# Unni Mary

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Indian actress

Unni Mary Born Unni Mary (1962-03-12) 12 March 1962 (age 64) Ernakulam, Kerala, India Other name Deepa Occupation Actress Years active 1969–1992 Spouse Rejoy ​ (m. 1982)​ Children 1 Parent(s) Augustine Fernandes Victoria

**Unni Mary** (born 12 March 1962) is an Indian actress and producer who works mainly in [Malayalam films](/source/Malayalam_film). She has also worked in [Telugu](/source/Telugu_language), [Tamil](/source/Tamil_language), [Hindi](/source/Hindi) and [Kannada](/source/Kannada) films, where she used the screen name *Deepa*. Her career spanned from 1969 to 1992, during which she established a dual cinematic identity: as "Unni Mary," the relatable girl-next-door in Malayalam cinema, and as "Deepa," a symbol of modern style and glamour in Tamil and Telugu cinema.[1]

She is noted for her performances in films such as *[Picnic](/source/Picnic_(1975_film))*, *[Johnny](/source/Johnny_(1980_film))*, *[Meendum Kokila](/source/Meendum_Kokila)*, and *[Godfather](/source/Godfather_(1991_film))*.

## Early life

Unnimary was born 12 March 1962 to Augustine Fernandes and Victoria in [Ernakulam](/source/Ernakulam).[1] She comes from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts; her mother owned and managed a professional ballet troupe that performed on stages across [India](/source/India) and abroad. Consequently, she began rigorous training in classical dance at the age of three.

She had her primary education from St. Teresa's Convent School, [Ernakulam](/source/Ernakulam). However, her professional acting career began while she was still a primary school student. She has a brother, Joseph Martin.[2]

## Career

### 1969–1978: Early years and Malayalam breakthrough

Unni Mary debuted as a child artist in 1969 in the film *[Navavadhu](/source/Navavadhu)* at the age of seven. She was credited simply as "Mary" in her early works like *[Gangasangamam](/source/Gangasangamam)* (1971). Her major transition from child artist to supporting actress occurred with the 1975 film *[Picnic](/source/Picnic_(1975_film))*, directed by [J. Sasikumar](/source/J._Sasikumar), where she played the character Radha alongside [Prem Nazir](/source/Prem_Nazir). The film's success established her visibility in mainstream Malayalam cinema.

Throughout the late 1970s, she appeared in numerous Malayalam films, frequently sharing screen space with actors like [Prem Nazir](/source/Prem_Nazir) and [Jayan](/source/Jayan). Notable films from this period include the period drama *[Kannappanunni](/source/Kannappanunni)* (1977) and *[Thacholi Ambu](/source/Thacholi_Ambu)* (1978), the first CinemaScope film in Malayalam, where she played the role of Kanni.

### 1979–1987: The "Deepa" Phenomenon

While maintaining her career in Kerala, she adopted the screen name **Deepa** for the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi industries. This rebranding accompanied a shift in her screen persona towards more modern, glamorous roles, coinciding with the "Tamil New Wave" of the late 1970s.

Her breakthrough in Tamil came with *[Rosaappo Ravikkai Kaari](/source/Rosaappo_Ravikkai_Kaari)* (1979). She gained critical acclaim and cult status for her role as Bhama in [J. Mahendran](/source/J._Mahendran)'s *[Johnny](/source/Johnny_(1980_film))*, starring alongside [Rajinikanth](/source/Rajinikanth). In 1981, she replaced actress [Rekha](/source/Rekha) in the film *[Meendum Kokila](/source/Meendum_Kokila)*, playing the role of a film star named Kamini opposite [Kamal Haasan](/source/Kamal_Haasan), a performance that proved her capability in comedy. She also played the iconic role of "Pattu Teacher" in [K. Bhagyaraj](/source/K._Bhagyaraj)'s blockbuster *[Mundhanai Mudichu](/source/Mundhanai_Mudichu)* (1983).

In Telugu cinema, she acted in [K. Viswanath](/source/K._Viswanath)'s masterpiece *[Swathi Muthyam](/source/Swathi_Muthyam)* (1986), which was India's official entry to the Academy Awards. In Kannada, she starred opposite [Dr. Rajkumar](/source/Dr._Rajkumar) in *[Dhruva Thare](/source/Dhruva_Thare)* (1985).

### 1988–1992: Character roles and production

In the late 1980s, Unni Mary transitioned into strong supporting and character roles in Malayalam cinema. She is well remembered for her role as Omana in the comedy cult classic *[Godfather](/source/Godfather_(1991_film))* and for her appearance in the blockbuster *[Chithram](/source/Chithram)* (1988) as the protagonist's sister.

