Sudha Rani

{{Short description|Indian actress}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}} {{Infobox person | name = Sudha Rani | image = Sudharani (Kannada film actress) (1).jpg | image_size = | caption = Sudharani in 2020 | birth_name = Jayashree | birth_date = 14th Aug 1973 | birth_place = Tumkuru, Karnataka, India | years_active = 1978–present | spouse = {{plainlist| * {{marriage|Sanjay |1996|1998|end=divorce}} * {{marriage|Govardhan|11 December 2000}} }} | children = 1 | occupation = Actress }}

'''Jayashree''', known by her screen name '''Sudha Rani''', is an Indian actress, voice artist and former model. She has primarily worked in Kannada films in addition to some Telugu, Tamil, Tulu and Malayalam films. As on Feb 2024, she has acted in about 150 films across industries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-28 |title=Shrirastu Shubhamastu team honors Sudharani's 38-year acting journey; watch video |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/shrirastu-shubhamastu-team-honors-sudharanis-38-year-acting-journey-watch-video/articleshow/108063289.cms |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

As a child artist, she acted in ''Kiladi Kittu'' (1978), ''Kulla Kulli'' (1980), ''Anupama'' (1981) Bhagyavantha and ''Ranganayaki'' (1981). She debuted as a lead actress at age 13 with ''Anand'' (1986). She has won the Filmfare Awards and the Karnataka State Film Awards twice for her performances in ''Panchama'' ''Veda'' (1990) and ''Mysore Mallige'' (1992).

==Early years== Sudha Rani was born in Tumakuru and brought up in Malleswaram, Bengaluru district, Karnataka into "a conservative Brahmin family" of H. S. Gopalakrishna and Nagalakshmi. The family lived in the Malleswaram suburb of Bengaluru. Sudha Rani aspired to be a doctor since most of her relatives were into academics with many doctors among them.<ref name="dh1">{{cite web |last1=Anien |first1=Tini Sara |title=Sudharani: I faced camera first when I was just three |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/sudharani-i-faced-camera-first-when-i-was-just-three-846146.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921111917/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/sudharani-i-faced-camera-first-when-i-was-just-three-846146.html |archive-date=21 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 June 2020}}</ref> Her uncle was eminent film personality, Chi. Udaya Shankar.

Sudha Rani was educated at St. Thomas school, in its Malleswaram and Seshadripura branches, and recalled reading books being her pastime as a child. She first faced camera for an advertisement for Kwality Biscuits when she was two and a half years old. The cameraman of the advertisement recommended her name to director of the 1978 film, ''Kiladi Kittu'', who cast her to play the younger version of Kavitha's character and her brother as the younger version of Rajinikanth's character.<ref name="dh1"/> Her mother enrolled Sudha Rani in dance classes at age five; she would train in Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam. At age 7, she was roped in by her brother for his short film based on children, titled as ''Child is Here'' which won an international award.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She also actively participated in the children shows at the Prabhat Kalavidaru theatre troupe.

==Film career== ===1978–1985: As child actor=== Sudha was credited as Baby Jayashree in all her childhood projects. She made her first appearance in television in the Kwality biscuits advertisement when she was two and a half years old.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anien |first=Tini Sara |title=Sudharani: I faced camera first when I was just three |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/sudharani-i-faced-camera-first-when-i-was-just-three-846146.html |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> At the age of three, she made her film debut with ''Kiladi Kittu'' in 1978 starring Vishnuvardhan and Rajinikanth. She played the younger role of the lead actress Kavitha in the film. This was followed by a series of child characters played in ''Kulla Kulli'' (1980), Puttanna Kanagal's ''Ranganayaki'', Renuka Sharma's ''Anupama'', ''Bhagyavantha'' (all released in 1981) and ''Baadada Hoo'' (1982).

