Pandari Bai

Pandari Bai
Born Geetha
(1928-09-18)18 September 1928
Pathal, Bhatkal, Mysore State, British India
Died 29 January 2003(2003-01-29) (aged 74)
Chennai, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation Actress
Years active 1943–2001
Spouse(s) P.H. Ramarao
Parent(s) Ranga Rao (father)
Kaveri Bai (mother)
Relatives Mynavathi (sister)
Leelavathi (sister)

Pandari Bai (Kannada: ಪಂಡರೀ ಬಾಯಿ; 18 September 1928 – 29 January 2003) was a prominent actress of South Indian languages films mostly in Kannada and Tamil during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She is considered Kannada cinema's first heroine.[1] She has the distinction of having acted as both heroine and mother to stalwarts such as Rajkumar and Sivaji Ganesan. She was the heroine in Rajkumar's debut movie Bedara Kannappa and also Sivaji's debut movie Parasakthi.[2][3][4] She has acted in over 1,000 films in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil.[5]

Early life and education

Born in Bhatkal, Karnataka, in present Uttara Kannada in a Marathi speaking family. Her father was a drawing master and a Harikatha exponent, and also a stage actor. He taught her the art of Harikatha, thus even before she was ten years old, Pandari started giving Harikatha performances.

Career

Pandaribai began her career in acting in plays based on mythological stories before making her film debut in 1943 with the Kannada language film, Vani. She shot to fame after appearing in the hugely successful 1954 Kannada film Bedara Kannappa opposite another future star Rajkumar. In the film, she played the role of Neela, wife of Kanna (played by Rajkumar), a hunter. She established herself as a lead actress portraying a woman with a 'progressive' image assuming the burdens of a feudal patriarchy in films such as Sant Sakhu (1955) and Rayara Sose (1957).[1] In 1959, she appeared in Abba Aa Hudugi, with her sister Mynavathi. The film is considered a landmark in Kannada cinema.[6]

She went to act in around 1,500 films in other languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi and enjoyed a long career span of nearly half a century. Her first film in Tamil Parasakthi directed by the duo directors Krishnan-Panju in the year 1952, where she paired with Sivaji Ganesan was a grand success. She played lead roles in many movies and then switched over to character roles.

Later in her career Pandari Bai played the mother of stars older than her, most of whom had played the lead with her in her earlier years.[7] She also played as mother to actors like M. G. Ramachandran in Tamil and Rajesh Khanna in Hindi , N.T. Ramarao in Telugu. Pandari Bai also acted in a couple of Kannada TV serials Amma and Manethana (1998–2000). Both of them were produced by her sister Mynavathy's Son's company Yantra Media.The last picture in her career was "Baaro Nanna Muddina Krishna" in Kannada which had Sashikumar as lead.

Filmography

Year Title of the film Language Role
1943 Vani Kannada
1944 Haridas Tamil
1947 Bhakta Gora Kumbhara
1949 Bahar Hindi Malti
1950 Raja Vikrama
1951 Ek Tha Raja
Marmayogi Tamil
1952 Parasakthi Tamil
1953 Gumasta
Gunasagari
Pardesi
Poongothai
Thirumbi Paar
1954 Andha Naal Tamil Usha, wife of Rajan
Bedara Kannappa Kannada
Manohara
1955 Sodari
Bhakta Mallikarjuna
Sant Sakhu
Vadina Telugu
1956 Bhakta Vijaya
Hari Bhakta
Kula Deivam
Renuka Mahatme
1957 Bhabhi Hindi Shanta
Rayaran Sose
Sati Nalayini
1958 Anbu Engay
Panchayat
1959 Alli Petra Pullai
Aval Yar
Chand
Abba Aa Hudugi
Engal Kula Daivi
Grihalakshmi
Naalu Veli Neelam
Nattukoru Nallavan
Paigham Hindi Parvati Ratan Lal
Pathirai Matru Thangam
1960 Anbukkor Anni
Bhakta Shabari
Irumbu Thirai Tamil
Ivan Avanethan
Kurvanji
Pavai Vilakku
Raja Bhakti Tamil Princess Devasena
Thanthaikupin Thamayan
1964 Thaayin Madiyil Tamil Parvathi
Annapoorna Kannada Annapoorna
1965 C.I.D. Telugu Parvathi
1984 Apoorva Sangama Kannada
1987 Shruthi Seridaaga Kannada Mother of Rajkumar
1992 Mannan Tamil Mother of Rajinikanth
1992 Jeevana Chaitra Kannada Mother of Rajkumar
1993 Aakasmika Kannada Mother of Rajkumar
1994 Jai Hind Tamil Annai Maria Devi

