Kutty Radhika

Radhika Kumaraswamy (born Radhika Poojary) is an Indian actress and producer, who primarily appears in Kannada films. She made her acting debut in 2002 with the Kannada film '' Ninagagi''. In 2012, she produced her first film, ''Lucky'' starring Yash under the name Shamika Enterprises.

Career

Radhika started her acting with the Kannada film ''Neela Megha Shama'' (2002) when she had completed her ninth class. Her first release was '' Ninagagi'', opposite Vijay Raghavendra, which was followed by '' Thavarige Baa Thangi'', starring Shivarajkumar; both films were highly successful ventures. In 2003, she appeared in five Kannada films, including Hemanth Hegde's directorial debut '' Ooh La La''; ''Hudugigaagi'', alongside S. P. B. Charan; Yograj Bhat's maiden feature film ''Mani'', in which she played the daughter of a prostitute; '' Thayi Illada Thabbali'' and '' Mane Magalu'', all of which were commercial failures. In spite of the film's poor box office returns, Radhika's performance as Gowri in ''Thayi Illada Tabbali'' won her the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress.

Radhika subsequently began to work in Tamil cinema, acting in four Tamil films and one Telugu film ('' Bhadradri Ramudu'') in quick succession. Her debut Tamil film was S. P. Jananathan's award-winning debut directorial '' Iyarkai'' (2003). ''The Hindu'' in its review noted that Kutty Radhika as the "impulsive, immature and obdurate Nancy looks just right for the role". Three of her four releases in 2005—''Rishi'', '' Masala'' and '' Auto Shankar''—featured her alongside another lead female character. Again in 2005 she appeared in Anna Thangi collaborating with the ''Thavarige Baa Thangi'' team, Shivrajkumar and Radhika again playing the elder brother and younger sister roles, respectively.

The following year, she was again seen in five Kannada films and one Tamil film '' Ulla Kadathal'', that remains her last Tamil release. On her performance in '' Hatavadi'', Rediff.com's critic R. G. Vijayasarathy wrote: "Though this is essentially a Ravichandran film, it is to Radhika's credit that she stands up to a superb performance. Her emotions are perfect and she is presented very well on screen".

Radhika has also worked as a film distributor and producer. She has acquired the distribution rights of her own film '' Anatharu'' (2007), co-starring Upendra and Darshan. In 2008, she bought the rights of her film ''Ishwar'', which was launched in 2007 as ''Narasimha'', and revived it, although she was unsuccessful in releasing it. She later established a production studio named Shamika Enterprises and produced the film '' Lucky'', starring Ramya and Yash.

In 2013, she made a comeback to acting with '' Sweety Nanna Jodi'' which she also produced. With regards to her performance, Sify stated: "Radhika...is a treat to watch and has given a brilliant performance" while Rediff wrote: "Radhika looks ravishing and comes as a surprise for those who have watched her earlier films".

Personal life

Born in a Tulu-speaking family, Radhika reportedly married Ratan Kumar at the Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel on 26 November 2000. In April 2002, Ratan Kumar filed a complaint, alleging that Radhika's father Devraj had abducted her as he feared that news of her marriage may "jeopardise her career". Only a few days later, Radhika's mother wanted the marriage to be annulled as Radhika was just 13 1/2 years old and said that Ratan Kumar had forcibly married her. Devraj further claimed that Ratan had tried to burn Radhika alive. Ratan Kumar died in August 2002, following a heart attack.

In November 2010, Radhika revealed that she was married to H.D. Kumaraswamy, former chief Minister of Karnataka. According to Radhika, they married in 2007 and have a daughter named Shamika. They separated in 2015.

Filmography

As actor

As producer

Television

References

External links

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{{Commons category

Year of birth missing (living people)
Actresses from Mangalore
Tulu actresses
Indian film actresses
Actresses in Kannada cinema
Living people
Actresses in Tamil cinema
Date of birth missing (living people)
21st-century Indian actresses
Film producers from Karnataka
Indian women film producers
Kannada film producers
Actresses in Telugu cinema
Businesswomen from Karnataka
Businesspeople from Mangalore
Spouses of Indian politicians