Damayanthi (1927 – 20 November 2010), better known by her stage name Kozhikode Santha Devi, was an Indian

Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of ...

film and stage actress. In a career spanning about sixty years, she acted in more than 1000 plays and about 480 films.

Biography

Santha Devi was born in

Kozhikode Kozhikode (), also known as Calicut, is a city along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in India. Known as the City of Spices, Kozhikode is listed among the City of Literature, UNESCO's Cities of Literature. It is the nineteenth large ...

in a then well known tharavadu called Thottathil in 1927 as the daughter of Thottathil Kannakkuruppu and Karthiyayani Amma as the seventh daughter of their 10 children. She did her studies from Sabha school and then B.E.M school. She made her debut as an actress through a 1954 drama ''Smarakam'' written by Vasu Pradeep and directed by Kundanari Appu Nair. She made her cinema debut in ''Minnaminungu'' (1957) directed by Ramu Karyat. She acted in over 480 movies including ''Moodupadam'', ''Kuttikkuppayam'', ''Kunjalimaraykkar'', ''Iruttinte Athmavu'', ''Sthalathe pradhana payyans'' and ''Adwaitham''. Kerala Cafe, produced by director

Ranjith Ranjit or Renjith may refer to: Religion * Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam (born 1966), Sri Lankan Tamil Catholic priest, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo * Malcolm Ranjith (born 1947), Sri Lankan Cardinal of the Catholic Church, Archbi ...

, was her last movie where she enacted the role of a forlorn grandmother with no one to look after her. Besides movies, she was also active in television serials. Her most memorable roles are from Manasi and Minnukettu. Santha Devi died on 20 November 2010 evening in a private hospital in

Family

She had five brothers and four sisters. All of her brothers were in Air Force and Military services. At the age of 18 she married her uncle's son, Balakrishnan, a railway guard, but the relationship did not last long. He left Santha Devi after the couple had a son. Later, she married Kozhikode Abdul Kader, a popular Malayalam playback singer. She has two sons, Suresh Babu and the late Sathyajith.

Awards and honours

Santha Devi is a recipient of the

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award is an award given by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, an autonomous organisation for the encouragement, preservation, and documentation of the performing arts of Kerala, set up by the Department of Cultu ...

(1978) and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (2003). She won the

National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress The National Film Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role is an honour presented annually at India's National Film Awards ceremony by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), an organisation set up by the Indian Ministry ...

for her performance in '' Yamanam'' (1992) directed by

Bharath Gopi Gopynathan Velayudhan Nair (2 November 1937 – 29 January 2008), popularly known by the stage name Bharat Gopy, was an Indian actor, producer, and director. Considered one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema, Gopy was one of ...

. She has received the Kerala State award for best Stage actress in 1968 for her role in ''Kudukkukal''. In 1968, she received award from Thrissur Fine Arts Society and in 1973 she received best actress award again. In 1978, her acting in ''Ithu bhoomiyanu'' and ''Inquilabinte makkal'' fetched her Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Acamedy's award for best actress. She won the Kerala Film Critics Association Award in 1979 and Kerala State Award for Best Actress in State plays in 1983 for ''Deepasthambham Mahashcharyam''. In 1992 she got Film critics award again. Santha Devi was awarded Premji award and later in 2005 the lifetime achievement award from

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is located in Thrissur city, of Kerala, in India. The academy presents awards for various fields like music, dance, theatre and traditional art forms. Some of the major awards include: * Kerala Sangeetha Nata ...

. She won the attimabbe prize also from Karnataka

Filmography (partial)

; Malayalam# Sandehi (1954) # Minnaminigu(1957) #

Ninamaninja Kalpadukal ''Ninamaninja Kalpadukal'' (Bloodstained Footprints) is a 1963 Malayalam language film, directed by N. N. Pisharody and produced by N.K. Karunakara Pillai and Shobhana Parameswaran Nair. The lead role is played by Prem Nazir, with Ambika, Shee ...

