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Revathi
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Asha Kelunni (born 8 July 1966), better known by her stage name Revathi, is an Indian actress and director, known for her works predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema - in addition to Telugu, Hindi and Kannada films.[1][5][6]
Key Information
She was one of the most successful leading actresses of South Indian cinema and has won several accolades, including three National Film Awards, and seven Filmfare Awards South.[7] She also won the Kerala State Film Award for her performance in Bhoothakaalam (2022).[8]
Early life
[edit]Revathi was born as Asha Kelunni Nair to Kelunni, a major in the Indian Army, and Lalitha Kelunni in Kochi, Kerala.[1][2][5].In a 2024 interview, Revathi stated that her mother is a Palakkad Tamil Brahmin.[9]
When she was in school, she took part in a fashion show. Group photos were taken during the show and a photo was chosen to be the cover of a popular Tamil magazine. This happened to be her photo, which was seen by the director Bharathiraja, who at that time was on the lookout for a new heroine for his latest venture, Mann Vasanai.[10][11]
Career
[edit]She made her acting debut with the Tamil film Mann Vasanai in 1983.[12] The film was a silver jubilee hit and she was rewarded with a Filmfare Special Award – South.[13] She then made her Malayalam film debut with the movie titled Kattathe Kilikkoodu in 1983. This film too hit the gold at the box office and was among her biggest hits of the 1980s. .[14][15] She was introduced to Telugu film industry with 1984 films, Seethamma Pelli by director Bapu and Manasa Veena.[10][11] Revathy went on to play a blind, rape-survivor Seetha in Tamil in Mahendran’s Kai Kodukkum Kai (1984) opposite Rajinikanth.[16][17] Revathy went on to play Seetha in Pudhumai Penn (1984) directed by Bharathiraja. The same year she also did Vaidehi Kathirunthal, directed by R. Sundarrajan.

She was versatile in her choice of roles and often played strong, relatable women characters. Her big break, the one that put her name high on the charts, was her portrayal of Divya, a very spirited and headstrong girl who transforms into a woman through the course of the movie, in Mani Ratnam’s Mouna Ragam (1986).[18]
She was cast opposite Kamal Haasan in Punnagai Mannan in 1986. Revathi won several accolades for her role in the film.[19] The film too was a huge hit and established her as one of the most sought after actress of Tamil film industry. She finally won her first Best Actress Award for her splendid performance in the Malayalam film Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal in 1988. She won her Best Actress Award for Tamil film industry with the film titled Kizhakku Vaasal in 1990. She gave hits after hits and gave one of her finest performance in Priyadarshan’s Malayalam film Kilukkam (1991). She made her debut in Hindi with Suresh Krissna’s Love (1991), co-starring Salman Khan. She then won a National Film Award under the category of Best Supporting Actress for her Tamil film Thevar Magan in 1992. She was at the peak of her career in the early 1990s. She also gave occasional appearance in Telugu and Kannada films as well. Revathy again won the Filmfare Award in Balu Mahendra’s Marupadiyum (1993). The golden run lasted until the end of the 1990s, after appearing in some of her most well-regarded films in that decade Anjali (1990), Thevar Magan (1992), Magalir Mattum (1994) were already behind her. She has also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Thalaimurai in 1998.[20]

Hindi audiences have savoured Revathi in Margarita with a Straw (2014) and 2 States (2014). She has appeared in the Tamil films Pa Paandi (2017), Jackpot (2019), and in the Malayalam Virus (2019).
She was seen in the bilingual Telugu and Hindi film Major (2022), where she portrayed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother, Dhanalakshmi.[21]
In addition to acting, Revathi has directed three features (Mitr, My Friend, Phir Milenge and Salaam Venky) and contributed an episode each to the anthology films Kerala Cafe and the unreleased Mumbai Cutting.[22]
She won Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Malayalam in Bhoothakaalam (2022).[23][24]
Personal life
[edit]Revathi married cinematographer and director Suresh Chandra Menon in 1986. The couple did not have any children. However, following differences between them, they started living separately from 2002 and were granted divorce on 23 April 2013[25] by Chennai Additional Family Court.[26]
In 2018, she revealed that she has a five-year old biological daughter through in vitro fertilisation.[27]
In the media
[edit]
Revathi is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, having studied since the age of seven and performed her arangetram in Chennai in 1979.[28] She has been considered one of the all-time top actresses of Tamil cinema and South Indian cinema. She was one of the most successful leading actresses of South Indian cinema. Revathi was the only South Indian actress of 80s and 90s to win the Filmfare best actress award in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, including three consecutive wins in Tamil. Apart from films, Revathi has been involved in a variety of social organisations, the most notable being the Banyan, Ability foundation, Tanker foundation and Vidyasagar, and has also served as a member of several film festivals including the Chennai International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India.[29]
Awards
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Revathi Birthday: Love to Mouna Ragam, Popular Movies of the Evergreen Actress". News18.