  • Mahashakti Maye (1994)
  • Manikantana Mahime (1993)
  • Mannan (1992)
  • Ramrajyadalli Rakshasaru (1990)
  • Andha Oru Nimidam (1985)
  • Arthamulla Asaigal (1985)
  • Hosa Neeru (1985)
  • Jhansi Rani (1985)
  • Mel Maruvathur Adi Parasakthi (1985)
  • Nyayada Kannu (1985)
  • Pudhu Yugam (1985)
  • Ragile Gundelu (Telugu, 1985)
  • Sree Raaghavendar (1985)
  • Amayakudu Kadu Aggi Bharothalu (1984)
  • Idhey Naa Savaal (1984)
  • Naga Bhairava (1984)
  • Vasantha Geetam (1984)
  • Vetri (1984)
  • Adadani Saval (1983)
  • Amarajeevi (1983)
  • Amayakudu Kadhu Asadhyudu (Telugu, 1983)
  • Dharma Poratam (Telugu, 1983)
  • Ennai Paar Enn Azhagai Paar (1983)
  • Kaliyuga Daivam (1983)
  • Koteeshwarudu (1983)
  • Lalitha (1983)
  • Malargalile Aval Malligal (1983)
  • Mayagadu (Telugu, 1983)
  • Palletoori Pidugu (Telugu, 1983)
  • Pralaya Garjanai (1983)
  • Raagangal Maruvathillai (1983)
  • Raghu Ramudu (1983)
  • Saatchi (1983)
  • Sasthi Viratam (1983)
  • Shri Ranganeethulu (1983)
  • Vellai Roja (1983)
  • Thyagi (1982)
  • Radha My Darling (1982)
  • Ajit (1982)
  • Chelisuva Modagalu (1982)
  • Kalavari Samsaram (1982)
  • Vayyari Bhamulu Vagalamari Bhartulu (1982)
  • Chettaniki Kallu Levu (1981)
  • Yeh Rishta Na Tootay (1981)
  • Antha (1981)
  • Chhaya (1981)
  • Daari Thappinete Manishi (1981)
  • Kanneer Pookal (1981)
  • Keralida Simha (1981)
  • Main Aur Mera Haathi (1981)
  • Oru Iravu Oru Paravai (1981)
  • Ramakrishnamanulu (1981)
  • Rama Lakshman (1981)
  • Sathyam Sundaram (1981)
  • Taxi Driver (1981)
  • Jyoti Bane Jwala (1980)
  • Kottapeta Rowdy (1980)
  • Bangaru Lakshmi (1980)
  • Dharma Chakram (1980)
  • Gajadonga (1980)
  • Guru (1980)
  • Hema Hemeelu (1980)
  • Mother (1980)
  • Mr. Rajanikant (1980)
  • Naan Potta Savaal (Tamil, 1980)
  • Pennukku Yar Kaval (1980)
  • Rama Parashurama (1980)
  • Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980)
  • Superman (1980)
  • Triloka Sundari (1980)
  • Trilok Sundari (1980)
  • Yamanukku Yaman (1980)
  • Lok Parlok (Hindi, 1979)
  • Laxmi Pooja (1979)
  • Burripalem Bullodu (1979)
  • Dongalaku Saval (1979)
  • Kadamai Nenjam (1979)
  • Khiladi Krishnudu (1979)
  • Naan Vaazha Vaippen (1979)
  • Priya Bandhavi (1979)
  • Sankhu Teertham (1979)
  • Shringara Ramudu (1979)

  • Vetagadu (Telugu, 1979)
  • Bandhipotu Mutha (1978)
  • Chadurangam (1978)
  • Devadasi (1978)
  • Dongala Veta (1978)
  • Dudubasavanna (1978)
  • Kalanthakulu (1978)
  • Kamatchiyin Karunai (1978)
  • Kumkumam Kadhai Solgiradhu (1978)
  • Lambadolla Ramadasu (Telugu, 1978)
  • Lawyer Vishwanath (Telugu, 1978)
  • Makkal Kural (1978)
  • Moodu Puvvulu Aaru Kayalu (1978)
  • Nindu Manishi (1978)
  • Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam (1978)
  • Prema Chesina Pelli (1978)
  • Sahasavantudu (1978)
  • Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (Telugu, 1978)
  • Swargaseema (1978)
  • Swarg Narak (1978)
  • Taxi Driver (1978)
  • Unakkum Vazhvu Varum (1978)
  • Vazhthungal (1978)
  • Aarupushpangal (1977)
  • Dongalaku Donga (1977)
  • Eenati Bandham Yenatido (1977)
  • Geetha Sangeetha (1977)
  • Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga (1977)
  • Maa Iddari Katha (1977)
  • Manavadi Kosam (1977)
  • Oke Raktham (1977)
  • Palabhisekham (1977)
  • Punitha Anthoniar (1977)
  • Punniyam Seithaval (1977)
  • Seeta Rama Vanavasam (Telugu, 1977)
  • Thaliya Salangaiya (1977)
  • Thani Kudithanam (1977)
  • Uyarnthavargal (1977)
  • Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam (1976)
  • America Ammayi (Telugu, 1976)
  • Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu (1976)
  • Avan Oru Charitram (1976)
  • Badra Kali (1976)
  • Bangaru Manishi (1976)
  • Etharkum Thuninthavan (1976)
  • Kaenelum Collectorum (1976)
  • Lalitha (1976)
  • Maa Daivam (1976)
  • Mugiyada Kathe (1976)
  • Muthana Muthallava (1976)
  • Muthyala Pallaki (1976)
  • Neram Nadhikadu Akalidi (1976)
  • Perum Pukazhum (1976)
  • Raju Vedale (1976)
  • Seetamma Santhanam (1976)
  • Swami Drohulu (1976)
  • Uthaman (1976)
  • Uzhaikum Karangal (1976)
  • Anna Dammula Katha (1975)
  • Asthi Kosam (1975)
  • Doctor Siva (1975)
  • Idhayakkani (1975)
  • Katha Nayakuni Katha (1975)
  • Moguda Pellamma (1975)
  • Padmaragam (1975)
  • Pallandhu Vazhga (1975)
  • Pattikkaattu Raja (1975
  • Puttinti Gauravam (1975)
  • Raktha Sambandhalu (1975)
  • Ramuni Minchina Ramudu (1975)
  • Santhanam Saubhagyam (1975)
  • Thota Ramudu (1975)
  • Alluri Seetharama Raju (Telugu, 1974)
  • Avalum Penn Dhaney (1974)
  • Devadasu (1974)
  • Gumastavin Magal (1974)
  • Janma Rahasyam (1974)
  • Krishnaveni (1974)
  • Netru Indru Nalai (1974)
  • Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu (1974)
  • Paadha Poojai (1974)
  • Peddalu Marali (1974)

