Biography
Vanisri, born Rathna Kumari, is an Indian actress primarily recognized for her work in Telugu and Tamil cinema, with appearances in some Kannada and Hindi films. Over a career spanning four decades, she has earned three Filmfare Awards South, along with Nandi Awards and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award. She first gained prominence with a supporting role in K. Balachander's Sukha Dukhalu and Marapurani Kadha (1967). Vanisri starred in numerous hits, including Krishnaveni, Prem Nagar, Dussehra Bullodu, Aradhana, Jeevitha Chakram, Rangula Ratnam, Sri Krishna Tulabharam, Bhakta Kannappa, and Bobbili Raja. Renowned as a leading heroine in the Telugu film industry, she stood on equal footing with male stars and was uniquely paid more than her male counterparts during her era.
She portrayed dual roles in films such as Iddaru Ammayilu (1972), a Telugu remake of the 1969 Kannada film Kappu Bilupu; Ganga Manga (1973), a remake of the Hindi film Seeta Aur Geeta; Jeevana Jyothi (1975); and Chilipi Krishnudu (1978). Vanisri also produced and starred in Shyam Benegal's sole Telugu film, Anugraham (1977), alongside Smita Patil. She shared the screen with Sivaji Ganesan in several movies, including Uyarntha Manithan (1968), Nirai Kudam (1969), Vasantha Maligai (1972), Sivakamiyin Selvan (1974), the Tamil remake of Seeta Aur Geeta titled Vani Rani (1974), and Nallathoru Kudumbam (1979). In recognition of her contributions to Telugu cinema, she was honored with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2013.
Vanisri stepped away from acting in the late 1970s to marry and raise her son and daughter. She made a comeback in the late 1980s, taking on motherly roles such as in Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu (1989). A devout Shaivite Hindu, Vanisri is deeply religious. She also appeared in the 1999 Hindi film Main Tere Pyar Mein Pagal, directed by Telugu filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao.