===1986–2000: Debut as a lead and success=== Sudha was noticed by producer Parvathamma Rajkumar in a thread ceremony video when she was 12 and was selected to play the lead role in the film ''Anand'' in 1986 opposite Shiva Rajkumar. The film turned out to be a major commercial success establishing the careers of both the lead actors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anien |first=Tini Sara |title=Sudharani: I faced camera first when I was just three |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/sudharani-i-faced-camera-first-when-i-was-just-three-846146.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> They became a popular pair and were cast in more films such as ''Mana Mechchida Hudugi'' (1987), ''Ranaranga'' (1988), ''Aasegobba Meesegobba'' (1990), ''Midida Shruthi'' (1992) and ''Samara'' (1995). In 1988, she played daughter to Dr. Rajkumar in ''Devatha Manushya''. She reprised her role played in ''Mana Mechchida Hudugi'' in her Tamil debut, ''Annakili Sonna Kathai'' (1989), paired opposite Sathyaraj.

Few other films where Sudha's performance was noted during this period include Kashinath starrer ''Avane Nanna Ganda'', Dwarakish directorial ''Krishna Nee Kunidaga'' (both 1989) and ''Panchama Veda'' (1990) which earned her first Karnataka State Film Award, the Telugu film, ''Master Kapuram'' (1990), where she was credited as Gayatri and the Tamil films, ''Vasanthakala Paravai'' (1991) and ''Thangakkili'' (1993), credited as Shali. In 1992, she featured in a lead role in K S Narasimha Swamy's poetry collection film, ''Mysore Mallige'', directed by T. S. Nagabharana. She played the role of Padma who falls in love with a poet and entangles in the village's feudal structure. The film won several awards upon release including Sudha's maiden Filmfare Award and second Karnataka State Film Award.

After Shiva Rajkumar, her next successful pairing was with Ramesh Aravind. They both went on to star in over eight films, including ''Ganda Mane Makkalu'' (1988), ''Panchama Veda'' (1990), ''Vasanthakala Paravai'', ''Varagala Bete'' (both 1991), ''Mouna Mozhi'' (1992), ''Srigandha'', ''Aragini'', ''Anuraga Sangama'', ''Balondu Chaduranga'' (all 1995), and ''Accident'' (2008). Her other successful pairing were with Ambareesh (''Saptapadi'', ''Mannina Doni'', ''Munjaneya Manju'', ''Mr. Abhishek''), V. Ravichandran (''Mane Devru''), Shashikumar (''Swathi''), Anant Nag (''Nanenu Madlilla''), Devaraj and Ramkumar (''Kavya'', ''Mahakshathriya''). With actor Vishnuvardhan, she appeared, although not opposite role, in ''Mahakshathriya'' (1994) and ''Kona Edaithe'' (1995).

In 1995, she expanded to Malayalam films with ''Aadyathe Kanmani'' playing the lead role opposite Jayaram. She ended the decade with her comeback film after a brief hiatus of three years with a lead role in Sunil Kumar Desai's ''Sparsha'' (2000). She received her second Filmfare Award for her performance in the film.

===2001-till date: Supporting roles=== After 2000, Sudha took up supporting roles with minimum screen space since she had to cater to her family responsibilities. She began this with a cameo appearance in K. Raghavendra Rao's Kannada-Telugu bilingual hagiographical film, ''Sri Manjunatha''. Her next notable role came with Kavita Lankesh's ''Preethi Prema Pranaya'' (2003) which showcased three generations of couple life with Sudha pairing opposite Prakash Raj. Her performance as a sister-in-law to Puneeth Rajkumar in ''Namma Basava'' (2005) was praised by critics. Some other note worthy roles came with ''Auto Shankar''. ''Magic Ajji'' (both 2005), ''Thirupathi'' (2006), ''Mr. Garagasa'', ''Navashakthi Vaibhava'' (both 2008), ''Ghauttham'' (2009), ''Dandupalya'' (2012) and ''Bharath Stores'' (2013). The satire comedy film ''Vaastu Prakaara'' (2015) earned her critical praise and won her Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award. She made a comeback to Tamil cinema with ''Nibunan'' which was simultaneously shot in Kannada under the title ''Vismaya'' in 2017. She took up lead actor mother roles in films such as ''Padde Huli'', ''Amar'' and ''Geetha'', all released in 2019. She wound up the decade playing Police Commissioner role in ''Kannad Gothilla'' (2019).