  • Ramaiah Thandri (1974)
  • Thayi Pirandhal (1974)
  • Thirumangalyam (1974)
  • Gauravam (1973)
  • Hemareddy Mallamma (1973)
  • Nee Ulla Varai (1973)
  • Neramu Siksha (1973)
  • Annamitta Kai (1972)
  • Aval (1972)
  • Bandagi (1972)
  • Daiva Sankalpam (1972)
  • Dhakam (1972)
  • Apna Desh(1972)
  • Hridayasangama (1972)
  • Kodalu Pilla (1972)
  • Marapurani Talli (1972)
  • Mathru Murthi (1972)
  • Nijam Nirupistha (1972)
  • Pandanti Kapuram (1972)
  • Ranganna Sabatham (1972)
  • Rivaaj (1972)
  • Shehzada (1972)
  • Thavaputhalvan (1972)
  • Vasantha Maligai (1972)
  • Rakhwala (1971)
  • Anugraha (1971)
  • Bandhavya (1971)
  • Bhale Rani (1971)
  • Ganga Tera Pani Amrit (1971)
  • Mahadimane (1971)
  • Namma Baduku (1971)
  • Pratidhwani (1971)
  • Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971)
  • Aparajithe (1970)
  • Bhale Jodi (1970)
  • Muru Muttugalu (1970)
  • Bhagirathi (1969)
  • Chowkada Deepa (1969)
  • Gejje Pooje (1969)
  • Madhura Milana (1969)
  • Manashanti (1969)
  • Namma Makkalu (1969)
  • Deiva Magan (1969)
  • Nam Naadu (1969)
  • Nanha Farishta (1969)
  • Odahuttidavaru (1969)
  • Suvarnabhoomi (1969)
  • Amma (1968)
  • Anbu Vazhi (1968)
  • Palamanasulu (1968)
  • Pudhiya Bhoomi (1968)
  • Raaz (1967 film) (1967)
  • Anuradha (1967)
  • Penn Entral Penn (1967)
  • Premalopramadam (1967)
  • Punyavati (1967)
  • Shri Purandaradasaru (1967)
  • Belli Moda (1967)
  • Laadla (1966)
  • Motor Sundaram Pillai (1966)
  • Nadu Iravil (1966)
  • Sandhya Raga (1966)
  • Shri Kannika Parameshwari Kathe (1966)
  • Bettada Huli (1965)
  • Chandrahasa (1965/II)
  • Maha Sathi (1965)
  • Mahasati Ansuya (1965)
  • Satya Harishchandra (1965)
  • Annapurna (1964)
  • Muriyada Mane (1964)
  • Navajeevana (1964)
  • Pathiye Daiva (1964)
  • Pratigne (1964)
  • Shree Guruvayoorappan (1964)
  • Sant Tukaram (1963)
  • Shri Ramanjaneya Yuddha (1963)
  • Sri Sivarathri (1963)
  • Indra En Selvam (1962)
  • Punithavathi (1962)
  • Tejaswini (1962)

References

  1. 1 2 Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7.
  2. "Remembering Pandari Bai". Screen. 21 February 2003.
  3. "Pandari Bai dies at 73". The Times of India. 29 January 2003.
  4. "Pandari Bai dead". The Hindu. 30 January 2003.
  5. "Tribute to Pandari Bai". Deccan Herald. 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2013-05-24.
  6. "A rousing end planned for H.L.N. Simha's birth centenary fete". The Hindu. 21 July 2004. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  7. "Actress who glowed with inner beauty". The Hindu. 14 February 2003.

External links

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