How This 1989 Film Turned Things Around For Ramya Krishnan

Ramya Krishnan, the versatile 53-year-old actress, captured the hearts of audiences nationwide with her powerful portrayal of Rajmata Sivagami Devi in the 2015 blockbuster Baahubali. While she now stands as a symbol of success, her journey to stardom was not without its share of struggles, especially during a phase when her films faced consecutive failures.

Born on September 15, 1970, in Madras (now Chennai), Ramya Krishnan hails from a family deeply rooted in the Tamil film industry. She is the niece of the renowned Tamil film actor, comedian, and former Member of Parliament Cho Ramaswamy. Her debut in acting came with the Malayalam movie Neram Pularumbol in 1986, though its release was delayed. Subsequently, she made her mark in Tamil cinema with Vellai Manasu (1985) opposite Y. G. Mahendra and her Telugu debut in Bhalae Mithrulu (1986).

During the initial phase of her career, Ramya Krishnan faced a series of setbacks with consecutive flops in both Tamil and Telugu films. In a recent interview with Galatta, she candidly shared her doubts about her acting skills during this challenging period. The actress revealed that the string of failures not only affected her confidence but also raised concerns for her mother, who questioned how she was sustaining herself after watching one of her films.

However, her fortunes took a turn with the 1989 release of Sutradharulu, marking a significant moment in her career. Subsequently, she found success with a series of commercial romantic roles in films directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, including Alludugaru, Allari Mogudu, Major Chandrakanth, and Allari Priyudu.

Ramya Krishnan’s talents extended beyond regional cinema, and she made her Hindi debut with Yash Chopra’s Parampara. She further showcased her versatility in Bollywood with roles in films like Khalnayak, Chaahat, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.

In her latest film, Ramya Krishnan starred alongside Rajinikanth in the 2023 blockbuster Jailer, solidifying her enduring presence in the industry. Despite the initial struggles, her resilience and exceptional acting skills have firmly established her as one of the industry’s most celebrated talents.