Sudha continued to feature in several films playing supporting roles in 2020s. These include ''Yuvarathnaa'' (2021), ''Avatara Purusha'', ''Thurthu Nirgamana'' (both 2022), ''Yuva'', ''Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi'', ''Bagheera'' (all 2024) and the Kannada-Telugu bilingual ''Junior'' (2025).

==Personal life== Sudha Rani married a US-based anesthesia specialist, Dr. Sanjay, in 1996. However citing irreconcilable differences, they parted ways in 1998. In 2000, she married Govardhan, a chartered accountant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/dec/19spice.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: Gossip from the Kannada film industry |work=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MALLESWARAM, BASAVESHWARANAGAR, VIA CALIFORNIA: Sudha Step Into Her New Hubby's House |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_marriage1.html |website=Chitraloka |access-date=14 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030416220648/http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_marriage1.html |archive-date=16 April 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=JINXED SUDHARANI MARRIAGE: Actress Returns To Bangalore For Second Wedding |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_remarriage.html |website=Chitraloka |access-date=14 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030701165550/http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_remarriage.html |archive-date=1 July 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The couple have a daughter together, Nidhi, born in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=SUDHARANI BECOMES MOTHER: Gives Birth To Girl Child |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_mother.html |website=Chitraloka |access-date=14 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030219120746/http://www.chitraloka.com/sections/scoop/sudharani_mother.html |archive-date=19 February 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Filmography == === Kannada films === {| class="wikitable" |+Key | style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}} | Denotes films that have not yet been released |} {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Role ! Notes ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 1978 || ''Kiladi Kittu'' || Young Geetha || Credited as Baby Jayashree || <ref name="dh2">{{cite web |title=On my pinboard- Sudha Rani |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/on-my-pinboard-sudha-rani-2012980 |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923111419/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/on-my-pinboard-sudha-rani-2012980 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |language=en |date=6 July 2017}}</ref> |- | 1980 || ''Kulla Kulli'' || Young Chitra |Credited as Baby Jayashree|| <ref name="dh2"/> |- | rowspan="3" | 1981 || ''Ranganayaki'' || Young Ranganayaki |Credited as Baby Jayashree||<ref>{{cite web |title=Puttanna Kanagal: ಕನ್ನಡದ ರಂಗನಾಯಕಿ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಆರತಿ ಅಲ್ಲದೇ ಇನ್ನೂ ಒಬ್ಬ ನಾಯಕಿ ಇದ್ರು ಗೊತ್ತೇ? |url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/kannada-director-puttanna-kanagal-old-story-about-ranganayaki-movie-rvj-kvd-928121.html |website=News18 Kannada |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=kn |date=4 January 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Anupama'' || Young Anupama |Credited as Baby Jayashree||<ref name="dh2"/> |- | ''Bhagyavantha'' || Young Tara |Credited as Baby Jayashree||<ref name="dh2"/> |- | 1982 || ''Baadada Hoo'' || Usha || Credited as Sudha || |- | 1986 |''Anand'' || Mala || Debut as lead actor || <ref>{{cite web |title=ಶಿವಣ್ಣ ಮೊದಲು ಹೀರೋ ಆಗಿದ್ದ 'ಆನಂದ್‌' ಸಿನಿಮಾಕ್ಕೆ 34ರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ! |url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/shivarajkumar-sudharani-starrer-anand-movie-completes-34-years/articleshow/76471558.cms |website=Vijay Karnataka |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=kn |date=19 Jun 2020}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | 1987 |''Manamecchida Hudugi'' || Gowri || || <ref>{{cite web |title=Mana Mechida Hudugi Sudharani Shares Throwback With Shivanna |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/sandalwood/mana-mechida-hudugi-sudharani-shares-throwback-with-shivanna-620194 |website=The Hans India |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=en |date=1 May 2020}}</ref> |- | ''Vijayotsava'' || || || |- | rowspan="4" | 1988 ||''Devatha Manushya'' || Seetha || || <ref>{{cite web |title=Sudharani shares a priceless memory on Dr Rajkumar's birth anniversary |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sudharani-shares-a-priceless-memory-on-dr-rajkumars-birth-anniversary/articleshow/75344054.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=23 September 2023 |date=24 April 2020}}</ref> |- | ''Ganda Mane Makkalu'' || Kamala || || |- | ''Ranaranga'' || Shashikala || || <ref name="th2">{{cite web |last1=Sebastian R. |first1=Shilpa |title=Queen of hearts |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/queen-of-hearts/article19917715.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=en-IN |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> |- | ''Sambhavami Yuge Yuge'' || || ||<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/ganda-mane-makkalu-1988/ |title=Ganda Mane Makkalu – ಗಂಡ ಮನೆ ಮಕ್ಕಳು (1988/೧೯೮೮) |date=6 April 2013 |publisher=Kannada Movies Info |access-date=20 February 2016}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" | 1989 |''Krishna Nee Kunidaga'' || Radha || || <ref name="th2"/> |- | ''Manmatha Raja'' || Rathi || ||<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/krishna-nee-kunidaga-1989/ |title=Krishna Nee Kunidaga – ಕೃಷ್ಣ ನೀ ಕುಣಿದಾಗ (1989/೧೯೮೯) |date=January 2013 |publisher=Kannada Movies Info |access-date=20 February 2016}}</ref> |- | ''Avane Nanna Ganda'' || Mangala || || |- | rowspan="7" | 1990 |''Panchama Veda'' || Rukmini || || <ref>{{cite web |last1=Nathan |first1=Archana |title=The past holds up a mirror |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/The-past-holds-up-a-mirror/article14173004.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=en-IN |date=24 March 2016}}</ref> |- | ''Aasegobba Meesegobba'' || Urmila || || |- | ''Ashoka Chakra'' || Asha || || |- | ''Halliya Surasuraru'' || Gowri || || |- | ''Prathap'' || Shanthi || || <ref>{{cite web |last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana |title=Arjun Sarja's evergreen song Prema Baraha re-created |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/arjun-sarjas-evergreen-song-prema-baraha-re-created-with-aishwarya-and-chandan/articleshow/58277830.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=22 September 2023 |date=21 April 2017}}</ref> |- | ''Shabarimale Swamy Ayyappa'' || Parvati || || |- | ''Thrinethra'' || Asha || || |- | 1991 |''Varagala Bete'' || || || |- | rowspan="7" | 1992 |''Mysore Mallige'' || Padma || | <ref name="th2"/> |- | ''Midida Shruthi'' || Sujatha || || |-