- ^ a b "malayalamcinema.com, Official website of AMMA, Malayalam Film news, Malayalam Movie Actors & Actress, Upcoming Malayalam movies". www.malayalamcinema.com. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Court grants divorce to actor Revathi". The Times of India. 23 April 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
- ^ "Films, a family affair!". Deccan Chronicle. 29 April 2017. Archived from the original on 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b "Happy Birthday Revathi: Interesting facts about the actress". The Times of India. 8 July 2021.
- ^ "From demure to daring, actor Revathy's multi-faceted film career". 8 January 2018.
- ^ "40th National Film Awards – 1993" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals – 1993. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
- ^ "It took her 40 years to reach me, I want to dedicate the state award to myself: Revathi". Onmanorama. 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ^ "Revathi Interview". YouTube. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
- ^ a b Saravanan, T. (9 January 2011). "Always in reckoning". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
- ^ a b Shekar, Anjana (8 January 2018). "From demure to daring, actor Revathy's multi-faceted film career". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 8 August 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
- ^ Ramesh, Neeraja (16 August 2019). "Make way for women of substance on screen". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Demure-daring-actor-revathy-s-multi-faceted-film-career". The News minute. 8 January 2018.
- ^ Aravind, C. V. (20 February 2017). "Nedumudi Venu: Malayalam cinema's man for all seasons". The News Minute. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ^ Kurup, Aradhya (17 November 2019). "'Kattathe Kilikkoode': Bharathan's film is a commentary on the yin and yang of marriage". The News Minute. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (2 April 2019). "Tribute: J Mahendran, Who Began His Directing Career With The Rajinikanth-starring 'Mullum Malarum'". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
- ^ "கன்னடத்தில் இருந்து தமிழுக்கு வந்த கை கொடுக்கும் கை". Maalai Malar (in Tamil). 29 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
- ^ "From demure to daring, actor Revathy's multi-faceted film career". 8 January 2018.
- ^ "32 years of 'Punnagai Mannan': Why the Kamal Haasan film is still in our hearts". November 2018.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 April 2003. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Major movie review: Adivi Sesh's homage to the 26/11 hero is flawed but effective". The Indian Express. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ "Revathi's in the movie. Enough said". 23 September 2021.
- ^ "Here's why Revathy said yes to 'Bhoothakaalam', which won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress". The Times of India. 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Winners of the 68th Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) 2023".
- ^ "Poco Solar". Poco Solar. 11 October 2022.
- ^ Deccan Chronicle http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130423/entertainment-mollywood/article/revathi-suresh-granted-divorce Archived 27 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "சோதனை குழாய் மூலம் குழந்தை பெற்றேன்.. மனம் திறந்த நடிகை ரேவதி..!". Puthiya Thalaimurai. 2 November 2023.
- ^ Harsha Koda (www.jalakara.com). "revathy.com". revathy.com. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- ^ "59th National Film Awards for the Year 2011 Announced". Press Information Bureau (PIB), India. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
External links
[edit]Revathi
View on GrokipediaBiography
Early life
Revathi was born Asha Kelunni on 8 July 1966 in Kochi, Kerala, India.[3] Her father, Malank Kelunni Nair, served as a major in the Indian Army and hailed from Palakkad, while her mother, Lalitha Kelunni, was a homemaker.[9] Due to her father's military career, the family frequently relocated across India.[1] From the age of seven, Revathi pursued formal training in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, demonstrating her early inclination toward the arts.[10] She performed her arangetram, marking her debut solo recital, in Chennai in 1979 at the age of 13.[9] In her late teens, while studying in Bangalore, Revathi participated in a school fashion show, during which a group photograph featuring her was selected for the cover of a prominent Tamil magazine.[11] This image came to the notice of acclaimed Tamil director Bharathiraja, who was scouting for a lead actress and recognized her potential, paving the way for her transition into professional acting.[12]Personal life
Revathi married cinematographer and director Suresh Chandra Menon in 1986 after meeting him during the filming of Marumagal.[13] The couple, who had no children during their marriage, faced growing differences that led to a judicial separation in 2002, though they continued to live apart amicably for over a decade.[12] Their divorce was finalized on April 23, 2013, by a family court in Chennai after 27 years of marriage, granted on grounds of mutual consent.[14] Following the divorce, Revathi pursued motherhood through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor sperm, overcoming long-standing infertility challenges that had strained her earlier marriage and prompted unsuccessful adoption attempts for a newborn.[15] She welcomed a daughter in 2013 at the age of 47, describing the process as arduous but ultimately fulfilling, with the child proving healthy despite the IVF conception.[16] Revathi shares family ties in the film industry, including her cousin, actress Geetha Vijayan, whose career was inspired by Revathi's success in South Indian cinema.[17] Her niece, singer and actress Niranjana Anoop, has also drawn guidance from Revathi as an aunt and role model in the arts.[18] Post-divorce, Revathi has resided primarily in Chennai, where she maintains a low-profile lifestyle centered on her daughter and selective professional engagements, deliberately shielding her private life from media attention.[19] She has expressed a deepening interest in spirituality, particularly her Hindu faith, which she credits for personal growth and resilience amid life's transitions.[20]Career
