Devayani, born Sushma Jayadev on June 22, 1974, in Mumbai, is a celebrated Indian actress known for her versatile performances across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. She began her acting journey in the early 1990s, initially appearing in Bengali and Marathi films before making a significant mark in South Indian cinema. Her Tamil debut came with Thotta Chinungi (1995), but it was Kadhal Kottai (1996) opposite Ajith Kumar that catapulted her to stardom, earning her critical acclaim and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Devayani became one of the most sought-after actresses in Tamil cinema, starring in hits like Surya Vamsam, Marumalarchi, Nee Varuvai Ena, Bharathi, and Friends. Her performances were noted for their emotional depth and grace, often portraying strong, traditional female characters. She received multiple accolades, including the Kalaimamani Award and the ITFA Best Supporting Actress Award for Azhagi (2002).

Beyond films, Devayani made a successful transition to television, becoming a household name with the long-running Tamil serial Kolangal (2003–2009), where she played the lead role of Abinaya. Her work on the small screen further cemented her popularity among family audiences.

In her personal life, Devayani married director Rajakumaran in 2001, and the couple has two daughters. She has also ventured into production and direction, notably with the short film Kaikuttai Rani, which won Best Children’s Short Film at the Jaipur International Film Festival.

Devayani’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to evolve with time—balancing mainstream cinema, television, and family life with poise. Her journey from a glamorous heroine to a respected character artist and mentor reflects her resilience and deep-rooted passion for storytelling.