Famous As Rajinikanth's ‘Thalapathi' Grandma, Starred In 1,000+ Films Across 5 Languages
She began her journey in cinema during the 1950s film era as a lead actress, eventually transitioning into character roles that would go on to define her career. She soon became one of the most sought-after actresses for mother and grandmother roles. Directors would often say, 'If a hero needs a grandmother, call Nirmalamma.' She worked with the leading stars of her time and continued acting alongside younger generations as the industry evolved. (News18 Tamil)
Her talent was not limited to Telugu cinema. Nirmalamma's performances resonated in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films as well. One of her most iconic Tamil roles was in Thalapathi, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Rajinikanth. She also appeared in Tamil films such as Ilamai Oonjalaadathi, Raja Paarvai, Coimbatore Mappillai, and Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari. (News18 Tamil)
Nirmalamma was known for her effortless acting style and her ability to infuse every character with warmth and depth. Her portrayals were so authentic that audiences often couldn't imagine anyone else in those roles. Her presence on screen brought emotional nuance to countless stories and made her one of the most treasured figures in Indian cinema. (News18 Tamil)
Her grandson, Vijay Madala, briefly ventured into Telugu films. He starred in Sandhyaaragam, opposite Vijayashanthi, which saw commercial success. However, having been born and raised in the United States, Vijay struggled with the Telugu language, and this challenge ended his acting career prematurely. (News18 Tamil)
Nirmalamma continued to grace the silver screen until her passing on February 19, 2009, leaving behind an unparalleled body of work. Her evolution from a lead actress to a revered character artist is a testament to her versatility, dedication, and deep love for cinema. (News18 Tamil)
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