Acting
Revathi made her acting debut in 1983 with the Tamil film Mann Vasanai, directed by Bharathiraja, where she played the lead role opposite Pandiyan, marking her entry into South Indian cinema.[11] That same year, she entered Malayalam cinema with Kattathe Kilikkoodu, directed by Bharathan, portraying Asha Thampi in a drama that explored themes of jealousy and family dynamics.[21] These early roles established her as a versatile performer capable of handling emotional depth in both languages. Her breakthrough came with the 1986 Tamil film Mouna Ragam, also directed by Mani Ratnam, where she portrayed Divya, a young woman navigating love, loss, and arranged marriage, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced performance and helping solidify her status as a leading actress in Tamil cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.[22] Throughout this period, Revathi delivered notable performances in films such as Anjali (1990, Tamil), where she played a mother in Mani Ratnam's poignant family drama; Thevar Magan (1992, Tamil), embodying the resilient Panchavarnam in a rural saga of inheritance and conflict; and Kilukkam (1991, Malayalam), as the bubbly Nandini in Priyadarshan's comic adventure that highlighted her comedic timing alongside Mohanlal.[23] Following her marriage in 2001, Revathi took a significant hiatus from acting in the 2000s to focus on family, limiting her film appearances and shifting emphasis away from lead roles.[24] She staged a comeback in the 2020s with supporting roles that showcased her enduring presence, including the part of Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, the mother of the protagonist, in the 2022 Telugu biographical drama Major, directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka.[25] That year, she also took on the lead role of Jayanthi, a troubled single mother confronting supernatural and emotional turmoil, in the Malayalam psychological horror Bhoothakaalam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan.[26] In recent years, Revathi has continued to diversify her portfolio across languages. She appeared as RAW Chief Maithili Menon in the 2023 Hindi action thriller Tiger 3, directed by Maneesh Sharma, reuniting with Salman Khan after three decades.[27] Her 2025 projects include a role in the multilingual drama The Storyteller, directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and released on Disney+ Hotstar, adapting Satyajit Ray's story about storytelling and human connection; a supporting part in the Tamil web series Good Wife, a legal drama directed by herself and starring Priyamani; and a performance in the Malayalam satirical thriller Pravinkoodu Shappu, directed by Sreeraj Sreenivasan, centered on a countryside murder investigation. In November 2025, she announced an untitled project collaborating with Parvathy Thiruvothu, Resul Pookutty, and Shankar Ramakrishnan.[28][29][30][31] Revathi's career spans Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada cinema, with over 100 films that demonstrate her adaptability in lead, supporting, and character roles across genres from romance and drama to thriller and comedy.[7]Directorial works
Revathi's directorial career began with her debut feature film Mitr, My Friend (2002), an English-language drama that explored the emotional and cultural struggles of immigrant Indian women in the United States, focusing on a mother-daughter relationship strained by generational gaps and identity crises.[32] Produced with an all-women technical crew, the film marked a pioneering effort in independent Indian cinema and earned the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English, along with awards for Best Actress (Shobhana) and Best Editing.[19] Following this, Revathi directed Phir Milenge (2004), a Hindi drama addressing the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS in India. The film follows a young woman (Shilpa Shetty) who contracts the virus from her partner and battles workplace injustice through a legal fight, highlighting issues of ignorance, gender inequality, and societal prejudice against the disease, which affected an estimated 5.1 million people in the country at the time.[33] Revathi co-produced the project, emphasizing its role as the first mainstream Bollywood film to center AIDS, aiming to foster public discussion and empower affected women.[33] Revathi contributed to anthology films with segments that delved into urban vulnerabilities and exploitation. In Mumbai Cutting (2008), her short "Parcel" portrays the harrowing journey of a Bangladeshi woman navigating bureaucratic and physical obstacles in Mumbai while en route to the Middle East, underscoring the perils of migration and city life for marginalized women.[34] For Kerala Cafe (2009), she directed "Makal," which examines child trafficking and exploitation, depicting a young girl lured from her village into urban abuse, as part of the anthology's broader exploration of Kerala's social undercurrents.