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Shobana
Shobana in 2009
Born
Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai

(1970-03-21) 21 March 1970 (age 54)
Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Occupations
  • Actress
  • dancer
  • choreographer
Years active1980–present
Children1
Relatives
FamilyTravancore family
Awards
Websiteactressshobana.com

Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai (born 21 March 1970[1][2]); known mononymously as Shobana, is an Indian actress and Bharatanatyam dancer, who works predominantly in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil films. She is a recipient of two National Film Awards, one Kerala State Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards South. In 2011, Shobana received the Kalaimamani by Tamil Nadu Government.[3] She established herself as one of the leading South Indian actresses of her time.[4][5][6]

In a career spanning over four decades, Shobana has starred in 230 films across several languages.[7][8][7] She has earned two National Film Award for Best Actress for her performances in the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu (1993) and the English film Mitr, My Friend (2001). The former also won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.[9][10] Additionally, she received two Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for her performance in Innale (1990) and Thenmavin Kombath (1994)[11][12][13]

Shobhana is also a Bharatanatyam dancer who received her training under Chitra Visweswaran and Padma Subrahmanyam.[14] She emerged as an independent performer and choreographer in her twenties and currently runs a dance school, Kalarpana, in Chennai.[9] In 2006, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri for her contributions towards the arts.[15][16] In 2013, she received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship, also known as Kalarathna, for her contributions to the performing arts.[17] She received honorary doctorates from Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation in 2018,[18] Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute in 2019[19] and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in 2022.[20]

Personal life

[edit]

Shobana is the niece of the Travancore sisters – Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini, all of whom were Indian classical dancers and actresses.[21] Shobhana is single. In 2011, she adopted a daughter, becoming a single mother.[22][23][24]

Career

[edit]

Film career

[edit]

Shobana made her debut as a child artist. In 1980, she won the Best Child Artiste Award for her role in the Tamil movie, Mangala Nayagi, a remake of the Hindi film Saajan Bina Suhagan.[25]

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting the Padma Shri Award – 2006 to Ms. Shobana in New Delhi on 20 March 2006.

She also starred in the Telugu film Bhakta Dhruva Markendaya in 1982, an acclaimed all children film made in both Tamil and Telugu.[26][27] As an adult, she was introduced to the film industry through the Malayalam film April 18 (1984), by director Balachandra Menon. In the same year, she debuted in the Tamil film industry with Enakkul Oruvan (1984), directed by SP Muthuraman.[10] She did come back to act in occasional Tamil films opposite Satyaraj (Mallu Vetti Minor, Vaathiyar Veetu Pillai), Bhagyaraj (Ithu Namma Aalu) and Vijayakanth (Ponmana Selvan, En Kitta Mothathey) in the early 90s – these roles were generally glamorous in which Shobana generally acted as the beautiful, posh and haughty city girl who is eventually charmed by the village boy.[28]

Her other major films include Rudraveena (1988), Meleparambil Aanveedu, Kanamarayathu (1984) Ithiri Poove Chuvanna Poove, Yathra (1985), Anantaram (1987), Nadodikkattu (1987), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Idhu Namma Aalu (1988), Siva (1989), Innale (1990), Kalikkalam (1990), Thalapathi (1991), Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Thenmavin Kombath (1994), Minnaram (1994), Mazhayethum Munpe (1995), Hitler (1996), Agni Sakshi (1999), Dance like a Man (2003), Makalkku (2005), Thira (2013) and Varane Avashyamund (2020). From Aviduthe Pole Ivideyum to Upaharam, Shobana did sixteen movies in a single year, 1985.[29] Shobana also acted in the Tamil period film Kochadaiiyaan (2014).[7]

In Rudraveena (1984), alongside Mega Star Chiranjeevi, she played classical dancer Lalitha Sivajyothi, who belongs to a lower caste and is denied entry into the temple. In Abhinandana (1988), she paired with Karthik, and essayed his love interest, who aspires to become a classical dancer. In Kokila (1990), she paired with Naresh, and In Alludugaru (1990) she starred opposite Mohan Babu and was a remake of Malayalam film Chithram. 1 April Viduthala and Rowdy Gari Pellam were other Telugu films in 1991.[30]

Shobana won her first National Film Award for Best Actress in 1993 for her performance in AM Fazil's Manichitrathazhu. Her portrayal of Ganga Nakulan and alter-ego Nagavalli in the film was described by critics as "spell binding".[31]

Following her National Award win in 1993, Shobana became highly selective about her films.[32]

Classical dance career

[edit]
Shobana during a live classical dance performance

Shobana is a Bharata Natyam dancer.[33] She started her own dance school, "Kalipinya" in 1989 and got it registered in 1992.[3]

She has worked on collaborative ventures with the likes of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, Vikku Vinayakram and Mandolin Srinivas. Her recitals abroad include those at the World Malayalee convention, in the United States in 1985 and 1995, in Kuala Lumpur before the King and Queen of Malaysia, numerous cities in the United States, Europe, South East Asia and Australia.[34] Shobana started performing in the Soorya Music & Dance festival organised by Soorya Krishnamoorthy from the year 1994.[35]

