Radha – Kanavu Kani of the 1980s – turns 60

Udaya Chandrika is better known by her screen name, Radha. Born on 03 June 1965, she made her acting debut in Bharathiraja’s 1981 film, Alaigal Oyvathilai opposite fellow newcomer, Karthik. The film was a huge hit and won for her the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Female Debut.

Her second role was a small role in Bharathiraja’s Tik Tik Tik opposite Kamalhaasan. Both these films led to many future collaborations with Karthik and Kamalhaasan.

She shared the screen with Karthik in films like Adhisaya Piravigal, Neram Vandhaachu, Nalla Thambi, Pakkathu Veettu Roja, Kanne Radha, Vaalibame Vaa Vaa, Ilanjodigal and Aboorva Sahotharigal

She co-starred with Kamalhaasan in films like Thoongaathe Thambi Thoongathe, Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, Japanil Kalyana Raman and Kaadhal Parisu.

Her successful pairing with Mohan in Kaatrukenna Veli in 1982 also led to more on-screen pairings in films like Gopurangal Saayvathillai, Nenjamellaam Neeye, Idhaya Kohyil, Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu and Ambigai Neril Vandhaal.

In 1982, she shared the screen with the great Sivaji Ganesan in the film, Thunai directed by Durai. She also shared the screen with Sivaji Ganesan in later films like Vellai Roja, Sandhippu, Iru Medhaigal, Sarithira Nayagan, Simma Soppanam, Thambathyam and Needhiyin Nizhal before acting opposite the legendary actor in the blockbuster hit Mudhal Mariyaadhai directed by Bharathiraja, a role that won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

She first starred opposite Rajinikanth in S.P. Muthuraman’s Yengeyo Keta Kural which also starred Radha’s elder sister, Ambika. She also acted with Rajinikanth in films like Thudikkum Karangal, Sivappu Sooriyan and Paayum Puli.

Radha also had a long and successful association with Prabhu, sharing the screen with him in films like Muthu engal Sothu, Vellai Roja, Sandhippu, Kairasikaaran, Sarithira Nayagan, Simma Soppanam, Needhiyin Nizhal, Vairagyam, Anand and En Uyir Kannamma.

Another popular on screen pairing was with Vijayakanth. Radha co-starred with him in films like Mana Kanakku, Amman Kohyil Kizhakaale, Ninaive oru Sanmgeetham, Sattam oru Villaiyaatu, Uzhavan Magan and Ullathil Nalla Ullam.

Although she appeared regularly in commercial entertainers, films like Kaadhal Oviyam, Ambigai Neril Vandhaal and Mudhal Mariyaadhai brought out the latent actress in her.

Her last film was T.Rajender’s 1991 film, Shanti Enathu Shanti.

Radha’s two daughters – Karthika and Thulasi – both had a short stint as actresses.