Devayani (actress)

Sushma Jaidev (born 22 June 1974), professionally known as Devayani Rajakumaran, is an Indian actress known for her works primarily in Tamil and Malayalam films. She has also appeared in a few Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali films.

She has received several awards for her performances in Kadhal Kottai (1996), Suryavamsam (1997) and Bharathi (2000).

She was honoured with a Kalaimamani Award in 2000. She won the Best Supporting Actress for the movie Azhagi (2002). She also won the Best Television Actress for her role in the serial Kolangal (2003–2009).

Devayani was born on 22 June 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra to a Konkani father from Mangalore and a Malayali mother. She has two younger brothers Nakkhul and Mayur. The former is working as an actor and singer in the Tamil film industry, while the latter would also make his acting debut in an upcoming film. She married director Rajakumaran on 9 April 2001. They have two daughters, Iniya and Priyanka.

Devayani began her career in the Hindi film Koyal, which was later cancelled during its production stage. She later appeared in Bengali film Shaat Ponchomi (1993). She also acted in a Marathi film before debuting in the South with lead roles in Malayalam films as Kinnaripuzhayoram (1994).

Devayani made her debut with the film Thotta Chinungi (1995). Flaunting her glamorous avatar, the actress gained popularity in 1996 with the film Kadhal Kottai. She starred opposite Ajith in the film which was directed by Agathiyan. The film received positive acclaim among the audience. The movie was successful in establishing Devayani as the most successful actress in South Indian Cinema. Devayani, later, appeared in many films opposite several renowned names in the film industry.

She was a part of several successful films, including Surya Vamsam (1997), Marumalarchi (1998), Ninaithen Vandhai (1998), Nee Varuvai Ena (1999), Bharathi (2000), Thenali (2000), Friends (2001), Aanandham (2001) and Azhagi (2002).

The late 90s and early 2000s were the golden years for Devayani as she delivered over 50 films, and most of them were blockbusters.