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

Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry ( Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 22 scheduled languages of India. Malayalam wa ...

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 in English as Calicut, is a city along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in India. It has a corporation limit population of 609,224 and a metropolitan population of more than 2 million, making it the second l ...

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 ''Kerala Cafe'' is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language anthology film produced by Ranjith and directed by a team of ten directors including Lal Jose, Shaji Kailas, Anwar Rasheed, Shyamaprasad, B. Unnikrishnan, Revathy, Anjali Menon, M. Padmakumar, ...

, produced by director Ranjith, 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 Kozhikode Abdul Kader (Malayalam: കോഴിക്കോട് അബ്ദുൾ കാദർ) (born Lesli Andrews) was an Indian playback singer who was active in Malayalam cinema during the 1950s. He had sung for eight films and many drama ...

, a popular Malayalam playback singer. She has two sons, Suresh Babu and the late Sathyajith.

Awards

She won the

National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress The National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress is an honour presented annually at India's National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), an organisation set up by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcast ...

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. He was one of the first actors to be associated with the New Wave cinema movement in K ...

. 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 Academy is located in Thrissur city, of Kerala, in India. It was established on 26 April 1958, inaugurated by then Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The academy started a cultural centre at the Bahrain Kerala ...

. She won the attimabbe prize also from Karnataka

Filmography (partial)

; Malayalam # Tharangal (2014) - photo only # Nurunguvettangal - Short film ... Sr. Margarita # Kunjipennu (2010) - album # Uthrada Ravu - Short film #

Annarakkannanum Thannalayathu ''Annarakkannanum Thannalayathu'' is a 2010 Malayalam-language film directed by Prakash. Kalabhavan Mani, Suraj Venjaramood, Jayashree and Nakshathra plays the lead roles in this film. It is produced by Kalabhavan Mani. It is a tribute to all "K ...

(2010) ... Valiyathan's mother # Nalla Pattukare (2010) # Nandhuni (2010) #

(2009) #

Malayali The Malayali people () (also spelt Malayalee and also known by the demonym Keralite) are a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group originating from the present-day state of Kerala in India, occupying its southwestern Malabar coast. They are predomina ...

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

Crazy Gopalan ''Crazy Gopalan'' is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language comedy thriller film directed by Deepu Karunakaran. The film stars Dileep in the title role with Radha Varma, Salim Kumar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Manoj K. Jayan and Biju Menon in pivotal roles ...

(2008) as Janakiyamma # Vilapagalkkappuram (2008) # Prajapathi (2006) # Mamma (2006) - Short film as Mrs. Philipose # Nottam (2006) as Jankiyamma # Anandabadram (2005) # Ullam (2005) # Maratha Nadu (2004) # Akale (2004) as Typewriting teacher # Freedom (2004) # Kilichundan Mambhazham (2003) as Maimuna's mother # Janakeeyam (2003) as Lakshmiyamma #

Anyar ''Anyar'' is a Malayalam language fiīlm of India. It was released on 19 September 2003. The film deals with the hot topic of communal polarisation in Kerala. The film stars Jyothirmayi and Biju Menon Plot Sooraj and Razia are college mates. ...

(2003) as Ummumma #

Mizhirandilum ''Mizhi Randilum'' (English: ''In both Eyes'') is a 2003 Malayalam film written and directed by Ranjith, starring Dileep, Kavya Madhavan, Indrajith, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sukumari, and Revathi. This movie was actor Narendra Prasad's last film. ...

(2003) #

Ammakkilikkoodu ''Ammakilikkoodu'' is a 2003 Malayalam film starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Navya Nair. Directorial debut of M. Padmakumar, written by Ranjith. Plot Vivek takes a job as the manager of karunalayam, a retirement house. He meets a young wom ...

(2003) # Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam (2003) # Ee Bhargavi Nilayam (2002) #

Neythukaran Neythukaran is a 2002 Malayalam movie, the first directed by Priyanandanan, starring Murali. It tells the story of a weaver, a supporter of E. M. S. Namboodiripad, who dies the day after his leader dies. Murali won the National Film Award for ...

(2001) # Kattu Vannu Vilichappol (2001) # Ninneyum Thedi (2001) #

Rapid Action Force The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is a specialised wing of the Central Reserve Police Force of India to deal with riot and crowd control situations. History RAF was raised on 11 December 1991 with headquarters in New Delhi. It became fully opera ...

(2000) as Vasanthakumari's muthassi # Priyankari (2000) # Chenaparambile Anakaryam (1998) # Magician Mahendralal From Delhi (1998) #Oro Viliyum Kathorthu (1998) #Sisiram (1998) # Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997) as Valsan's mother # Suvarna Simhaasanam (1997) # Mahathma (1996) # Harbour (1996) # Aakaashathekkoru Kilivaathil (1996) # Madamma (1996) # Sundarimare Sookshikkuka (1995) # No 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North (1995) #

Chandha ''Chantha'' () is a 1995 Indian Malayalam-language action film directed by Sunill and written by Robin Thirumala. The film stars Babu Antony, Thilakan, Sathaar, and Augustine. The film has musical score by M. Jayachandran. This film was a th ...

