Renowned actress Sharada, affectionately known as ‘Urvashi,’ made a triumphant return to the public eye at the age of 80 after a long hiatus. The event took place not in her native Telugu state but in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during the grand Kerala State Film Awards ceremony held on Sunday. Sharada, appearing in a wheelchair, was greeted with applause as she made her way to the stage, where the prominent actor Mammootty extended his hand to assist her. She was honored with the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, recognizing her significant contributions to Malayalam cinema.
The J.C. Daniel Award, named after the first Malayalam film director, holds a special place in the hearts of filmmakers and audiences alike. Sharada began her illustrious acting career in Malayalam films in 1965 and continued to shine until 2015, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Chief Minister Vijayan praised Sharada for her exceptional talent, stating, “Sharada has brought the first national award to Malayalam cinema. Her contributions have been remarkable, and she has left an unforgettable impression on audiences with her deep and rich performances.”
Throughout her career, Sharada appeared in over 125 films, earning accolades and recognition for her work. Her first national award came for her performance in the Malayalam film ‘Thulabharam’ in 1968, which was later remade in Telugu as ‘Manushulu Marali.’ She won her second national award for the film ‘Swayamvaram’ in 1972, directed by the acclaimed Adoor Gopalakrishnan, which is often considered a landmark in parallel cinema in Malayalam. Her third national award followed for her role in the Telugu film ‘Nimajjanam’ in 1977, underscoring her versatility across both languages.
In addition to receiving the J.C. Daniel Award, Sharada was presented with a cash prize of five lakh rupees during the ceremony. To the delight of the audience, she showcased her enduring talent by singing a song from one of her past Malayalam films, evoking nostalgia and excitement among fans. Her legacy in Telugu cinema includes memorable roles in films such as ‘Sharada,’ ‘Balipeetham,’ ‘Karthika Deepam,’ ‘Nyayam Kavali,’ and ‘Justice Chowdary,’ captivating audiences for decades.
Sharada’s filmography also features collaborations with the Paruchuri brothers in movies like ‘Pratidhvani,’ ‘Lorry Driver,’ and ‘Bobbilipuli.’ She has shared the screen with notable actors, including Balakrishna, with whom she charmed audiences in films such as ‘Attagari’ and ‘Anasuyaamma Gari Alludu.’ Her performance in the film ‘Amma Rajinama’ is still celebrated as a significant highlight of her career.
Currently residing in Chennai with her brother’s family, Sharada’s return to the spotlight at the Kerala State Film Awards serves as a reminder of her enduring influence on Indian cinema. As fans and fellow artists celebrate her contributions, Sharada’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors alike.
