Rani Chandra

Rani Chandra Biography

Rani Chandra was an Indian heroine who concentrated on South Indian Cinema during 70’s. She was the winner of the Miss Kerala Title and has worked in many landmark movies during 70’s like - Nellu (Malayalam, 1974) and Swapnadanam (Malayalam, 1975).  Other noted works are - Abhinandanam, Sindoooram, Thirumadhuram, Oonjal, Alinganam and Anuragam. She won Kerala state award for best actress for her performance in Swapnadanam. But unfortunately she died in a plane crash in 1976 along with her mother, three sisters and her music troupe. It happened in their returning journey from Mumbai to Chennai Dance after their performance in the Middle East. She has also acted in Tamil movie – Bhadrakali with popular song, "Kannan Oru Kaikuzhanthai”. When she passed away the movie was not completed and the unfinished portion of ‘Bhadrakali‘ was finished using a double. In her short career she acted in 67 movies.

Rani reached film industry soon after winning the Miss Kerala Title. Her first film was Anjusundarikal released in the year 1968. The movie, produced by Kasim Vengola was directed by M. Krishnan Nair. The movie had Prem Nazir, Udaya Chandrika and Jayabharathi in the lead. Same year, Anaachaadhanam was also released. This movie also starred Prem Nazir in the lead, along with Sheela as his co-actor.

Very soon she became a busy star of Malayalam, particularly with the release of the movie Nellu where she played the supporting role. The movie directed by Ramu Kariat won many critical acclamation along with many National and State awards. This landmark movie had Prem Nazir and Jayabharathy in the lead roles and is also known for famous song sung by Lata Mangeshkar for the first time in Malayalam in Salil Chowdhury’s music. Rani Chandra’s character name was Jawani in this movie.

Other noted works of Rani are Jesus, Brahmachari, Omana, Thanal, Saundaryam, Amba Ambika Ambalika, Muthu, Chirikudukka, malsaram, Swimming pool and Lahari. Many of her movies were released posthumously.

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Updated: October 25, 2013