| ''Mannina Doni'' || Sowbhagya/Padmavathi{{efn|name=two names|She played one character with two names.}} || || |- | ''Jeevana Chaitra'' || Lakshmi || Extended special appearance || |- | ''Sapthapadi'' || Sudha || || |- | ''Belliyappa Bangarappa'' || Herself || Cameo || |- | ''Hosa Raaga'' || || || |- | rowspan="7" |1993 |''Munjaneya Manju'' || Meera || || |- | ''Mane Devru'' | Janaki | | <ref name="Paddehuli">{{cite web |title=Ravichandran and Sudharani unite for Shreyas' Paddehuli |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/may/21/ravichandran-and-sudharani-unite-for-shreyas-paddehuli-6122.html |website=Cinema Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=21 May 2018}}</ref> |- | ''Bhagawan Sri Saibaba'' || Parvati || || |- | ''Hrudaya Bandhana'' || Dr. Asha || || |- | ''Ananda Jyothi''|| Jyothi || || |- | ''Kumkuma Bhagya'' || Mary || || |- | ''Chinnari Mutha'' || Marisha || Special appearance in song Maarisha Maarisha || |- | rowspan="5" | 1994 |''Mahakshathriya'' || Priyadarshini/Lakshmi || Double role || |- | ''Swathi'' || Swathi || || |- | ''Gold Medal'' || Usha || || |- | ''Vijaya Kankana'' || Nayana || || |- | ''Curfew'' || Sudha || Cameo || |- | rowspan="7" | 1995 | ''Srigandha'' || Arundathi || || <ref>{{cite web |title=Srigandha, The Kannada Classic That Was Also Made In Telugu With These Actors |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/srigandha-the-kannada-classic-that-was-also-made-in-telugu-with-these-actors-7934479.html |website=News18 |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=en |date=27 May 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Aragini'' || Rani || || <ref>{{cite web |title=Don't stop the music |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/dont-stop-the-music/articleshow/5232353.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=23 September 2023 |date=16 November 2009}}</ref> |- | ''Kona Edaithe'' || Vishnu's wife || Cameo || |- | ''Mister Abhishek'' || Kiran || || |- | ''Anuraga Sangama'' || Kasthuri || || |- | ''Samara'' || Usha || || |- | ''Kavya'' || Kavya || || |- | rowspan="3" | 1996 |''Simhadri'' || || || |- | ''Vasantha Kavya'' || Kavya || || |- | ''Stunt Master'' || Pooja || || |- | 1999 | ''Naanenu Maadlilla'' || Chitra || || |- | 2000 |''Sparsha'' || Radha || || <ref>{{cite web |last1=Riti |first1=M. D. |title=Not upto the mark! |url=https://rediff.com/movies/2000/jul/24spar.htm |website=Rediff.com |access-date=25 September 2023 |date=24 July 2000}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | 2001 |''Sri Manjunatha'' || Bhoodevi || Cameo || |- | ''Chandana Chiguru'' || Bharathi || || |- | 2002 | ''Thrishakthi'' | Jahnavi | | |- | rowspan="3" | 2003 | ''Badri'' | | Cameo | <ref>{{cite web |title=Badri - a film of Sainika Yogeshwar |url=http://www.viggy.com/english/review_badri.asp |website=Viggy.com |access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Preethi Prema Pranaya'' | Jyothi | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Srinivasa |first1=Srikanth |title=For friends & parents |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan12/ent4.asp |publisher=Deccan Herald |accessdate=24 September 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030817165428/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan12/ent4.asp |archivedate=17 August 2003 |date=12 January 2003 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> |- | ''Khaaki'' | Tulasi | | |- | rowspan="2" | 2004 | ''Bimba'' || Dolly || || {{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} |- | ''Talikattuva Shubhavele'' || Jyothi || ||<ref>{{cite web |last1=Deepak |first1=S. N. |title=Talikattuva Shubhavele |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep262004/mr5.asp |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309103021/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep262004/mr5.asp |archive-date=9 March 2005 |date=26 September 2004}}</ref> |- | rowspan="6" | 2005 |''Namma Basava'' || Basava's sister-in-law || || <ref>{{cite web |last1=Vijayasarathy |first1=R. G. |author1-link=R. G. Vijayasarathy |title=Namma Basava is entertaining |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/sep/12namma.htm |website=Rediff.com |access-date=25 September 2023 |date=12 September 2005}}</ref> |- | ''Anna Thangi'' || Annapurna || || |- | ''Thunta'' || Sudha || || |- | ''Auto Shankar'' || Geetha || || |- | ''Magic Ajji'' || Nirmala Devi || || |- | ''Abhinandane'' || Kamala || || |- | rowspan="3" | 2006 |''Tirupathi'' || District Commissioner Margaret || || |- | ''O Priyathama'' || Vasu || || |- | ''Mandya'' || Gayatri || || |- | rowspan="2" | 2007 |''Thamashegagi'' || Ramya || || |- | ''Ee Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide'' || Chikkayya's wife || Cameo || |- | rowspan="4" | 2008 |''Accident'' || Suguna Shankar || Cameo || |- | ''Mr. Garagasa'' || Gauri || || |- | ''Prachanda Ravana'' || Mandodari || || |- | ''Navashakthi Vaibhava'' || Sharadamba || || |- | rowspan="6" | 2009 |''Maleyali Jotheyali'' || Lucky's