In 1985, she ventured into film production, producing and starring in the Malayalam film *[Kattu Rani](/source/Kaattu_Rani_(1985_film))*. She retired from the film industry in 1992 to focus on her family life.

## Personal life

She married Rejoy, a professor at [St. Albert's College, Ernakulam](/source/St._Albert's_College) on 12 March 1982, and they have a son, Nirmal. Their son Nirmal is married to Ranjini and they have a son, Rihan.[3]

### Identity confusion

Due to her screen name "Deepa" and her withdrawal from public life, she is frequently confused in digital archives with other actresses. She is unrelated to the Tamil actress [Mohini](/source/Mohini_(Tamil_actress)) (who later became an evangelist), the Kannada actress [Deepa Sannidhi](/source/Deepa_Sannidhi), or the supporting actress [Deepa Shankar](/source/Deepa_Shankar). Unni Mary has remained a private citizen in Ernakulam since her retirement in 1992.

## Filmography

### Malayalam

Year Film Role Notes 1971 Navavadhu Child Artist Gangasangamam Mary Child Artist 1972 Sree Guruvayoorappan 1974 Devi Kanyakumari 1975 Picnic Radha Swami Ayappan Thomasleeha Ashtami Rohini 1976 Chottanikkarayamma Madhuram Thirumadhuram Malini Dheere Sameere Yamuna Theere Roshini Mallanum Mathenum Manasaveena Chennay Valarthiya Kutti Amba Ambika Ambalika Ambalika 1977 Acharam Ammini Osharam Omana Urmila Kannapanunni Thulasi Poojakedukkatha Pookkal Indira Madura Swapnam Pattalam Janaki Dheerasameere Yamunaatheere Aanandam Paramaanandam Raji Yatheem Shakkeela Minimol Nirmala Penpuli 1978 Thacholi Ambu Kanni Mukkuvane Snehicha Bhootham Ambili Aval Vishosthyayirunnu Seema Pavadakkari Soothrakkari Shatrusamharam Black Belt Chakrayudham Anakalari Ashokavanam Puthariyankam Kudumbam Namukku Sreekovil Geetha Beena Padmatheertham Lathika Nivedyam Rajani Kadathanattu Makkam 1979 Jeevitham Oru Gaanam Prameela Ponnil Kulicha Rathri Mochanam Meera Hridayathinte Nirangal Valeduthavan Valal 1980 Palattu Kunjikannan Ponni Pappu Herself 1981 Sanchari Sumuki 1982 Nagamadathu Thamburatti Naga Queen Sree Ayappanum Vavarum Pandhalam Maharani Bheeman Jambulingam Nun Innalenkil Nale Susheela 1983 Belt Mathai Rani Ente Kadha Aparna Eenam Oru Mukham Pala Mukham Sarada Mahabali Nandini Kattaruvi Maala Vaashi Guru Dakshina 1984 Unaroo Sarah Sandhya Mayangum Neram Rohini Oru Kochu Swapnam Sofia April-18 Rajamma Thacholi Thankappan Subaida Kanamarayathu Annie Ente Upasana Lekha Thathamme Poocha Poocha Shyama Poomadathe Pennu Nalini Makale Mappu Tharu Devaki Jeevitham Sudha Koottinilam Kili Nalini Manithali Sajna Krishna Guruvayoorappa Savithri Aalkkoottathil Thaniye Nalini 1985 Pattham Udayam Sarada Thinkalazhcha Nalla Divasam Bindu Nerariyum Nerathu Thankamani Aa Neram Alpam Dooram Rani Katturani Also Producer Puli Varunne Puli Suhasini Manakkale Thatha Jolly Arodum Parayaruthu Ambika Shatru Cicily Oru Sandesham Koodi Rajani 1986 Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil Devaki Pappan Priyappetta Pappan Devdas's Wife Niramulla Raavukal Call girl Snehamulla Simham Sudha Kariyilakattu Pole Bhaginisevamayi / Parvathi Sakhavu Onnu Randu Moonnu Mini Rareeram Pathmavathi 1987 Dheeran Nombarathipoovu Joycee 1988 Chithram Bhaskaran's sister Ambalakara Panjayath Oohakachavadam Meera 1989 Ammavanu Pattiya Amali Bhargavi Varum Varathikkilla Kaliyuga Seetha 1990 Shubhayathra Ammayude Swantham Kunju Mary/Kunjikuruvi Daisy Arhatha Ammini Urvashi 1991 Georgootty C/O Georgootty Maria Godfather Omana Keli Mrs. Menon Kizhakkunarum Pakshi Girija Kalari Laila Kadijool Kalyanam Rajamma Nagarathil Samsara Vishayam Subhashini Aakasha Kottayile Sultan Pappy's sister Kalamorukkam Bird 1992 Grihaprevesam Padmavati Aparatha Nalini Ulsavamelam Sreedevi Ennodishtam Koodamo Arathi's aunt

