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Jeevitha
Jeevitha
from Wikipedia

Jeevitha, popularly known as Jeevitha Rajasekhar is an Indian actress, director and producer who has primarily worked in Tamil and Telugu films.

Key Information

Career

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Jeevitha made her debut in Tamil with T. Rajendar's Uravai Kaatha Kili in 1984 and within a short span acted with the top heroes of the time such as Sivakumar, Vijayakanth, Karthik, Suresh and Sathyaraj.[1] The actress who started her career in 1984, acted in almost forty movies in six years and left the movie industry in 1991 after marrying actor Rajasekhar who primarily works in Telugu movies. Jeevitha’s last film in Tamil was Valaikappu (1988). She was last seen on screen as an actress in the 1990 Telugu film Magaadu, which starred her husband Rajasekhar.[2]

Jeevitha turned director with the film Seshu.[3] She later directed a handful of films as well, including Evadaithe Nakenti (2007), Satyameva Jayate (2009), Mahankali (2013) and Shekar (2022).[4][5][6][7][8]

She returned to acting after thirty-three years in Lal Salaam.[9]

Partial filmography

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As actress

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Tamil

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Year Title Role Language Notes
1984 Uravai Kaatha Kili Kuzhandhai Tamil
1985 Paadum Vaanampadi Radha Tamil
Selvi Usha Tamil
Ilamai Bhaama Tamil
Idhu Engal Rajyam Chinna Ponnu Tamil
Sugamana Raagangal Jeeva Tamil
Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri Savithri Tamil
Viswanathan Velai Venum Sujatha Tamil
Vetrikani Priya Tamil
Engal Kural Shanthi Tamil
Hello Yaar Pesurathu Tamil
Pattuchelai Sarasu Tamil
1986 Maruthi Valli Tamil
Kanna Thorakkanum Saami Sumathi Tamil
Jothi Malar Rani Tamil
Enakku Nane Needipathi Devika Tamil
Piranthaen Valarnthaen Meera Tamil
Talambralu Telugu
Jigujigu Rail Telugu
Choru Shenbagam Tamil
Africavil Appu Tamil
Mounam Kalaikirathu Deepa Tamil
Aayiram Kannudayaal Uma Tamil
Dharma Pathini Vidhya Tamil
1987 Raja Mariyadhai Vaidehi Tamil
Ini Oru Sudhanthiram Thayamma Tamil
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu Tamil
Prema Kadambari Sudha Kannada
Damit Katha Adam Thirigindi Rani Telugu
Prajaswamyam Bharati Telugu
Aahuthi Santhi Telugu
1988 Station Master Pushpa Telugu
Bava Marudula Sawal Telugu
Tiragabadda Telugubidda Jhansi Telugu
Valaikappu Chithra Tamil
Mr. Hero Telugu
Janaki Ramudu Abaddala Satyavathi Telugu
Nava Bharatham Telugu
Kankana Bhagya Kannada
1989 Manchi Varu Maavaru Telugu
Chennapatnam Chinnollu Radha Telugu
Anna Chellalu Jyothi Telugu
Ankusam Parvati Telugu
1990 Magaadu Vikram's wife Telugu
2024 Lal Salaam Rani Tamil

As director and producer

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Year Film Credited as Notes
Director Producer
2002 Seshu Yes No Remake of Tamil film Sethu
Also dialogue writer
2004 Aaptudu No Yes Remake of Hindi film Ghatak: Lethal
2007 Evadaithe Nakenti Co-director Yes Remake of Malayalam film Lion
2009 Satyameva Jayate Yes No Remake of Hindi film Khakee
2013 Mahankali Yes Yes Remake of Hindi film Risk
2015 Gaddam Gang No Yes Remake of Tamil film Soodhu Kavvum
2021 Deyyam No Co-producer
2022 Shekar Yes Yes Remake of Malayalam film Joseph[10]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeevitha Rajasekhar is an Indian , director, , and politician known for her contributions to Telugu and . She is married to Telugu Dr. Rajasekhar and the couple has two daughters, Shivani Rajasekhar and Shivathmika Rajasekhar, both of whom have pursued acting careers in Telugu films. After transitioning from to directing and producing, she returned to the screen in a key role in the 2024 Tamil sports drama Lal Salaam, directed by . In her political career, she has served as a member of the and aligned with parties such as the , (BJP), and (YSRCP), notably rejoining the BJP in 2021 to work at the grassroots level.

Background

Early life

Jeevitha was born on 24 May 1966 in , . She was brought up in to a family belonging to the Kapu community. Her upbringing in the state during the and immersed her in Telugu linguistic and cultural traditions, leading to her fluency in speaking, reading, and writing the language.

Education and family influences

Details regarding her formal education, including specific schools attended or completion of higher , are not publicly documented in available sources. Her family background, including parents and siblings, remains largely private, with no verifiable information on relatives involved in creative fields. During her formative years in , Jeevitha was influenced by the flourishing South Indian cinema scene, though specific family encouragement towards or early training in and is not detailed in credible records.

