Manorama (1937 – 2015) – A Tribute to the Legendary Actress

25 Jan 19 @ 1:03 PM

Manorama who passed away on 10th October 2015 in Chennai was a multi-talented artist. She was born as Gopishantha to Kasi Kilakudaiyar and Ramamirtham in Mannargudi in 1937. Her journey starting as a drama artist to one of the most respected actress will be a true inspiration for all the young talents in Tamil Cinema. ‘Aachi’ as she is fondly called by everyone, has acted in over 1500 films with all the leading actors of Kollywood. She is also the only Kollywood actress who has worked with 5 Chief Ministers. As we pay her tribute, let us look at some of the interesting facts about this iconic actress.

Manorama as action heroine in her first film ‘Konjum Kumari’ (1963)

Manorama started her acting career at the age of 12 and has performed in various small roles on stage plays. She then moved on from dramas to the big screen and played the role of an action heroine in the film ‘Konjum Kumari’. The film received only reasonable success but it scored mainly for Manorama’s impressive action sequences. After acting as heroine in few films, she started focussing more on comedy based roles. She not only excelled in acting, but also impressed many with her singing ability. Watch the film ‘Konjum Kumari’ where Manorama plays the role of an action heroine.

Sources: youtube
Manorama’s work with 3 former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers

During the initial days of her career, she has acted as a lead in the plays written by the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CN Annadurai. She has also performed in stage dramas with yet another former Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Manorama has acted in films like ‘Mani Magudam’ where Karunanidhi has written the screen play. This legendary actress has acted in a number of films like ‘Anbe Vaa’, ‘Engal Thangam and ‘Kanavan’ with the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG. Ramachandran.

Sources: youtube
Manorama with former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Manorama has worked in the film ‘Lava Kusa’, with the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao. A mythological film, it depicts the life of Lava and Kusa, the two sons of Rama and Sita. She has also acted in a number of Telugu films with NT Rama Rao.

Sources: youtube
Manorama’s performance with current Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Manorama has acted with the current Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha in about 25 films. On many occasions, Jayalalitha has referred to Manorama as her sister. Popular films of the duo are ‘Sumathi En Sundari’, ‘Kanni Thai’ and ‘Kalatta Kalyanam’. Watch the comedy film ‘Kalatta Kalyanam’ where J. Jayalalitha and Manorama have acted as sisters.

Sources: youtube
Manorama as a singer

Manorama not only gave a tough competition to others with her acting skills, but also impressed many with her singing abilities. She has sung for many of the popular composer’s like Ilayaraja and A. R. Rahman. Starting from ‘Thaaththa Thaaththa’ she has sung around 300 songs throughout her career. Let us have a look at 6 of the most popular songs sung and acted by Manorama.

Sources: timesofindia.indiatimes
‘Thaaththa Thaaththa’ song from ‘Magale Un Samathu’

‘Thaaththa Thaaththa’ a song from ‘Magale Un Samathu’ was the very first song sung by Manorama along with L. R. Eswari, with music composed by G. V. Venkatesh.

Sources: youtube
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‘Paarthale Theriyaatha’ song from ‘Sri Raghavendar’

‘Sri Raghvendar’ which happened to be the 100th film of Rajinikanth was released in 1985. ‘Parthale Theriyaatha’ a song from the film was sung by Manorama for composer Ilayaraja.

Sources: youtube
‘Theriyatho Nokku Theriyatho’ song from ‘Suryakanthi’

1973 film ‘Suryakanthi’ revolved around a girl’s love and how she succeeds in it. Manorama had sung the song ‘Theriyatho Nokku Theriyatho’ for M. S. Viswanathan.

Sources: youtube
‘Vaa Vathiyaare’ song from ‘Bommaballatam’

‘Vaa Vathiyaare’ is a peppy number from the film ‘Bommaballatam’ and was sung by Manorama for V. Kumar. This was a super hit song and was liked by all for Manorama’s performance in the song.

Sources: youtube
‘Dillikku Rajanaalum’ song from ‘Patti Sollai Thatathe’

‘Patti Sollai Thattathe’ is a film that revolves around a grandmother’ love for her grandson. ‘Dilliku Rajanaalum’ a song from the film was sung by Manorama for the music director Chandrabose.

Sources: youtube
‘Madrasa Suthi Kata’ song from ‘May Madham’

‘Madrasa Suthi Kata’ a jazzy number from the movie ‘May Madham’ was sung by the Veteran actress Manorama along with Shahul Ahmeed, Swarnalatha and G. V Prakash. Composed by A. R. Rahman, this song was one of the biggest hits of that period.

Sources: youtube
Manorama in Guinness World Records

The Guinness book of world records is a book that is published annually about all the world records of both human and nature’s achievement. Manorama who has acted with all the leading actors of Kollywood holds her name in the Guinness World Records for acting in more than whopping 1000 films.

Sources: youtube
Awards received by Manorama

Manorama won the National Film award for the best supporting actress for the movie ‘Puthiya Pathai’ in 1989. She was also the recipient of ‘Kalaimamani’ award by the government of Tamil Nadu. She has received the Film fare Life time achievement award in 1995 and is also an honorary ‘Padma Shri’ awardee in 2002.

Sources: youtube