### Tamil

Year Film Role Notes 1975 Andharangam Deepa Swami Ayyappan Maalikapurathamma 1978 Mudi Sooda Mannan Pratima 1979 Neeya? Deepa Rosaappo Ravikkai Kaari Nandini Nallathoru Kudumbam Manthoppu Kiliye Sarada 1980 Ullasa Paravaigal Johnny Bhama Vedanai Thediya Maan Theru Vilakku Valli Mayil Veli Thandiya Velladu Ilayarajavin Rasikai Kavitha 1981 Meendum Kokila Kamini Kannadi Vaa Intha Pakkam Kadhal Kadhal Kadhal Vaani 1983 Mundhanai Mudichu Pattu Teacher 1984 Anni Kuzhandhai Yesu Neram Nalla Neram Vazhkai Sumathi 1985 Marma Manithan Raja Yuvaraja Anitha Santhosha Kanavukal Gowri 1986 Sippikkul Muthu Subbu Murattu Karangal Naanum Oru Thozhilali 1987 Neram Nalla Irikku Vaazhga Valarga Nandini Koottu Puzhukkal 1988 Kalyana Paravaigal 1990 Amman Kovil Thiruvizha 1992 Pattathu Raani

### Telugu

Year Film Role Notes 1976 America Ammayi Sudha 1977 Prema Lekhalu Andame Anandam Khaidi Kalidasu Sujatha Dana Veera Soora Karna Uttara Panthulamma 1978 Chal Mohana Ranga Dudu Basavanna Malli Nindu Manishi Sanja 1979 Akbar Saleem Anarkali Anarkali Rangoon Rowdy Deepa Dasa Thirigindi Andame Anandam 1980 Sri Vinayaka Vijayam Nagamalli Podarillu O Inti Bhagotham Thathayya Premaleelalu Savitha Triloka Sundari Kaliyuga Ravanasurudu O Inti Bhagotham Pilla Zamindar 1981 Deepaaradhana 1982 Kothaneeru Ramayanamlo Pidakala Veta 1983 Raju Rani Jackie Geetha 1984 Kutumba Gauravam 1985 Aatmabalam Pankajavalli / Pinky Ladies Tailor Nurse Daya Kongumudi[4] Geetha Darja Donga Shyamala Surya Chandra Deepthi 1986 Swathi Muthyam Subbulu Chaitanyam Aakrandana Devudamma 1987 Dabbevariki Chedu Jayasila Thandri Kodukula Challenge Janaki Andarikante Ghanudu Special appearance Ramu Girja 1990 Kaliyuga Viswamithra

### Kannada

Year Film Role Notes 1979 Vijay Vikram Lata Naniruvude Ninagagi Shobha 1983 Ibbani Karagithu Swetha 1985 Kadina raaja Usha Dhruva Thare Sarala Thaayi kanasu Sathi Sakkubai Guru Jagatguru Hema

### Hindi

Year Film Role Notes 1979 Amar Deep Lata 1984 Zindagi Jeene Ke Liye

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-samayam_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-samayam_1-1) Babu, Bibin (12 March 2021). ["ഉണ്ണിമേരിക്ക് 59 വയസ്സ്; മുൻ തെന്നിന്ത്യൻ താരസുന്ദരി ഇപ്പോൾ എവിടെയാണ്?"](https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/celebrity-news/yesteryear-actress-unni-mary-aka-deepa-turns-59/articleshow/81460402.cms). *[Samayam](/source/Samayam)* (in Malayalam). Retrieved 21 August 2021.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["CINIDIARY - A Complete Online Malayalam Cinema News Portal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150518051319/http://cinidiary.com/people.php?pigsection=Actor&picata=2&no_of_displayed_rows=39&no_of_rows_page=10&sletter=). *Cinidiary.com*. Archived from [the original](http://cinidiary.com/people.php?pigsection=Actor&picata=2&no_of_displayed_rows=39&no_of_rows_page=10&sletter=) on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Unni Mary to Suchitra Murali: 7 Malayalam actresses who have disappeared"](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/unni-mary-to-suchitra-murali-7-malayalam-actresses-who-have-disappeared-rcb-qfm6tj). *Asianet*. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Kongumudi (1985)"](https://indiancine.ma/ZWU). *Indiancine.ma*. Retrieved 17 March 2024.

## External links

- [Unni Mary](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0214348/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

- [Unnimary at MSI](http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=actors&artist=Unnimary&limit=95) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043710/http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=actors&artist=Unnimary&limit=95) 4 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Unni Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unni_Mary) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unni_Mary?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.