Personal life

Marriage and partnership

Jeevitha married Telugu Rajasekhar on July 10, 1991, in , following their meeting on the set of the 1985 Telugu film Talambralu, where they first acted together and their relationship developed over the subsequent years. After the , Jeevitha chose to step back from her , which had spanned nearly 40 films since 1984, to prioritize family life and support Rajasekhar's professional endeavors in the industry. This decision allowed her to shift focus toward behind-the-scenes roles, enabling a balanced partnership where she managed key choices for both. The couple's collaboration extended into production and direction, with Jeevitha helming several projects under their joint banner, including directing Rajasekhar in films such as (2002), (2009), and Shekar (2022), often drawing from remakes to showcase his action-hero persona. These ventures highlighted their professional synergy, built on mutual respect and complementary strengths—Rajasekhar's impulsiveness balanced by Jeevitha's patience. In public statements, the couple has emphasized their shared commitment to family and career equilibrium, with Rajasekhar crediting Jeevitha for much of their enduring success: "If today people accept us as a good couple, 90 per cent of the credit must go to Jeevitha and only 10 per cent to me." Their partnership, rooted in that blossomed amid professional rivalry, has served as a model for sustaining personal and collaborative bonds over three decades.

Children and family dynamics

Jeevitha and her husband Rajasekhar have two daughters: the elder, , born on 1 July 1996 in , , and the younger, , born on 22 April 2000 in Hyderabad, Telangana. The family resides in , Hyderabad, as of 2010. Following her marriage in 1991, Jeevitha took a prolonged hiatus from , spanning over three decades until her return in 2024 with the film Lal Salaam, prioritizing her role as a and responsibilities during this period. She has described motherhood as a profound , emphasizing guidance while fostering her daughters' independence, and often credits them for helping her navigate generational gaps, such as modern technology and pop culture. This -centric approach extended to her decision to step away from the spotlight, allowing her to focus on raising Shivani and Shivathmika amid the demands of a film industry . Both daughters have pursued acting careers; Shivani made her debut in the 2021 Telugu film Adbhutham, while Shivathmika debuted in 2019 with Dorasaani, with Jeevitha providing support and advice on resilience amid industry setbacks. The family dynamics reflect a close-knit bond, with Jeevitha serving as both a mentor and best friend to her daughters, who in turn view her as a guardian angel and often seek her counsel on personal and professional matters. Family traditions include Sankranthi celebrations involving kite-flying on the terrace, drawing muggus, preparing traditional dishes like chakkara pongal, and bonding over movie-watching, though these have adapted post the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed significant challenges including Rajasekhar's hospitalization. As a prominent film family, they have also navigated external pressures such as rumors targeting the daughters, which Jeevitha has publicly condemned.

Professional career

Acting roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema

Jeevitha made her acting debut in Tamil cinema with the 1984 film , directed by , where she shared the screen with and . Over the next six years, she established herself as a leading actress, appearing in lead roles across approximately 40 films in Tamil and Telugu industries by 1990. Her early work in highlighted her poise in romantic and dramatic narratives, quickly earning her opportunities with top heroes of the era. In the late , Jeevitha transitioned to , debuting with roles that capitalized on her growing popularity from Tamil films. She starred in hits like the 1990 action-spy thriller Magaadu, opposite her future husband Rajasekhar, which showcased her in a pivotal supporting role amid high-stakes drama. Her Telugu films often featured her as resilient women navigating conflict, blending elements of action-dramas and family sagas, where she portrayed characters with determination and emotional depth. Jeevitha's acting style received praise for its versatility, allowing seamless adaptation between the expressive demands of Tamil and the nuanced dialogues of . Critics noted her ability to convey strength and vulnerability, particularly in roles that challenged traditional female portrayals of the South Indian landscape. Following her to Rajasekhar in , Jeevitha took a hiatus from acting to prioritize family life. This break lasted 33 years, marking one of the longest absences in regional cinema history, during which she shifted focus to production and direction. In a surprise return, she re-emerged as an actress in the 2024 Tamil sports drama Lal Salaam, directed by , playing the to Rajinikanth's character. Her performance was lauded for its emotive intensity and commanding presence, reaffirming her enduring appeal across generations. This comeback subtly intersects with her production ventures, blending on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributions.