[19] After a hiatus, Revathi returned to feature directing with Salaam Venky (2022), a Hindi coming-of-age drama inspired by a true story, centering on a mother's unwavering support for her son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as he advocates for passive euthanasia and organ donation. Starring Kajol as the resilient mother, the film grapples with themes of quality of life, medical ethics, and familial bonds amid legal and societal hurdles.[35] Across her works, Revathi's films consistently tackle social issues, including women's empowerment through narratives of resilience against cultural displacement, health-related stigma, and personal adversity, while promoting growth and empathy in everyday contexts.[19] Her independent filmmaking often involved hands-on production, such as assembling crews and securing funding for cause-driven stories, though she has noted the steep learning curve of directing without formal training and the demands of overseeing every detail in resource-constrained environments.[36]Awards and honors
National Film Awards
Revathi has received three National Film Awards, recognizing her versatile contributions as an actress and director across feature and non-feature cinema, with a focus on socially relevant narratives. Her first National Film Award came at the 39th National Film Awards in 1993 for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Bhavani in the Tamil film Thevar Magan (1992), directed by Bharathan. In this rural drama exploring caste conflicts, family loyalties, and tradition versus modernity, Revathi's portrayal of a resilient wife and mother was lauded for its nuanced emotional intensity and authenticity, contributing to the film's broader commentary on social divisions in Tamil Nadu villages. The award, presented during the ceremony in New Delhi, underscored her ability to elevate supporting roles in mainstream South Indian cinema.[37] Transitioning to direction, Revathi earned her second National Film Award at the 49th National Film Awards in 2002 for Best Feature Film in English for Mitr, My Friend (2001), her directorial debut. This English-language drama, starring Shobhana and Preeti Vissa, delves into the emotional and cultural struggles of Indian immigrant women in the United States, emphasizing themes of isolation, friendship, and identity loss amid relocation. The film's sensitive handling of diaspora experiences and women's empowerment resonated widely, also securing National Awards for Best Actress (Shobhana) and Best Editing (Beena Sabu). During the awards ceremony, the recognition highlighted Revathi's shift to behind-the-camera storytelling that amplifies marginalized voices in parallel cinema.[32] Revathi's third National Film Award was awarded at the 59th National Film Awards in 2012 for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Welfare for her short film Red Building Where the Sun Sets (2011). This non-feature work addresses family welfare, generational bonds, and societal pressures on women, drawing from real-life stories to advocate for emotional support systems. Presented by Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari at the Vigyan Bhawan ceremony in New Delhi, the award celebrated Revathi's directorial prowess in tackling social issues through concise, impactful nonfiction formats. In interviews following the win, she stressed the film's intent to foster dialogue on family dynamics and mental health, aligning with her career-long emphasis on meaningful, message-driven content.[6][38] These accolades, spanning acting in Tamil cinema and direction in English and documentary formats, illustrate Revathi's profound influence on both commercial and arthouse sectors, consistently prioritizing narratives that challenge societal norms and promote empathy.Regional and other awards
Revathi has received numerous regional accolades recognizing her contributions to South Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil and Malayalam films. She holds the distinction of winning seven Filmfare Awards South, highlighting her versatility across languages. These include a Special Award for Mann Vasanai (1983) in 1984; Best Actress – Malayalam for Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal (1988) in 1989; Best Actress – Tamil for Anjali (1990) in 1992, Thevar Magan (1992) in 1993, and Priyanka (1994) in 1994; Best Actress – Telugu for Gaayam (1993) in 1993; and Best Actress (Critics) – Malayalam for Bhoothakaalam (2022) in 2023.[3][11] In addition to Filmfare honors, Revathi was awarded the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a single mother grappling with supernatural elements in Bhoothakaalam (2022), marking a significant recognition after nearly four decades in the industry.[5] This win was praised for its emotional depth and her ability to convey psychological tension without overt horror tropes.[11] Revathi's impact on Tamil cinema is further evidenced by her Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. She won the Best Actress award for Kizhakku Vasal (1990), where she played a resilient village woman, and received a Special Prize for Best Actress for Thalaimurai (1998), acknowledging her consistent excellence in portraying complex female leads during the 1980s and 1990s.[39][40] For her broader contributions to Tamil arts and culture, Revathi was conferred the Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu government in 1993, an honor celebrating outstanding achievements in literature, music, and performing arts.[4] Other notable recognitions include lifetime achievement honors at various film festivals, such as the Certificate of Excellence for Best Picture (shared with the team) at the Buddha International Film Festival for her performance in Itlu Amma (2021).[40]Other pursuits