In 1994, Shobana founded a school for classical dance Bharatanatyam in Chennai named Kalarpana.[36]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

Malayalam

[edit]
List of Malayalam film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1984 April 18 Sobhana Debut in lead role
Kanamarayathu Sherly
Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove Subhadra
Alakadalinakkare Daisy
1985 Avidathe Pole Ivideyum Sujatha
Vasantha Sena Merlin
Thozhil Allengil Jail Jalaja
Akkacheyude Kunjuvava Mridula
Meenamasathile Sooryan Revathi
Azhiyatha Bandhangal Geetha
Eeran Sandhya Prabha
Thammil Thammil Kavitha
Anubandham Vijayalakshmi
Ee Thanalil Ithiri Nerum Soudamini
Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam Sharada
Ayanam Alice
Yathra Thulasi
Rangam Chandrika
Oru Naal Innoru Naal Rajani
Upaharam Maggie Fernandez
1986 Udayam Padinjaru Renu
T. P. Balagopalan M. A. Anitha
Kunjattakilikal Usha
Iniyum Kurukshethram Lekha
Aayiram Kannukal Anu
Ente Entethu Mathrem Ambili
Abhayam Thedi Meera/Miranda
Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku Indu
Aalorungi Arangorungi Geetha
Nyayavidhi Geetha
Ee Kaikalil Viji Balakrishnan
Padayani Radha
Chilambu Ambika
Rareeram Meera
1987 Vrutham Nancy
Nadodikattu Radha
Ithrayum Kaalam Savithri
Kalam Mari Katha Mari Ummu Kolzu
Anantaram Suma, Nalini
Naalkavala Sainabha
1988 Vicharana Anitha
Vellanakalude Nadu Radha
Janmandharam Sridevi
Aryan Aswathy
Aparan Ambili
Dhwani Devi
Oru Vivaada Vishayam Shobha
Alila Kuruvikal Bhavana
Mukthi Radhika
1989 Charithram Cicily
1990 Innale Maya/Gowri
Iyer the Great Amala
Sasneham Saraswathi
Kalikkalam Annie
1991 Vasthuhara Young Bhavani
Ulladakkam Annie
Adayalam Malini
Kankettu Sujatha
1992 Oru Kochu Bhoomikulukkam Indu
Naaga Panchami Panchami
Pappayude Swantham Appoos Bhama
1993 Maya Mayuram Bhadra
Meleparambil Aanveedu Pavizham
Golanthara Vartha Lekha
Manichitrathazhu Ganga/Nagavalli
1994 Pavithram Meera
Commissioner Indu Kurup
Thenmavin Kombathu Karthumbi
Pakshe Nandini Menon
Minnaram Neena
Vishnu Susanna Mathews
Manathe Vellitheru Merlin
1995 Sindoora Rekha Arundhathi
Mazhayethum Munpe Uma Maheshwari
Minnaminuginum Minnukettu Radhika
1996 Kumkumacheppu Indu
Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum Alli
Rajaputhran Veni
Hitler Gowri
1997 Superman Nithya
Kalyana Kacheri Gopika
Kaliyoonjal Gowri
1999 Agni Sakshi Devaki Manampalli
2000 Sradha Suma
Valliettan Devi
2004 Mambazhakkalam Indira
2005 Makalkku Killeri
2009 Sagar alias Jacky Reloaded Indu
2013 Thira Dr. Rohini Pranab
2020 Varane Avashyamund Neena
2025 Thudarum † TBA Filming[37]

Telugu

[edit]
List of Telugu film credits
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1982 Bhakta Dhruva Markandeya Sunithi Devi Children's film
1984 Marchandi Mana Chattalu Uma
1985 Marana Sasanam Lalitha
1986 Srimathi Kanuka Padma
Vijrumbhana Shobha
Vikram Radha
Dagudu Moothalu Radha
Asthram Padmini
1987 Muddula Manavudu Hemalatha
Manavadostunnaadu Roopa
Ajeyudu Rekha
Muvva Gopaladu Krishna veni
Trimurtulu Latha
1988 Rudraveena Lalita Shiva Jyoti [30]
Abhinandana Rani [30]
Praja Pratinidhi Bharathi
1990 Paapa Kosam Swapna
Nari Nari Naduma Murari Shobha
Kokila Kokila
Shourya chakra Bharathi
Neti Siddhartha Jyoti
Alludugaru Kalyani
1991 April 1st Vidudhala Bhuvaneshwari [30]
Appula Appa Rao Subba Laxmi
Rowdy Gaari Pellam Janaki
Minor Raja Santhana Lakshmi
Manchi Roju Padma
Rowdy Alludu Sita
Alludu Diddina Kapuram Sita
Keechu Raallu Monica
1992 Ahankari Shobana
Asadhyulu Jyoti
Champion Sandhya
Hello Darling Bharathi
Sivaratri Gayatrhi
Gangwar Pavithra
1993 Rowdy Gaari Teacher Malli
Naga Jyoti Naga rani
Kannayya Kittayya Saroja
Nippu Ravva Guest appearance in a song
Rendilla Poojari Radha
Rakshana Padma
1997 Surya Putrulu Ragini
2006 Game Uma
2024 Kalki 2898 AD Mariam Also sung the song "Theme of Shambala"