(1963) # Moodupadam (1963) # Kuttikuppayam (1964) # Devalayam (1964) # Murappennu(1965) as Madhaviyamma #

Mayor Nair ''Mayor Nair'' is a 1966 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by S. R. Puttanna and produced by P. A. Thangal. The film stars Adoor Bhasi, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Balu and Ramesh. It is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1886 novel ''The M ...

(1966) #

Kunjali Marakkar Kunjali Marakkar was the title inherited by the Admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin, King Samoothiri / Zamorin, the King of Calicut, in present-day Kerala, India. There were four Marakkars whose war tactics defended against the Portuguese Emp ...

(1967) # Nagarame Nandi (1967) # Aneshichu Kandethiyilla (1967) # Ashwamedam (1967) as Lakshmi #

Iruttinte Athmavu ''Iruttinte Athmavu'' () is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by P. Bhaskaran and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on his own short story of the same name. It stars Prem Nazir and Sharada in lead roles with Thikkurissy Sukuma ...

(1967) as Parukkuttiamma # Mulkireedam (1967) # Kottayam Kolacase (1967) #

Aval ''Aval'' ( in Tamil) may refer to these Indian films: * Aval (1967 film), ''Aval'' (1967 film) * Aval (1972 film), ''Aval'' (1972 film) * Aval (2017 film), ''Aval'' (2017 film) See also

* Aval (TV series), ''Aval'' (TV series), a 2011 Indian ...

(1967) # Anaachadanam (1968) # Thokkukal Kathaparayunnu (1968) #

Velutha Kathreena ''Velutha Kathreena'' is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by J. Sasikumar and produced by P. Balthasar, based on the novel of the same name, written by Muttathu Varkey. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela and Jayabharathi ...

(1968) #

Ummachu ''Ummachu'' (''Beloved'') is a Malayalam novel written by Uroob in 1954. ''Ummachu'' along with '' Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum'' are considered the best works by Uroob and are ranked among the finest novels in Malayalam. In ''Ummachu'', Uroob ex ...

(1971) #

Kuttyedathi ''Kuttyedathi'' () is a 1971 Malayalam language film, directed by P. N. Menon and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It was widely regarded as one of the best South Indian films made in the 1970s. The film is woven around the life of a girl, who i ...

(1971) as Meenakshi # Iniyoru Janmam Tharoo (1972) # Darshanam (1973) # Shasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973) # Udayam Kizhakku Thanne (1974) # Nirmala (1975 film) (1975) #

Utharayanam ''Uttarayanam'' () is a 1975 Malayalam-language film directed by G. Aravindan and written by Thikkodiyan. Aravindan debuted with this film. The film, which exposes opportunism and hypocrisy set against the backdrop of the Independence struggle, ...

(1975) # Athithi (1975) # Njavalppazhangal (1976) # Yatheem (1977) # Aparadhi (1977) as Madhaviyamma # Padasaram (1978) as Kochukaali # Chuvanna Vithukal (1978) # Avar Jeevikkunnu (1978) # Thenthulli (1979) # Thakara (1979) # Neelathamara (1979) # Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980) #

Chakara A chakara (also Chaakara and in Malayalam ചാകര) is a natural marine phenomenon observed along the Malabar Coast of India, particularly in Kerala, where an extraordinary abundance of fish is brought close to the shore, sometimes even being ...

(1980) as Subhadra # Angadi (1980) # Ashwaradham (1980) #

Adhikaram ''Adhikaram'' is a 1980 Indian Malayalam film, directed by P. Chandrakumar and produced by R. S. Prabhu. The film stars Seema, Sukumaran, Sharada and Raghavan in the lead roles. The film has musical score by A. T. Ummer. Cast * Seema as G ...

(1980) # Mylanji (1982 ) # Surumayitta Kannukal (1983) #

Maniyara ''Maniyara'' is a 1983 Cinema of India, Indian Malayalam language, Malayalam film, Screenplay by moidu Padiyath directed by M. Krishnan Nair (director), M. Krishnan Nair and produced by T. E. Vasudevan. The film stars Mammootty, Seema (actress), ...

