennavan | Pushpalatha | ||
| Success | Radha | ||
| Thaaye Bhuvaneswari | Parvathi | Partially reshot version of Vijayadasami | |
| 2005 | Anbe Aaruyire | Maami | |
| 2006 | Desiya Paravai | Malini | |
| 2007 | Malaikottai | Kamala | |
| Kalakkura Chandru | Host | ||
| 2009 | Siva Manasula Sakthi | Kalyani | Edison Film Award |
| Vaamanan | Divya's mother | ||
| Peranmai | Victoria | ||
| 2010 | Manmadan Ambu | Mallika | |
| 2011 | Doo | Vasanth's mother | |
| Venghai | Thangam | ||
| Vedi | Dr. Radha Jeyachandran | ||
| 2013 | Vanakkam Chennai | Chandra | |
| 2014 | Un Samayal Arayil | Chechi | |
| Vizhi Moodi Yosithaal | KG's mother | ||
| Pechiyakka Marumagan | Pechiyakka | Unreleased | |
| 2015 | Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum | Vasanth's mother | |
| Uthama Villain | Varalakshmi | ||
| Savaale Samaali | Urvashi | ||
| Inji Iduppazhagi | Rajeswari | ||
| India Pakistan | Kathik's mother | ||
| 2016 | Adida Melam | Annapoorniyamma | |
| Unnodu Ka | Rajalatchumi | ||
| Pencil | Rajeshwari | ||
| Vaaimai | Narayani | ||
| Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum | Pavithra's mother | ||
| Bayam Oru Payanam | Abhinaya's mother | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Gomathi Gopalakrishnan | ||
| 2017 | Shivalinga | Arasuvai Annalakshmi | |
| Magalir Mattum | Gomatha | ||
| Palli Paruvathile | Kalai's mother | ||
| 2018 | Koothan | Kalairasi | |
| 2019 | Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 | Chakra Mahadevi | |
| Pottu | Mohana | ||
| 2020 | Putham Pudhu Kaalai | Lakshmi Krishnan | Released on Amazon Prime Segment: Ilamai Idho Idho |
| Soorarai Pottru | Pechi | Released on Amazon Prime | |
| Mookuthi Amman | Paalthangam[22] | Released on Disney+ Hotstar | |
| Thiruvalar Panjangam | Interviewer | ||
| 2021 | Murungakkai Chips | Shanthi's aunt | |
| 2022 | Idiot | Parimalam | |
| Veetla Vishesham | Krishnaveni | ||
| 2023 | Ghosty | Aadhi | [23] |
| Yosi | Doctor Sathya | [24] | |
| Yaanai Mugathaan | Malliga | [25] | |
| Kasethan Kadavulada | Sharadha | [26] [27] | |
| Appatha | Kannamma | Urvashi's 700th film[28] | |
| 2024 | J Baby | J Baby | [29] |
| Andhagan | Sarasu | [30] | |
| Emakku Thozhil Romance | Bakkiyam | [31] | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Nyaya Neethi Dharma | |||
| Akhanda Brahmacharigalu | ||||
| 1982 | Shankar Sundar | |||
| 1984 | Shravana Banthu | Urvashi/Mary/Saraswathi | ||
| 1985 | Naanu Nanna Hendthi | Urvashi | ||
| Shabash Vikram | Gayatri | |||
| 1986 | Sathya Jyothi | Sujatha | ||
| Ee Jeeva Ninagagi | Rohini | |||
| 1987 | Anthima Ghatta | Sunitha | ||
| Premaloka | Rohini | |||
| 1988 | New Delhi | Uma | ||
| 31 December | Radha | |||
| 1996 | Jeevanadhi | Dr.Priyadarshini | ||
| 1999 | Habba | Ambi's wife | ||
| 2000 | Yaarige Saluthe Sambala | Suguna | ||
| 2001 | Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu | Alamelu | ||
| 2003 | Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu | Urmila | ||
| Vijaya Dashami | Parvathy | |||
| 2005 | Rama Shama Bhama | Bhamamani | ||
| 2008 | Nee Tata Naa Birla | Cook Draupathi | ||
| Arjun | Vishalakshi Jayasimha | |||
| 2009 | Iniya | Kamala | ||
| Raaj the Showman | Herself | Special appearance | ||
| 2010 | Preethi Hangama | Police Inspector | ||
| 2012 | Golmal Gayathri | Gayathri | ||
| 2014 | Brahma | |||
| Oggarane | Beautician | |||
| 2015 | Ram-Leela | Baby | ||
| 2016 | Shivalinga | Anusooya | ||
| Jaggu Dada | Jaggu Dada's mother | [32] | ||
| 2018 | Sur Sur Batti | Baddi Gowramma | ||
| Rowdy Fellow | ||||
| Aba Jaba Daba |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Rustum | Padma | ||
| Ammayiloo! Preminchandi | Film actress | Partially reshot version of Dhavani Kanavugal | ||
| Udhdhandudu | ||||
| 1985 | Kala Rudrudu | |||
| Bhale Thammudu | Latha | |||
| 1986 | Jeevana Poratam | Mallika | ||
| Vetagallu[33] | Radha | |||
| 1988 | Anthima Theerpu | Uma | ||
| 1989 | Chettu Kinda Pleader | Sujatha | ||
| 1998 | Padutha Theeyaga | Durga | [34] | |
| 2000 | Vijayaramaraju | Rani/Sirisha | ||
| 2002 | Sandade Sandadi | Lakshmi | ||
| Allari Ramudu | Collector | |||
| 2004 | Intlo Srimathi Veedhilo Kumari | Anjali Murthy | ||
| Swarabhishekam | Rukminiamma | |||
| 2005 | Chakram | Lakshmi | ||
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | Durga | ||
| 2014 | Ulavacharu Biryani | Beautician | ||
| 2015 | Jil | Jai's aunt | ||