(1995) # Sasinas (1995) # Oru Abhibashakante Case Diary (1995) # Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum (1995) #

Mazhayethum Munbe ''Mazhayethum Munpe (Before the Rain Comes)'' is a 1995 Malayalam romantic drama film directed by Kamal and written by Sreenivasan. The film stars Mammootty, Shobhana, Annie and Sreenivasan in the lead roles. The plot is centered upon a ...

(1995) # Avan Ananthapadmanabhan (1994) # Deyvathinte Vikrithikal (1994) # Tharavadu (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) # Ghazal (1994) # Bharanakoodam (1994) as Manju's maid #

Chukkan ''Chukkan'' is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by Thampi Kannanthanam. The film stars Suresh Gopi, Gautami, Thilakan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in the lead roles. The film has musical score by S. P. Venkatesh. Synopsis ...

(1994) as Gayathri's Mother #

Naaraayam Narayam ( ml, നാരായം) ( sa, नाराचः) or ezhuthani ( ml, എഴുത്താണി) is a writing instrument (stylus) used since antiquity in South India, Sri Lanka and other proximate regions of Asia. Description and us ...

(1993) #

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) # Ghoshayathra (1993) as Itheyiumma # Agneyam (1993) # Magrib (1993) # Yamanam (1992) #

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) # Dhanam (1991) # Daivasahayam Lucky Centre (1991) # Adwaitham (1991) # Parallel College (1991) #

Aakoshakkottayile Sulthan ''Aakasha Kottayile Sultan'' () is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Jayaraj and starring Sreenivasan and Saranya Ponvannan in lead roles. Cast * Sreenivasan as Kesavan Kutty * Saranya Ponvannan as Mallika * Innocent as D ...

(1991) # No 20 Madras Mail (1990) # Kakkathollayiram (1990) # Brahmarakshassu (1990) #

Sasneham ''Sasneham...'' (translation: ''With Love'') is a 1990 Malayalam language family film written by Lohithadas and directed by Sathyan Anthikad. It stars Balachandra Menon, Shobana, Innocent, Sukumari, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Mamukkoya, Karamana Ja ...

(1990) # Aye Auto (1990) #

Carnivel ''Carnivel'' is a 1989 Malayalam comedy film written by S. N. Swamy and directed by P. G. Viswambharan. The film centres on the backdrops of a carnival. It stars Mammootty, Parvathy, Sukumaran and Babu Antony in pivotal roles. The film was sh ...

(1989) #

Naduvazhikal ''Naduvazhikal'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action 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 up the business empire o ...

(1989) # V. I. P. (1989) as Karthyayani #

Chanakyan ''Chanakyan'' is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film produced by Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio and directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar in his directorial debut. Starring Kamal Haasan, Urmila Matondkar, Jayaram, Madhu, and Thil ...

(1989) # Padippura (1989) # Asthikal Pookkunnu (1989) as Itti #

Kanakambarangal ''Kanakambarangal'' is a 1988 Indian Malayalam film, directed by N. Sankaran Nair and produced by A. P. Lal. The film stars Thilakan, Murali, Babu Namboothiri and Balan K. Nair in the lead roles. The film has musical score by K. Raghavan. Ca ...

(1988) as Sreedevi's mother # Dhinarathrangal (1988) # Oohakachavadam (1988) # Rithubetham (1987) # Idanazhiyil Ou Kalocha (1987) # Nadodikkaattu (1987) as Ramdas's Mother (Cameo appearance) # PC 369 (1987) as Mandara # Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam (1986) #

Abhayam Thedi ''Abhayam Thedi'' is a 1986 Indian Malayalam film, directed by I. V. Sasi. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobhana, Sukumari and Thilakan in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Shyam. Plot The film tells the story of a girl who returns ...

(1986) #

Vellam ''Vellam'' () is a 1985 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Hariharan, starring Prem Nazir and Madhu , supported by K. R. Vijaya and Srividya, with Sathaar, Sukumari, Adoor Bhasi and Balan K. Nair playing other important roles. Th ...

(1985) # Dheivatheyorthu (1985) # Anubandham (1985) #

Srikrishna Parundu ''Sree Krishna Parunthu'' () is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language horror film directed by A. Vincent and written by P. V. Thampi based on his novel ''Krishna Parunthu''. The film stars Mohanlal, Balan K. Nair, Jagathy Sreekumar, Pavithra, and Bi ...

(1984) #

Maniyara ''Maniyara'' is a 1983 Indian Malayalam film, Screenplay by moidu Padiyath directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by T. E. Vasudevan. The film stars Mammootty, Seema, Adoor Bhasi and Shanthi Krishna in the lead roles. The film has musical ...

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

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 Geet ...