Philanthropy and activism
Revathi has been a key supporter of The Banyan, a mental health organization focused on providing care and rehabilitation for homeless individuals, particularly women, since the early 2000s. As part of its governance team, she contributes to initiatives that address psychosocial disabilities among vulnerable populations through clinical services, community outreach, and policy advocacy.[41] She has actively supported the Ability Foundation, a cross-disability organization dedicated to empowerment, rehabilitation, and rights advocacy for persons with disabilities. Revathi has participated in their events, including the Ability Film Festival, where she highlighted the role of cinema in promoting sensitive portrayals of disability to foster inclusion and challenge stereotypes.[42] Revathi serves as a trustee of the Tanker Foundation, which delivers subsidized dialysis and kidney care services to underprivileged patients across multiple centers in India. Her involvement underscores her commitment to healthcare accessibility for those with chronic conditions.[43] In Kerala, she has engaged with Vidyasagar, an NGO advocating for disability rights, education, and vocational training for children and adults with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Drawn to their work during her visits, Revathi has expressed admiration for their family empowerment programs and barrier-free initiatives.[15] Revathi has participated in campaigns against violence toward women, notably taking a public pledge on November 25, 2024, during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Chennai. The event, organized under the #RealMenDontHurtWomen initiative, urged men and boys to commit to respecting and protecting women, aiming to shift societal attitudes through community pledges.[44] She promotes eco-friendly practices through her involvement with NGOs like Sevalaya, where she celebrated Vinayagar Chaturthi on September 7, 2024, at their Kasuva Centre. The event featured sustainable clay idols and natural decorations to raise awareness about environmental conservation while supporting underprivileged children.[45] Revathi has served on juries for film festivals that emphasize socially relevant cinema, including an all-women panel for the 2022 International Short Film Festival and inaugurating the We Care Film Fest, where she advocated for authentic representations of disability to educate audiences and drive social change.[46][47]Public image
Revathi is widely regarded as a versatile icon of South Indian cinema during the 1980s and 1990s, celebrated for her ability to portray strong, emotionally resonant female characters that challenged prevailing stereotypes.[24] Her performances in films such as Mouna Ragam (1986) and Thevar Magan (1992) established her as a leading actress across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries, earning acclaim for blending demure vulnerability with daring assertiveness.[24] Media coverage of Revathi's personal life intensified following her 2013 divorce from Suresh Chandra Menon, after a judicial separation that began in 2002, with reports emphasizing the couple's amicable yet protracted process.[14] In subsequent interviews, she openly discussed her IVF journey to motherhood post-divorce, revealing the use of donor sperm after unsuccessful adoption attempts, which highlighted her struggles with privacy amid public scrutiny.[16] These disclosures portrayed her as resilient, though they underscored the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries in the spotlight.[15] Revathi has served as a brand ambassador for social causes, notably promoting organ donation through the MOHAN Foundation since 1997, where she became one of the first to sign an organ donor card.[48] Her television appearances include hosting the reality show Malayalee House on Surya TV in 2013 and featuring in the Tamil soap opera Azhagu, alongside guest spots at events like the Homepreneur Awards in 2023.[24][49] In interviews, Revathi has been positively depicted as an advocate for women's issues in the film industry, discussing challenges like limited roles for middle-aged actresses and the need for better implementation of the POSH Act against harassment.[50] As a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), she has addressed systemic abuses highlighted in the 2024 Hema Committee report, calling for stronger internal complaint mechanisms and industry accountability.[51] Her outspokenness has reinforced her image as a mentor figure supporting female empowerment.[52] In 2025, at age 59, Revathi garnered renewed media attention for her role in The Storyteller, a Disney+ Hotstar adaptation of Satyajit Ray's short story, where she emphasized the film's themes of healing through storytelling and human connection.[53] The release, directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and co-starring Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain, has been praised for its emotional depth, underscoring her continued relevance in contemporary cinema.[53]References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mohd._Hamid_Ansari_presenting_the_Rajat_Kamal_Award_to_Ms_Revathy_for_BEST_FILM_ON_FAMILY_VALUES_Red_Building_where_the_Sun_Sets_%28English%29%2C_at_the_59th_National_Film_Awards_function.jpg
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