Ranipadmini (actress)

Ranipadmini (actress) Biography

Ranipadmini was a graceful and prominent young actress of south Indian film industry in the 1980s, who was murdered in her flat in Anna Nagar Chennai in 1986, alongside her mother and three staffs. Known for beauty, she was one of the foremost actresses of Malayalam cinema in the first half of 1980s. She made her film debut with the 1980 Malayalam film – Sangharsham and stayed in the industry for six years, with her prominent roles being ‘Parankimala’, ‘Sangarshanam’, ‘Sharam’, ‘Bandhanam’ and ‘Killikonchal’. A few of her movies were released after her death. She was paired with Mohanlal for Naseema and with Mammootty for Kothichathum Vidhichathum. The evergreen romantic track sung by Janaki for Naseema – Ennittum Nee Enne Arinjillallo was pictured on her.

She was born to Vishwanathan and Indirakumari. She had two siblings – one brother and one sister. She along with her mother stayed in Anna Nagar, Chennai to try luck in Tamil movies. Though she was not able to get meaty roles in Tamil, she got close with several high-profile politicians and film technicians. With her entry to Malayalam cinema, she became a star in a short period. She excelled as a village girl as well as glamorous ones. 'Thenum Vayambum', 'Parankimala' etc earned her fame and name as a good actress.

The director I. V. Sasi’s blockbuster Thusharam proved that she is not only verse in glamorous roles but also can really act, and earned her accolades. The success of movies 'Kuyiline Thedi', 'Pakkathu Veettu Raja' etc just followed and she became rich in a short period also. They hired three employees in their residence at Anna Nagar - Lakshmi Narasimhan (watchman), Jebaraj (driver) and Ganesan (cook). They happened to overhear about a big amount of 15 lakhs and Jebaraj in association with the other two conspired a plot to kill the unarmed ladies staying alone. They purchased knives and stabbed both ladies to death, though couldn’t find the amount. But they manage to steal many wealthy things of the residence. The culprits got arrested and sentenced to life terms. But the double murder created great ripples in Malayalam and Tamil film industries.  

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Updated: January 18, 2016