(1980) # Ashwaradham (1980) #

Angadi Angadi is a village in Ranni Taluk, Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India India, officially the Republic of India ( Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most pop ...

(1980) #

Chakara A chakara (also Chaakara and in Malayalam ചാകര) is a peculiar marine phenomenon in which many fish and prawns throng together during a particular season as part of mud bank formations. The etymology relates to the local Dravidian wording "c ...

(1980) as Subhadra # Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980) # Neelathamara (1979) #

Thakara ''Thakara'' is a 1979 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan. It stars Prathap Pothan, Surekha, Nedumudi Venu and K. G. Menon in pivotal roles. The film was a breakthrough in the career of Bharathan ...

(1979) # Thenthulli (1979) # Avar Jeevikkunnu (1978) # Chuvanna Vithukal (1978) #

Padasaram ''Paadasaram'' is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A.N. Thampi and produced by Sivan Kunnampilly. The film stars Jose, Shobha, Raji and T. G. Ravi. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast * Jose as Rameshan *Shobh ...

(1978) as Kochukaali # Aparadhi (1977) as Madhaviyamma #

Yatheem ''Yatheem'' is a 1977 Indian Malayalam-language film, scripted by Moidu Padiyath directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by T. E. Vasudevan. The film stars Sheela, K. P. Ummer, Sudheer, Vidhubala, Adoor Bhasi, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair and ...

(1977) #

Njavalppazhangal ''Njavalppazhangal'' is a 1976 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by P. M. A. Azeez and produced by M. K. Kunhi Mohamed. The film stars Mohan Sharma, Vidhubala, Sukumari and Balan K. Nair in the lead roles. The film has musical score by ...

(1976) # Athithi (1975) #

Utharayanam ''Uttarayanam'' ( en, Throne of Capricorn) 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 ...

(1975) # Nirmala (1975 film) (1975) # Udayam Kizhakku Thanne (1974) # Shasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973) #

Darshanam ''Darsanam'' is a 1973 Indian Malayalam film, directed by P. N. Menon and produced by P. C. George. The film stars Adoor Bhasi, Supriya, Sankaradi and Raghavan in the lead roles. The film had musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast *Adoor Bha ...

(1973) #

Iniyoru Janmam Tharoo ''Iniyoru Janmam Tharu'' is a 1972 Indian Malayalam film, directed by K. Vijayan. The film stars Madhu, Jayabharathi, Adoor Bhasi, C. A. Balan and Paravoor Bharathan in the lead roles. The film was produced by Chinna Ramalingam. The film had m ...

(1972) #

Kuttyedathi ''Kuttyedathi'' ( ml, കുട്ട്യേടത്തി, en, Kutty, the Elder Sister) 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 ...

(1971) as Meenakshi #

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 exp ...

(1971) #

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

(1968) #

Thokkukal Kathaparayunnu ''Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu'' () is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and produced by M. O. Joseph. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela and Jayabharathi. The film had musical score by G ...

(1968) # Anaachadanam (1968) # Aval (1967) # Kottayam Kolacase (1967) # Mulkireedam (1967) # Iruttinte Athmavu (1967) as Parukkuttiamma # Ashwamedam (1967) as Lakshmi #

Aneshichu Kandethiyilla ''Anweshichu Kandethiyilla'' () is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by P. Bhaskaran and written by Parappurath. The film stars K. R. Vijaya, Sathyan and Madhu. Based on Parappurath's novel of the same name, it recounts the quest ...

(1967) # Nagarame Nandi (1967) #

Kunjali Marakkar Kunjali Marakkar (alternatively spelled Kunhali Marakkar) was the title inherited by the Admiral of the fleet of the Samoothiri / Zamorin, the king of Kozhikode / Calicut, in present-day Kerala, India. There were four Marakkars whose war tacti ...

(1967) #

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 Ma ...

(1966) # Murappennu(1965) as Madhaviyamma #

Devalayam A Hindu temple, or ''mandir'' or ''koil'' in Indian languages, is a house, seat and body of divinity for Hindus. It is a structure designed to bring human beings and gods together through worship, sacrifice, and devotion.; Quote: "The Hi ...

(1964) #

Kuttikuppayam ''Kuttikkuppayam'' () is a 1964 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by M. Krishnan Nair and written by Moidu Padiyath based on his novel ''Kaneer Panthal''. The film was a major commercial success at the box office that year and also ...

(1964) # Moodupadam (1963) #

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) #

Minnaminigu ''Minnaminugu'' is a 1957 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Ramu Kariat. The film stars Premji and Manavalan Joseph. It was released on 24 May 1957. Plot Cast * Premji * Manavalan Joseph * Santha Devi Damayanthi (1927 – ...

(1957) # Sandehi (1954) ; Hindi * Triyathri (1990)

Television serials (partial)

*Manasi (DD Malayalam) *Pennurimai (DD Malayalam) * Minnukettu ( Surya TV) *Manassariyathe ( Surya TV) *Kayamkulam Kochunni ( Surya TV) *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