Sumithra Nair, popularly known as Sumithra, is a veteran Indian actress renowned for her extensive work in South Indian cinema. Born on September 18, 1953, in Thrissur, Kerala, to Raghavan Nair and Janaki, Sumithra developed a passion for the performing arts early in life. She trained in classical dance under Murugappan Master, who also mentored actress K. R. Vijaya, laying the foundation for her graceful screen presence.

Sumithra began her acting career at the age of 19 with a small role in the Malayalam film Nrithasala (1972), directed by A. B. Raj. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she made her debut as a lead actress in Nirmalayam (1973). Over the decades, she has acted in more than 200 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu languages. Her Tamil debut came with Avalum Penn Thaane (1974), and her first Kannada film was Mugiyada Kathe (1975), which featured the evergreen song “Kangalu Vandane Helide.”

Sumithra has shared screen space with legendary actors such as Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vishnuvardhan, and Jaishankar. Remarkably, she has played both romantic leads and maternal roles opposite the same stars, reflecting her versatility and longevity in the industry.

She was married to acclaimed Kannada film director D. Rajendra Babu in 1980 and has two daughters, Umashankari and Nakshatra, both of whom have pursued acting careers. Sumithra received the Karnataka State Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2011, honoring her contribution to cinema.

Known for her elegance, emotional depth, and adaptability, Sumithra remains a beloved figure in Indian film history, embodying the grace and strength of South Indian cinema’s golden era.