mother || Cameo || |- | ''Ghauttham'' || Rajeswari || || |- | ''Bhagyada Balegara'' || Unnamed || Special appearance in song "Ghallu Ghallenutha" || |- | ''Eshtu Nagthi Nagu'' || || || |- | ''Huchchi'' || || || |- | ''Ishwar'' || || || |- | rowspan="2" | 2010 |''Kaanana'' || Basanthi || || |- | ''Thamassu'' || Munavar's mother || Cameo || |- | 2011 | ''Jolly Boy'' || Indramma Gopalaswamy || || |- | rowspan="4" | 2012 | ''Jeevana Joke-alli'' || Amrutha || || |- | ''Indina Satya'' || || || |- | ''Dandupalya'' || Bharathi || || |- | ''Guru'' || Tejaswini || || |- | 2013 |''Bharath Stores'' || Bharathi || || |- | rowspan="4" | 2014 |''Vasundhara'' || || || |- | ''Sachin! Tendulkar Alla'' || || || |- | ''Bahaddur'' || Doctor || || |- | ''Belli'' || Nidhi || || |- | rowspan="7" | 2015 |''Siddhartha'' | | | |- | ''Vaastu Prakaara'' | Vandana | | |- | ''Rebel'' | | | |- | ''Billa'' | | | |- | ''Luv U Alia'' | Kiran's mother | | |- | ''Plus'' | Samarthana | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title=Not a Plus, But a Minus |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2015/oct/17/not-a-plus-but-a-minus-830472.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=17 October 2015}}</ref> |- | ''Sharpshooter'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Diganth Looks Like a Hollywood Star in Sharp Shooter |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2014/jul/30/diganth-looks-like-a-hollywood-star-in-sharp-shooter-641837.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=30 July 2014}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | 2016 | ''Siganduru Chowdeshwari Mahime'' | Chowdeshwari Devi | | |- | ''July 22, 1947'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Narendra Modi bowled over after watching Kannada film! |url=https://newskarnataka.com/special/features/narendra-modi-bowled-over-after-watching-kannada-film |website=newskarnataka.com |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926094516/https://newskarnataka.com/special/features/narendra-modi-bowled-over-after-watching-kannada-film |archive-date=26 September 2023 |date=21 July 2016}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" | 2017 |''Happy New Year'' | Varalakshmi | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Happy New Year: Punch of five stories |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/may/06/happy-new-year-punch-of-five-stories-1601539.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=6 May 2017}}</ref> |- | ''Dada is Back'' | | | |- | ''Vismaya'' | Dr. Prema | | <ref name="auto2">{{cite web |title=Arjun Sarja s 150th movie shooting completed |url=https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/267062/Arjun-Sarja-s-150th-movie-shooting-completed |website=India Herald |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926094131/https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/267062/Arjun-Sarja-s-150th-movie-shooting-completed |archive-date=26 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''Bharjari'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Dhruva Sarja's 'Bharjari' scores a hit at the box office |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/dhruva-sarja-s-bharjari-scores-hit-box-office-68658 |website=The News Minute |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=19 September 2017}}</ref> |- | 2018 | ''Life Jothe Ondh Selfie'' | Thulsi | | <ref>{{cite web |title='Life Jothe Ondu Selfie' movie review: A realistic take on relationships |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/aug/25/life-jothe-ondu-selfie-movie-review-a-realistic-take-on-relationships-1862367.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=25 August 2018}}</ref> |- | rowspan="7" | 2019 | ''Padde Huli'' | Sampath's mother | | <ref name="Paddehuli"/> |- | ''Premier Padmini'' | Spandana | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Anien |first1=Tini Sara |title=Films are about teamwork, says actor Sudharani |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/films-are-about-teamwork-says-actor-sudharani-730837.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=26 April 2019}}</ref> |- | ''Amar'' | Amar's mother | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Abhishek and Tanya Hope battle cold in Switzerland for Amar |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/nov/11/abhishek-and-tanya-hope-battle-cold-in-switzerland-for-amar-1896907.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=11 November 2018}}</ref> |- | ''Chitrakatha'' | Samaya | | <ref>{{cite web |title=B Jayashree and Sudharani play different roles in 'Chitra Katha' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/b-jayashree-and-sudharani-play-different-roles-in-chitra-katha/articleshow/70129812.