Ventures in production and direction

Jeevitha Rajasekhar entered and direction in with Seshu, a Telugu romantic drama that marked her debut behind the camera as director and producer under the banner Siva Sivani Films. The , starring her husband Rajasekhar in the lead role alongside , is a of the Tamil Sethu (1999) and explores themes of inter-caste love and societal rebellion through the story of a college rowdy who falls for a reclusive girl. This venture was motivated by a lack of suitable directorial options for the project, prompting Jeevitha to take the helm herself, highlighting early challenges in securing creative control in the male-dominated Telugu industry of the early 2000s. Building on this, Jeevitha's subsequent directorial works continued to emphasize remakes and family-oriented narratives, often featuring Rajasekhar as the to underscore themes of , resilience, and familial bonds. Her 2007 film Evadaithe Nakenti, co-directed with , is a of the film Yes Your Honour and follows an army officer's fight against corruption, blending action with moral dilemmas affecting family life. In 2009, she directed Satyameva Jayate, a of the Hindi film Khakee (2004), centering on an encounter specialist confronting terrorists. In 2013, she directed Mahankali, an action drama inspired by real-life incidents like the Delhi gang rape, where Rajasekhar plays a vigilante cop addressing and societal crimes, positioning it as a commentary on gender-based injustices. Her most recent directorial effort, Shekar (2022), another of the film (2018), centers on a retired unraveling a family mystery, reinforcing her focus on emotional, family-driven thrillers that resonate with Telugu audiences. These projects frequently involved close with Rajasekhar, allowing Jeevitha to infuse personal insights into stories that promote ethical and familial values, while navigating industry biases against filmmakers who often faced skepticism and limited resources in the 2000s landscape. Jeevitha's contributions extended beyond filmmaking to advocating for women's issues through her productions, as seen in Mahankali's portrayal of systemic failures in protecting women, which drew from contemporary events to urge societal reform. In recent years, she has remained active in industry affairs, serving on the jury for the 2017 , where she helped announce winners including Baahubali: for best feature film, amid discussions on recognizing diverse cinematic achievements. Her involvement in events like the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) leadership, including her tenure as general secretary until , further solidified her role in addressing professional challenges for artists, particularly women, in .

Filmography

Selected films as actress

Jeevitha's selected films as an actress highlight her early career in Tamil cinema from 1984 to 1988, followed by a transition to Telugu films in the late 1980s, and her 2024 comeback. These roles often featured her in supporting or leading female parts alongside prominent actors, contributing to commercially successful ventures.
YearTitleLanguageNotes
1984Uravai Kaatha KiliTamilDebut film directed by T. Rajendar; portrayed a supporting role opposite Saritha and Major Sundarrajan in this family drama.
1985Paadum VaanampadiTamilPlayed Radha, the female lead in this dance film remake of Disco Dancer, co-starring Anand Babu and Nagesh.
1985Naane Raja Naane ManthiriTamilActed alongside Vijayakanth and Radhika in this comedy-drama about family and deception.
1986Panneer NadhigalTamilSupporting role in this ensemble drama directed by M. Bhaskar, featuring Sivakumar and Amala.
1987Raja MariyadhaiTamilPortrayed a key female character in this remake of the Telugu film Simham Navvindi, opposite Sivaji Ganesan and Karthik.
1987Kadamai Kanniyam KattupaaduTamilAppeared in a supporting capacity in this crime thriller produced by Kamal Haasan, starring Sathyaraj and Geetha.
1988ValaikappuTamilFinal Tamil film appearance; supporting role in the family drama co-starring Sridevi and Prabhu.
1987ThalambraluTeluguMarked her entry into Telugu cinema; leading role opposite Rajasekhar in this romantic drama directed by Kodi Ramakrishna.
1988AahuthiTeluguPortrayed the female lead in this action drama remake of Rage of Angels, opposite Rajasekhar; a major box-office success noted for its powerful dialogues.
1988Janaki RamuduTeluguSupporting role in this romantic drama starring Nagarjuna and Vijayashanti.
1990MagaaduTeluguFinal acting role before her directorial phase; leading lady opposite husband Rajasekhar in this action film.
2024Lal SalaamTamilComeback role as Rani, sister of the character Moideen, in Aishwarya Rajinikanth's sports drama featuring Rajinikanth in an extended cameo; her first film with Rajinikanth after 32 years in the industry.

Credits as director and producer

Jeevitha's directorial debut came with the 2002 Telugu romantic drama Seshu, where she served as both director and a key figure in its production under the family banner of Shiva Shivani Movies, marking her transition into behind-the-scenes roles. The film, a of the Tamil hit Sethu (1999), starred her husband Rajasekhar and featured intense performances, particularly Rajasekhar's portrayal of a mentally challenged character, though it ultimately failed commercially at the . In 2004, Jeevitha took on the role for Apthudu, a Telugu action drama directed by Muthyala Subbayya and starring Rajasekhar, which explored themes of friendship and betrayal but received mixed reviews and modest returns. Her next directorial effort, (2007), was a co-direction with , produced by Sama Chandrashekar, focusing on an army officer's fight against corruption; the thriller faced production challenges, including later legal issues related to finances, and did not achieve significant commercial success. Jeevitha directed Satyameva Jayate (2009), a Telugu remake of the Hindi film Khakee (2004), produced under the Sivani and Sivatmika banner—named after her daughters—with Rajasekhar in the lead as an encounter specialist; despite high expectations, it underperformed at the box office. Several projects, including remakes like Gaddam Gang (2015)—a Telugu remake of the Tamil film Jigarthanda (2014)—were produced jointly by Jeevitha and Rajasekhar under the Rajasekhar-Jeevitha banner, often involving family members in creative and production capacities to support independent filmmaking. More recently, Jeevitha directed Shekar (2022), another remake of the film (2018), produced by M.L.V. Satyanarayana and featuring Rajasekhar as a retired cop unraveling a mystery and her daughter in a lead role; the thriller garnered positive critical reception for its engaging narrative and performances, achieving better audience approval compared to her earlier works.

References

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