Gautami Tadimalla

Biography

Gautami Tadimalla (born 2 July 1969) is an Indian actress, politician, television personality, costume designer, and social activist. She has worked across multiple Indian film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. Between 1987 and 1998, she was regarded as one of the leading actresses in South Indian films.

In addition to acting, Gautami is the founder of the Life Again Foundation, an organization dedicated to cancer awareness and support.

Early Life and Education

Gautami pursued her higher education in engineering at GITAM University in Visakhapatnam. Despite her academic background, she chose to follow her passion for cinema and entered the film industry at a young age.

Entry into Cinema

Gautami made her acting debut in Telugu cinema with Dayamayudu (1987), produced by her cousin. She soon appeared in notable Telugu films such as Srinivasa Kalyanam alongside Venkatesh and Bhanupriya.

She entered Tamil cinema with Guru Shishyan (1988), starring Rajinikanth and Prabhu. The film marked the beginning of a highly successful Tamil career.

Rise to Stardom

From the late 1980s to the late 1990s, Gautami delivered a series of memorable performances in Tamil cinema. Her notable Tamil films include:

Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989)

Raja Chinna Roja (1989)

Panakkaran (1990)

Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu (1990)

Namma Ooru Poovatha (1990)

Dharma Durai (1991)

Nee Pathi Naan Pathi (1991)

Rickshaw Mama (1992)

Thevar Magan (1992)

Honest Raj (1994)

Nammavar (1994)

Kuruthipunal (1995)

Iruvar (1997)

She also made a popular guest appearance in the song “Chikku Bukku Railu” in Gentleman (1993).

Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi Cinema

Gautami earned critical acclaim in Malayalam cinema through films such as:

His Highness Abdullah (1990)

Daddy (1992)

Dhruvam (1993)

Ayalathe Adheham (1993)

Sukrutham (1994)

Her Kannada films include Elu Suttina Kote (1987), Chikkejamanru (1992), and Cheluva (1997).

In Hindi cinema, she appeared in films such as Pyar Hua Chori Chori, Aadmi, Janta Ki Adalat, Trimurti, Dhaal, and Haiwan.

Television Career

Gautami successfully transitioned to television, playing the lead role in the Tamil serial Indira. She hosted the popular talk show Anbudan on Sun TV and later acted in the serial Abirami on Kalaignar TV.

Costume Designer and Awards

After stepping away from acting, Gautami reinvented herself as a costume designer, working primarily on films starring Kamal Haasan. She won the Vijay Award for Best Costume Designer for Dasavathaaram (2008). She later styled films such as Vishwaroopam (2013) and Uttama Villain (2015).

Return to Acting

After a 16-year break from acting, Gautami made a celebrated comeback with Papanasam (2015), the Tamil remake of Drishyam, opposite Kamal Haasan. Her performance was widely appreciated.

She continued her comeback with Manamantha (2016) alongside Mohanlal, which received a positive audience response. She returned to Malayalam cinema after 14 years with the horror thriller E (2017), playing the lead role. She later appeared in a pivotal role in Thupparivaalan 2, directed by and starring Vishal.

Political and Social Work

Gautami has also been active in politics and social service. Through her Life Again Foundation, she has worked extensively to support cancer survivors and spread awareness about early detection and recovery.