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=8 July 2019}}</ref> |- | ''Geetha'' | Geethanjali | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Shwetha |first1=Aravind |title='Geetha' review: Ganesh's love story is set in the backdrop of language rights agitation |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/geetha-review-ganesh-s-love-story-set-backdrop-language-rights-agitation-109620 |website=The News Minute |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=27 September 2019}}</ref> |- | ''Vrithra'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Sudharani is part of Vrithra |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sudharani-is-part-of-vrithra/articleshow/66040958.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=3 October 2018}}</ref> |- | ''Kannad Gothilla'' | Commissioner of Police | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Shwetha |first1=Aravind |title='Kannad Gothilla' review: Jingoistic thriller that takes its subject too far |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/karnataka/kannad-gothilla-review-jingoistic-thriller-takes-its-subject-too-far-112783 |website=The News Minute |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=22 November 2019}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2020 | ''Mayabazar 2016'' | Usha | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Shwetha |first1=Aravind |title='Mayabazar 2016' review: This clean comedy thriller is a jolly ride |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/karnataka/mayabazar-2016-review-clean-comedy-thriller-jolly-ride-119140 |website=The News Minute |access-date=22 September 2023 |language=en |date=28 February 2020}}</ref> |- | ''Law'' | Dr. Vimala Pathak | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Law is not a routine legal drama: Raghu Samarth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/law-is-not-a-routine-legal-drama-raghu-samarth/articleshow/76913606.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=22 September 2023 |date=12 July 2020}}</ref> |- | rowspan="1" |2021 | ''Yuvarathnaa'' | Professor | | <ref>{{cite web |title=What's a rugby game got to do with 'Yuvarathnaa'? |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2019/oct/05/whats-a-rugby-game-got-to-do-with-yuvarathnaa-2043281.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=5 October 2019 |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" |2022 | ''Trikona'' | Seetha | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Sebastian R. |first1=Shilpa |title=Director Rajashekar: 'Trikona is a rare experiment' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-rajashekar-trikona-is-a-rare-experiment/article32511290.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=22 September 2023 |language=en-IN |date=3 September 2020}}</ref> |- | ''Avatara Purusha Part 1'' | Yashodha | | <ref>{{cite web |title='Avatara Purusha': Comic relief with a black twist |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/may/07/avatara-purusha-comic-relief-with-a-black-twist-2450590.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=7 May 2022 |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Thurthu Nirgamana'' | Nurse | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Exclusive: I was blown away by my character in Thurthu Nirgamana, says Sudharani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/exclusive-i-was-blown-away-by-my-character-in-thurthu-nirgamana-says-sudharani/articleshow/92261271.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=22 September 2023 |date=17 June 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Vasanthi Nalidaga'' | Madhu | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Vasanthi Nalidaga Review ಸಿಂಪಲ್ ಲವ್‌ಸ್ಟೋರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನಪಾಠ |url=https://kannada.asianetnews.com/movie-reviews/rohith-sridhar-sadhu-kokila-vasanthi-nalidaga-kannada-film-review-rmaupt |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |access-date=25 September 2023 |language=kn |date=3 December 2022}}</ref> |- | rowspan="1"| 2023 | ''Prajarajya'' | Vagdevi | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Reddy |first1=Y. Maheswara |title=Prajarajya Movie Review: Corrupt netas' tale |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/prajarajya-movie-review-corrupt-netas-tale/articleshow/98418433.cms |website=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 March 2023}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" |2024 |''Juni'' |Juni's Mother | | |- |''Yuva'' |Girija | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-14 |title=Yuva Rajkumar: "ಸುಧಾರಾಣಿ ಮೇಡಂ ನನ್ನ ಕಾಫಿ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ನರ್": ಯುವ ಹೀಗೆಂದಿದ್ದೇಕೆ? |url=https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/entertainment/yuva-rajkumar-said-that-his-coffee-partner-is-sudharani-203974 |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=Zee News Kannada |language=kn}}</ref> |- |''Avatara Purusha Part 2'' |Yashodha | | |- |''Bagheera'' | Vedhanth's mother | | |- |rowspan="4"|2025 |''Firefly'' | Padma | | |- |''Junior'' |Meera | | |- |''Nidradevi Next Door'' |Sudha | | |- |''45'' |Herself |Special appearance | |- |2026 |''Chowkidar'' |Uma Shankar | | |}

