Nitesh Tiwari’s film ‘Ramayana’ has been in discussion among the audience and critics since its release. The film’s grand sets, superb music and the acting of the actors are getting a lot of appreciation. Amidst stars like Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, there is one actress whose presence has caught the attention of the audience. We are talking about veteran actress Shobhana, who is playing the role of Ravana’s mother Kaikesi in the film. In a career spanning over four decades, Shobhana has worked in more than 200 films. Along with acting, she is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer. He has been awarded many prestigious honors from National Film Award to Padma Bhushan. There is a lot of discussion about the actor seen in the role of Vishwamitra.
Who is Shobhana, who is being discussed in ‘Ramayana’?
Shobhana was born on 21 March 1970. His family belongs to Kerala. His parents’ names are Chandrakumar Pillai and Anandam Chandrakumar Pillai. Shobhana also belongs to a famous Travancore family in the world of acting and dance. She is the niece of the famous Travancore sisters i.e. Lalita, Padmini and Ragini. These three sisters were known for their acting as well as classical dance. Actress Parvati and actor Vineet are his cousins. Shobhana’s personal life also often remains in discussion. She is not married and is raising her daughter as a single mother. In the year 2001, he adopted a girl, who she named Ananta Narayani. She usually keeps her personal life with her daughter away from the media glare.
Started career as a child artist
Shobhana started acting as a child artiste. His acting in the 1980 film ‘Mangla Nayagi’ was appreciated and he also received his first award for the same film. After this, in 1984, she debuted as a lead actress with director Balachandra Menon’s film ‘April 18’. From here his film career gained momentum and he created his own identity in South Indian cinema. In her long career, Shobhana has worked in many memorable films. These include films like ‘Kanamarayathu’, ‘Meenmasathile Suryan’, ‘Chilambu’, ‘Charithram’, ‘Mambazhakkalam’, ‘Manichitrathazhu’, ‘Theera’ and ‘Thudarum’. Her ability to bring different types of characters to life on screen made her one of the leading actresses of South Indian cinema.
Received National Film Award twice, also honored with Padma Bhushan
Shobhana’s acting has also been recognized at the national level. He received his first National Film Award for his brilliant performance in the film ‘Manichitrathazhu’ released in 1993. After this, in 2001, she was given the National Award for Best Actress for the film ‘Mitra, My Friend’. He was earlier awarded Padmashree in recognition of his contribution in the field of art. After this, last year he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian award. Apart from this, he also has many honors in his name like Kerala State Film Award, Kalaimamani, Filmfare Awards, Kalaratna and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Fellowship. He also received international recognition through the AMMA Award for Excellence in Malaysia.
Bharatnatyam also has a special identity
Apart from acting, Shobhana has also made her own identity in the world of classical dance. She has taken Bharatanatyam lessons from legendary gurus like Chitra Visvesvaran and Padma Subramaniam. In the year 1991, he started his dance institute ‘Kalarpana’. Through this institute she is teaching the nuances of Bharatnatyam to the new generation. Till now more than 600 students have taken training here. The aim of the institute is to explain dance not just as an art, but with its practical, theoretical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects.
Who was Kaikesi, playing the role of Ravana’s mother in ‘Ramayana’
In the story of Valmiki Ramayana, Kaikesi was the mother of Ravana. She was the daughter of Sumali and Ketumati and wife of sage Vishrava. Apart from Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana and Shurpanakha were also his children. Shobhana is playing this important character in Nitesh Tiwari’s film ‘Ramayana’. Yash plays the role of Ravana in the film. Apart from this, producer Namit Malhotra’s son Raghav Malhotra is seen in the role of young Ravana. In this way, Shobhana’s character is an important part of the film’s story related to Ravana’s family and early life.
Also read: Who is the voice of Ravana in ‘Ramayana’, who added to Yash’s acting, he is called ‘Baahubali’
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