Sheela Celine

Biography

Sheela Celine, popularly known simply as Sheela, is an Indian actress, writer and filmmaker who has worked predominantly in Malayalam cinema. Born on 24 March 1945 in Kanimangalam, Thrissur, she became one of the most celebrated actresses of Malayalam cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.

She made her screen debut in the Tamil film Paasam and soon entered Malayalam cinema with Bhagyajathakam. She went on to become a leading actress, appearing in hundreds of films across Malayalam and Tamil cinema. Her long-running screen partnership with Prem Nazir became particularly famous; together, they hold a Guinness World Record for their extensive number of films as a leading pair.

Among her notable Malayalam films are Kallichellamma, Oru Penninte Kadha, Sarassayya, Anubhavam, Chemmeen, Vazhve Mayam and Akale. Her performances earned her several Kerala State Film Awards. She won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Akale in 2005.

Sheela temporarily retired from acting in 1981 and made a successful comeback with Sathyan Anthikad's Manassinakkare in 2003. She subsequently continued appearing in Malayalam films, taking on mature and character-oriented roles.

In addition to acting, Sheela has worked as a director, writer, novelist, painter and television host. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Malayalam cinema, she received the J. C. Daniel Award in 2019, Kerala's highest honour for contributions to the state's film industry.

Sheela remains an enduring figure in Malayalam cinema, remembered for her versatility, longevity and landmark collaborations with leading actors of her era.