(1983) # Srikrishna Parundu (1984) # Anubandham (1985) #

Dheivatheyorthu ''Dheivatheyorthu'' () is a 1985 Indian Malayalam film, directed by R. Gopi. The film stars Balachandra Menon, Prem Nazir, Srividya, Innocent and Urvashi in the lead roles. The film has a musical score by M. G. Radhakrishnan. Cast *Prem Naz ...

(1985) # Vellam (1985) #

Abhayam Thedi ''Abhayam Thedi'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobhana, Sukumari, and Thilakan. The film has musical score by Shyam. Plot The film te ...

(1986) # Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam (1986) # PC 369 (1987) as Mandara # Nadodikkaattu (1987) as Ramdas's Mother (Cameo appearance) # Idanazhiyil Ou Kalocha (1987) # Rithubetham (1987) # Oohakachavadam (1988) # Dhinarathrangal (1988) # Kanakambarangal (1988) as Sreedevi's mother # Asthikal Pookkunnu (1989) as Itti # Padippura (1989) # Chanakyan(1989) # V. I. P. (1989) as Karthyayani # Alicinte Anveshanam (1989) #

Naduvazhikal ''Naduvazhikal'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language Action film, action Crime film, crime film directed by Joshiy and written by S. N. Swami. The film was loosely based on ''The Godfather''. It tells the story of Arjun (Mohanlal), who takes ...

(1989) # Carnivel (1989) # Aye Auto (1990) # Sasneham (1990) # Brahmarakshassu (1990) # Kakkathollayiram (1990) # No 20 Madras Mail (1990) # Aakoshakkottayile Sulthan (1991) # Parallel College (1991) # Adwaitham (1991) # Daivasahayam Lucky Centre (1991) # Dhanam (1991) #

Kamaladalam ''Kamaladalam'' () is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language musical drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal, Murali, Vineeth, Nedumudi Venu, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Monisha, Parvathy Jayaram a ...

(1992) # Yamanam (1992) # Magrib (1993) # Agneyam (1993) #

Ghoshayathra ''Ghoshayaathra'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by G. S. Vijayan for Sreelakshmi Creations, starring Sai Kumar in the lead role, supported by Devan, Parvathy and Thilakan playing other important roles. The first titl ...

(1993) as Itheyiumma #

Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans ''Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans'' is 1993 Malayalam-language political thriller film directed by Shaji Kailas and written by Renji Panicker. The film revolved around the current affairs of Kerala in 90s and was a commercial success. It severely ...

(1993) # Naaraayam (1993) #

Chukkan ''Chukkan'' is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by Thampi Kannanthanam. This film became famous later for Suresh Gopi's signature dance moves. The film stars Suresh Gopi, Gautami, Thilakan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. S ...

(1994) as Gayathri's Mother # Bharanakoodam (1994) as Manju's maid # Ghazal (1994) #

Pingami ''Pingami'' () is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Reghunath Paleri based on his own short story ''Kumarettan Parayaatha Kadha''. It was produced by Mohanlal through the company ...

(1994) # Tharavadu (1994) # Deyvathinte Vikrithikal (1994) # Avan Ananthapadmanabhan (1994) # Mazhayethum Munbe (1995) # Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum (1995) # Oru Abhibashakante Case Diary (1995) # Sasinas (1995) # Chandha (1995) #

No 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North ''No. 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North'' is a 1995 Malayalam family drama film, written by Fazil, directed by Sathyan Anthikkad, and produced by Khais, starring Mammootty and Priya Raman, supported by Innocent, Thilakan, Oduvil Unnikrishnan and ...