| Size Zero | Rajeswari | |||
| 2016 | Express Raja | Vasanthakokila (Uthaman's mother) | ||
| Sardaar Gabbar Singh | Madhumati | |||
| Manamantha | Lakshmi | |||
| 2019 | Oh! Baby | Sulochana | ||
| Raju Gari Gadhi 3 | Rajamatha | |||
| 2022 | Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu | Padmamma | ||
| 2023 | Anni Manchi Sakunamule | Jagadamba |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | New Delhi | Uma | ||
| 1992 | Azma Ghar Dhekho |
| Year | Title | Role | Voice to | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Nandanam | Janaki | Kalarenjini | Malayalam |
| 2010 | Drohi | Shruthi | Poonam Bajwa | Tamil |
| 2018 | Itly | Lilly |
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Utsavamelam | Story Writer | Malayalam | |
| 1994 | Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | |||
| Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Producer | |||
| Paatta Bhasthi | Story Writer | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Mayabazaar 1995 | Singer | Tamil | Song-"Oru Oorile" |
| 2017 | Magalir Mattum | Song-"Carratu Pottazhaga" |
| Year | Program | Channel | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asianet Channel | Asianet | Promo anchor | Malayalam | Ad | |
| Veetukku Veetukku Looty | Jaya TV | Maya | Tamil | Serial | |
| 1999 | Panchami | Sun TV | Nirmala Joshi | Horror Serial | |
| 2000 | Dr. Vidya | DD Podhigai | Actress | Serial | |
| 2001–2002 | Atthamma | Gemini TV | Annapoorani | Telugu | |
| 2002 | Take It Easy Urvashi | Raj TV | Anchor | Tamil | |
| 2003 | Bhagyalakshmi | Kairali TV | Malayalam | ||
| 2006–2007 | Swarnamazha | Surya TV | |||
| 2007 | Super Star Global | Amrita TV | Judge | ||
| 2007 | Thanga Vettai | Sun TV | Anchor | Tamil | Replaced Ramya Krishnan |
| 2008–2011 | Rani Maharani | Surya TV | Malayalam | season 1–4 | |
| 2010 | Mammootty The Best Actor Award | Asianet | Judge | ||
| 2010 | Munch Star singer Junior | ||||
| 2011 | Bhima Jewels Comedy Festival | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| 2011 | Thiru Thirumathi | Jaya TV | Anchor | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Mummy & Me | Surya TV | Malayalam | ||
| 2012–2013 | Comedy Festival 2 | Mazhavil Manorama | Judge | ||
| 2013, 2019 | Comedy Stars | Asianet | |||
| 2013 | Champions | Surya TV | Celebrity Judge | ||
| 2013–2014 | Crazy Couple | Zee Kannada | Anchor | Kannada | |
| 2014 | Star Challenge | Surya TV | Participant | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Back to School | Star Vijay | Tamil | ||
| 2015–2017 | Jeevitham Sakshi | Kairali TV | Anchor | Malayalam | Replaced Sheela |
| 2015–2016 | Bhairavi Aavigalukku Priyamanaval | Sun TV | Komalla | Tamil | Serial |
| 2016, 2018 | Comedy Utsavam | Flowers TV | Judge | Malayalam | |
| 2017 | Komady Circus | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| Laughing Villa Season 2 | Surya TV | ||||
| Vamsam | Sun TV | Sundari | Tamil | Serial | |
| 2018 | Flowers TV | Celebrity Judge | Malayalam | ||
| Urvasi Theatres | Asianet | Herself/Mentor | |||
| Thakarppan Comedy | Mazhavil Manorama | Judge | |||
| 2019 | Thirumanam | Colors Tamil | Marriage counselor | Tamil | Serial (Special appearance) |
| 2020–2021 | Comedy Stars Season 2 | Asianet | Judge | Malayalam | |
| 2022 | Oru Chiri Iruchiri Bumper Chiri | Mazhavil Manorama | |||
| 2023 | Entamma Super aa | Grand finale jury |
| Year | Program | Channel | Role | Language | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alli Darbar | Kavithalaya | Herself | Tamil | |||
| Nere Chovve | Manorama News | Malayalam | ||||
| Ennile Njan | ACV | |||||
| Samagamam | Amrita TV | |||||
| 2013 | Jeevitham Ithuvare | Jaihind | ||||
| 2017 | Lal Salam | Amrita TV | ||||
| 2017 | JB Junction | Kairali TV | ||||
| 2015, 2017 | Comedy Super Nite | Flowers TV | ||||
| 2017 | Badai Bungalow | Asianet | ||||
| 2018 | Onnum Onnum Moonu | Mazhavil Manorama | ||||
| Tharapakittu | Kaumudy TV | |||||
| Morning Show | Media One | |||||
| I Personally | Kappa TV | |||||
| Aravindante Athithi Urvashi | Kairali We | |||||
| Rowspan=2 | 2019 | Colors Comedy Nights | colors tamil | Tamil | ||
| Nalla Best Family | Flowers TV | Malayalam | ||||
| 2020 | Bigg Boss (Tamil season 4) | Star Vijay | Guest | Tamil | Special wish video for Rekha in the opening episode | |
| 2024 | Bigg Boss (Malayalam TV series) season 6 | Asianet | Guest | Malayalam | Movie promotion[35] |