Devika

Devika or Prameela Devi (25 April 1943 – 25 April 2002) was a Tamil and Telugu actress. She is regarded as a versatile and graceful heroine of her era. She was known for her natural beauty which was the key in her casting in mythological films like Karnan, thiruvilaiyadal. Her notable films are Sumaithangi, Nenjil oru Aalayam and Marakka Mudiyuma. She started acting at the age of 12. Her spectacular performances made a heart throbe of many people in those days as expressed by Tamil writer Sujatha in one of his old essays.

Personal life

Devika is the grand daughter of Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu .^[1] Ex-mayor of Madras C.Basudev Naidu was the paternal uncle of Devika. She married Devadas on 14 April 1972; they divorced in the late 1990s. Her only daughter Kanaka is one of the famous Tamil actresses of the 1990s.

Earlier life

Premila changed her name as Devika, which proved to be lucky. In 1958 she made her debut in Mudhalali paired with veteran film actor S.S.Rajendran With the big Tilagam adorning her forehead, the movie was a Block Buster; Devika represented the quintessential Indian woman, caring, self-effacing and sacrificing. Sivaji and Devika figured in some memorable movies like Karnan, that powerful mythological, and the hilarious Bale Pandiya and Kulamagal Radhai, Neelavanam, annai Illam, Pavamanippu among the best.Devika acted only one film with then powerful Tamil super M.G.Ramachandran in Aananthajothi in 1963 which film was produced by villain actor P.S.Veerappa. Neela vanam was one of the best movies for her excellent performance. This movie is always memorable and enjoyable her role with Nadigar Thilakam. Devika also made an indelible mark in family drama, the genre that easily wins the hearts of the audience, both urban and rural. With producers churning out such films, some tear-jerkers and others light, and no dearth of heroines, it was due to her talent and charm that Devika got the opportunity to play memorable roles in films like Vanambadi, Vazhkai Padagu and Nenjam Marappadhillai. If the song Sonnathu needhana... in C.V.Sridhar\'s Nenjil Or Aalayam attained immortality the credit for making it visually poignant goes to Devika, who rendered it in the landmark film. She had carved a niche for herself with her grace and beauty at a time when other heroines vied for the top slot. She did total justice to whatever character she portrayed never failing to give a wholesome performance. She was a blend of grace and charm, a versatile actress Devika acted in about 150 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

Filmography

Telgu

Malayalam

• Pullimaan (1972)
• CID In Jungle (1971)
• Nizhalaattam (1970)
• Karuna (1966)
• Kaattupookkal (1965) .... Annie
• Shaanthi Nivas (1962)

Tamil

• Saraswathi Sabatham (Tamil, 1966)
• Neela vanam (Tamil, 1965)
• Karnan (Tamil, 1964)
• Nenjam Marappathillai (Tamil, 1963)
• Dakshayagnam (Tamil, 1962)

Hindi

• Naya Din Nai Raat (Hindi, 1974)
• Izzat (1968)

References

External links

• Devika at the Internet Movie Database
• Devika at MSI