=== Tamil films === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Role ! Notes ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 1989 || ''Annakili Sonna Kathai'' || Gowri | | |- |1991 | ''Vasanthakala Paravai'' || Uma || rowspan="5" |Credited as Shali || |- | rowspan="3"|1992 || ''Vasanthakala Malargal'' || Shanthi | |- | ''Mouna Mozhi'' || Kasthuri | |- | ''Sugamana Sumaigal'' || | <ref>{{cite web |url=http://letterboxd.com/film/sugamana-sumaigal/ |title=Sugamana Sumaigal 1992 Directed by Parthiban |publisher=Letter Box |access-date=20 February 2016}}</ref> |- | 1993 || ''Thangakkili'' || Swathi | |- | 2017 || ''Nibunan'' | Dr. Prema | | <ref name="auto2"/> |- |}

=== Other language films === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Role ! Language ! Notes ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | rowspan="4" |1990||''Master Kapuram'' |Geeta | rowspan="5" |Telugu |Credited as Gayatri | |- |''Chinna Kodalu'' | | | |- |''Ankitham'' | | | |- |''Irugillu Porugillu'' | | | |- |1991 | ''Srisaila Bhramarambika Kataksham'' |Bhramarambika | | |- | 1993 | ''Bangar Patler'' || |Tulu|| || |- | 1995 || ''Aadyathe Kanmani'' || Ambika |Malayalam|| || |- | 2019 || ''Jessie'' | Dr. Aradhya | rowspan="2" | Telugu | | |- | 2025 || ''Junior'' || Meera|| | |}