Tamil

[edit]
List of Tamil film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1980 Mangala Nayagi Herself Child artist
Manmatha Ragangal Herself Child artist
1984 Enakkul Oruvan Kalpana
1985 Marudhani Marudhani
1988 Oray Thaai Oray Kulam Easwari
Kadhal Geetham Rani
Idhu Namma Aalu Banu
1989 Sattathin Thirappu Vizhaa Radha
Paattukku Oru Thalaivan Shanthi
Siva Parvathy
Ponmana Selvan Parvathy
Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai Geeta
1990 Enkitta Mothathe Mallika
Mallu Vetti Minor Santhana Lakshmi
Sathya Vaakku Meena
1991 Mahamayi Mahamayi
Thalapathi Subhalakshmi
1993 Sivarathiri Gayathri
1996 Thuraimugam Rukkumani
2012 Podaa Podi Veena
2014 Kochadaiiyaan Yaaghavi

Kannada

[edit]
List of Kannada film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Giri Baale Neelaveni
1990 Shivashankar Girija

Hindi

[edit]
List of Hindi film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1998 Swami Vivekananda Dancer
2007 Apna Asmaan Padmini Kumar
2008 Mere Baap Pehle Aap Anuradha "Anu" Joshi

English

[edit]
List of English film credits
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Mitr, My Friend Lakshmi Actress Revathy's directional debut
2003 Dance Like a Man Ratna Parekh
2008 A Little Dream Sundar's mother Documentary film about the journey of former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Awards and recognitions

[edit]

Titles and honours

[edit]
List of titles and honours received by Shobana
Year Honour Organisation Ref.
2000 Grade A Top Doordarshan [38]
2006 Padma Shri Government of India [39][40]
2011 Kalaimamani Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, Government of Tamil Nadu [41]
2012 Arch of Excellence All India Achievers Conference [42]
2013 Kalarathna Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy [43]
2018 Honorary doctorate (D.Litt) Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation [18]
2019 Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute [19]
2022 Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit [20]

Film awards

[edit]
List of film awards received by Shobana
Year Award Category Film Result Ref.
1984 Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Malayalam Kanamarayathu Nominated
1985 Yathra Nominated
1986 Chilambu Nominated
1988 Best Actress - Telugu Rudraveena Nominated
Best Actress - Tamil Idhu Namma Aalu Nominated
1990 Best Actress – Malayalam Innale Won
Best Actress - Telugu Alludugaru Nominated
1991 Rowdy Gaari Pellam Nominated
1993 National Film Awards Best Actress Manichitrathazhu Won [44]
Kerala State Film Awards Best Actress Won [45]
Kerala Film Critics Association Awards Best Actress Manichitrathazhu & Meleparambil Anveedu Won [46]
Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Malayalam Manichitrathazhu Nominated
1994 Thenmavin Kombath Won [47]
1996 Kumkumacheppu Nominated [48]
1999 Agnisakshi Nominated [49]
Kerala Film Critics Association Awards Best Actress Won
2002 National Film Awards Best Actress Mitr, My Friend Won [50]
2005 Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Malayalam Makalkku Nominated
2013 Vanitha Film Awards Best Actress Thira Won [51]
Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Malayalam Nominated [52]
2021 South Indian International Movie Awards Best Actress - Malayalam Varane Avashyamund Won [53]
2021-2022 Filmfare Awards South Best Actress - Malayalam Nominated [54]

Television

[edit]
List of television credits
Year Title Channel Language Notes
1991 Penn DD Podhigai Tamil Serial
1999 Uravugal Vijay TV
2010 Jodi Number one season 5 Reality show as Judge
Super Jodi Surya TV Malayalam
2015 D 3 (Grand finale) Mazhavil Manorama
2017 Midukki
2021 Margazhi Thingal YouTube Tamil Music Video[55]

References

[edit]
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  4. ^ "Beyond Bollywood: The biggest icons of the south film industry". Vogue. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Shobhana, a never fading grace that blessed Malayalam cinema". The Times of India. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. ^ K. Jeshi (31 March 2005). "Thinking actress". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  7. ^ a b c "In pics: Shobana dedicates her dance to 'Krishna'". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  8. ^ Padmanabhan, S. (7 February 2020). "Shobana returns to cinema after seven years with Malayalam movie 'Varane Avashyamunde'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Metro Plus Bangalore / Personality : Thinking actress". The Hindu. 6 April 2005. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b Francis, Sneha May (31 December 2008). "Shobana's mystical twist to an epic". Gulf News. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  11. ^ Prakash, Asha (28 April 2018). "Shobana: I don't feel bad if I don't act in a film, as long as people are making great films". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  12. ^ Jayaram, Deepika (5 November 2018). "Shobana extends her support for #MeToo movement". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
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  55. ^ CR, Sharanya; Vijayakumar, Sindhu (7 January 2021). "Nine actresses come together to render Thiruppavai and celebrate the spirit of Margazhi". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
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