(1995) # Sundarimare Sookshikkuka (1995) # Madamma (1996) # Aakaashathekkoru Kilivaathil (1996) # Harbour (1996) # Mahathma (1996) # Suvarna Simhaasanam (1997) # Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997) as Valsan's mother #Sisiram (1998) #Oro Viliyum Kathorthu (1998) # Magician Mahendralal From Delhi (1998) # Chenaparambile Anakaryam (1998) # Priyankari (2000) # Rapid Action Force (2000) as Vasanthakumari's muthassi # Ninneyum Thedi (2001) # Kattu Vannu Vilichappol (2001) # Neythukaran (2001) # Ee Bhargavi Nilayam (2002) # Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam (2003) # Ammakkilikkoodu (2003) # Mizhirandilum (2003) # Anyar (2003) as Ummumma # Janakeeyam (2003) as Lakshmiyamma # Kilichundan Mambhazham (2003) as Maimuna's mother #

Freedom Freedom is the power or right to speak, act, and change as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Freedom is often associated with liberty and autonomy in the sense of "giving oneself one's own laws". In one definition, something is "free" i ...

(2004) # Akale (2004) as Typewriting teacher # Maratha Nadu (2004) # Ullam (2005) # Anandabadram (2005) #

Nottam ''Nottam'' is a 2006 Malayalam film starring Ajir Shujahi, Arun, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathi Sreekumar and Samvrutha Sunil Samvritha Sunil (born 31 October 1986) is an Indian former actress who appeared mainly in Malayalam films. She made her de ...

(2006) as Jankiyamma # Mamma (2006) - Short film as Mrs. Philipose #

Prajapathi ''Prajapathi'' () is a 2006 Malayalam-language action drama film written and directed by Ranjith (director), Ranjith. It stars Mammootty, Siddique (actor), Siddique, Sreenivasan, Nedumudi Venu, and Thilakan. The music was by Tej Manoj. The fil ...

(2006) # Vilapagalkkappuram (2008) # Crazy Gopalan (2008) as Janakiyamma #

Thalappavu ''Thalappavu'' (literal meaning: turban or headgear, which is a symbol of power, status and protection) is a 2008 Malayalam language period thriller film based on the events related to Naxal Varghese and Police Constable P. Ramachandran Nair, ...

(2008) # Mayabazar(2008) # Koodaram (2009) #

Malayali The Malayali people (; also spelt Malayalee and sometimes known by the demonym Keralite) are a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group originating from the present-day state of Kerala and Union Territory of Lakshadweep in India, occupying its south ...

(2009) # Kerala Cafe (2009) # Nandhuni (2010) # Nalla Pattukare (2010) #

Annarakkannanum Thannalayathu ''Annarakkannanum Thannalayathu'' () is a 2010 Malayalam-language film directed by Prakash. Kalabhavan Mani, Jayashree and Ansiba Hassan play the lead roles in this film. It is produced by Kalabhavan Mani. This was the last film of Santha Devi. ...

(2010) ... Valiyathan's mother # Uthrada Ravu - Short film # Kunjipennu (2010) - album # Nurunguvettangal - Short film ... Sr. Margarita # Tharangal (2014) - photo only ; Hindi * Triyathri (1990)

Television serials (partial)

*Manasi (DD Malayalam) *Pennurimai (DD Malayalam) *Chitta (Surya TV) * Minnukettu (

Surya TV Surya TV is an Indian Malayalam language Indian general entertainment pay television channel owned by Sun TV Network. which is headquartered at Kochi. Surya TV HD became the third Malayalam language high-definition channel. Current broadcas ...

) *Manassariyathe (

) *Kayamkulam Kochunni (

) *Ali Manthrikan *Ennapadam *Sakunam ( DD Malayalam) *Vadhu - telefilm *Vidhyarambham - telefilm *Puthiyaplakkuppayam - telefilm *Kannukal- telefilm *Kunchathumma - telefilm

Dramas (partial)

* Kudukkukal * Smaarakam * Deepasthambham Mahaascharyam * Inquilaaabinte Makkal * Ithu Bhoomiyaannu * Pediswapnam

References

External links

*
Shanthadevi at MSI
{{DEFAULTSORT:Devi, Santha Indian film actresses Actresses from Kozhikode 1927 births 2010 deaths Best Supporting Actress National Film Award winners Indian stage actresses 20th-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian actresses Actresses in Malayalam cinema Actresses in Malayalam theatre Indian television actresses Actresses in Malayalam television Recipients of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship Recipients of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award