Suhasini Maniratnam
Biography
Suhasini Maniratnam, born on August 15, 1961, is a highly acclaimed Indian actress, film director, producer, and screenwriter, primarily known for her extensive work in the South Indian film industry. Her career, spanning over four decades, is marked by a remarkable range of roles, significant directorial ventures, and numerous prestigious awards.
Early Life and Entry into Cinema
Born Suhasini Charuhasan in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, she is the daughter of veteran actor and director Charuhasan. Suhasini initially pursued a degree in literature before venturing into cinema. She was the first female student to graduate as a cinematographer from the Madras Film Institute, showcasing her early interest in the technical aspects of filmmaking. While her initial ambition was to be behind the camera, she accidentally transitioned into acting.
Illustrious Acting Career
Suhasini made her acting debut in 1980 with the Tamil film "Nenjathai Killathe," for which she won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress. This marked the beginning of an incredibly prolific career, where she has appeared in over 350 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.
She is celebrated for her ability to portray a variety of roles, from strong supporting characters to leading women, often favoring realistic and nuanced performances. Some of her notable acting credits include:
"Sindhu Bhairavi" (1985): Her performance in this film earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress in 1986, a testament to her exceptional talent.
"Mouna Ragam" (1986): A popular Tamil film, where her performance was critically acclaimed.
"Kshana Kshanam" (1991): For which she received the Nandi Award for Best Actress.
"Thevar Magan" (1992): Earning her a Filmfare Award South for Best Actress (Tamil).
"Vanaprastham" (1999): An AFI Fest-nominated feature film where her role was particularly well-received.
Suhasini has worked with many prominent actors and directors across different language industries, establishing herself as a respected and versatile performer.
Venturing into Direction and Production
Beyond acting, Suhasini has significantly contributed to filmmaking as a director and producer. Her directorial debut came with the Tamil film "Indira" (1995), which she also produced and wrote the screenplay for. Although the film addressed important social issues like casteism, it earned appreciation for its neat narrative. She has also directed television serials, including "Penn" in Tamil, and co-directed "Ganesh-Vasanth."
Suhasini, along with her husband, acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, has been actively involved in running their production company, Madras Talkies, since 1997. She has also been credited with co-writing dialogues for several prominent films, including Mani Ratnam's "Thiruda Thiruda," "Iruvar," and "Raavanan." In recent times, she has also served as an executive producer for segments in anthology films like "Putham Pudhu Kaalai" (2020).
Awards and Recognition
Suhasini Maniratnam's extensive career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including:
National Film Award for Best Actress (for "Sindhu Bhairavi," 1986)
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (including for "Nenjathai Killathe" and "Mouna Ragam")
Four Filmfare Awards South (Best Actress - Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil)
Two Kerala State Film Awards
Nandi Awards
Her dedication and talent have made her an iconic figure in Indian cinema.
Other Contributions
Suhasini has also taken on roles beyond filmmaking. She has headed the organizing committee of the Chennai International Film Festival since 2010 and was appointed as the Honorary Consul for Luxembourg by the President of India in 2014. In 2009, she founded the NAAM Foundation, a trust dedicated to empowering single women in Tamil Nadu.
