Ramya Krishnan

Ramya Krishnan

Biography

Ramya Krishnan, born on September 15, 1970, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most versatile and celebrated actresses in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, she has acted in more than 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages, earning acclaim for her powerful screen presence and dynamic range.

She began her acting journey at the age of 13 with the Malayalam film Neram Pularumbol, followed by her Tamil debut Vellai Manasu in 1985. Her early years saw her in supporting roles, but she soon rose to prominence with Telugu hits like Sutradharulu and Allari Mogudu. Her breakthrough in Tamil cinema came with Padayappa (1999), where she played the iconic antagonist Neelambari opposite Rajinikanth—a role that won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and cemented her legacy.

Ramya’s most globally recognized role is Rajamata Sivagami Devi in Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). Her portrayal of the fierce queen mother earned her multiple awards and international acclaim, showcasing her ability to command the screen with gravitas and emotion.

Beyond mainstream cinema, Ramya has explored diverse roles in films like Super Deluxe (2019), where she played a bold and unconventional character, and in the web series Queen, inspired by the life of J. Jayalalithaa. Her performance in Queen was widely praised for its depth and nuance.

Off-screen, Ramya is married to Telugu director Krishna Vamsi, and the couple has a son named Ritwik. She is also trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Western dance, adding to her artistic versatility.

Ramya Krishnan’s career is a testament to her adaptability, elegance, and enduring appeal. Whether portraying goddesses, villains, or matriarchs, she brings authenticity and intensity to every role. As she continues to evolve with the times—embracing digital platforms and experimental cinema—Ramya remains a towering figure in Indian entertainment, revered by audiences and peers alike.