===Voice-over=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Actress |- | 1999 || ''Premotsava'' || Roja |- | 2002 || ''Simhadriya Simha'' || Meena |- | 2004 || ''Maurya''|| Roja |- | 2004 || ''Monalisa'' || Sadha |- | 2012 || ''Prasad'' || Madhuri Bhattacharya |- | 2014 || ''Maanikya'' || Ramya Krishnan |- | 2022 || ''K.G.F: Chapter 2''|| Raveena Tandon |}

===Television=== *''Aramane'' (Udaya TV)<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/popular-kannada-serial-aramane-to-go-off-air-from-march-16/articleshow/63300979.cms</ref>

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |+ |- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" ! scope="col" |Year{{efn|name=years|Refers to the year in which the ceremony was held.}} ! scope="col" |Work ! scope="col" |Award ! scope="col" |Category ! scope="col" |Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- |1987 |''Mana Mechchida Hudugi'' |BR Panthulu Award |Best Actress | {{won}} | |- | 1991 | ''Panchama Veda'' | rowspan="2" | Karnataka State Film Awards | rowspan="2" | Best Actress | {{won}} | |- |rowspan="2"| 1992 |rowspan="2"| ''Mysore Mallige'' | {{won}} | |- | rowspan="4" | Filmfare Awards South | rowspan="2" | Best Actress | {{won}} | <ref>[https://ia903105.us.archive.org/10/items/40thFilmfareSouthBestActorActress/40th%20Filmfare%20South%20Best%20Actor%20Actress.jpg Magazine clipping] us.archive.org</ref> |- | 2000 | ''Sparsha'' | {{won}} | {{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} |- | 2015 | ''Vaastu Prakaara'' | rowspan="2" | Best Supporting Actress – Kannada | {{won}} | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Winners-63rd-Filmfare-South-Awards/articleshow/52816168.cms|title=Winners: 63rd Filmfare South Awards|newspaper=The Times of India |date=24 January 2017}}</ref> |- | 2019 | ''Life Jothe Ondh Selfie'' | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web |title=Nominations for the 66th Filmfare Awards (South) 2019|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-37931.html|website=Filmfare |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> |- | 2023 | ''Thurthu Nirgamana'' | Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | {{won}} | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Anjanappa |first1=Bharath |title=Kantara and KGF 2 win max at Critics' Awards |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/sandalwood/kantara-and-kgf-2-win-max-at-critics-awards-786347 |website=The Hans India |access-date=25 September 2023 |language=en |date=6 March 2023}}</ref> |}

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{IMDb name|0710161}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rani, Sudha}} Category:Actresses in Kannada cinema Category:Living people Category:Kannada actresses Category:Actresses from Bengaluru Category:Indian film actresses Category:Karnataka State Film Award winners Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Filmfare Awards South winners Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema Category:Child actresses in Kannada cinema Category:20th-century Indian actresses Category:21st-century Indian actresses Category:Indian voice actresses Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema Category:Actresses in Tulu cinema Category:1973 births