Devika Devadoss (born Prameela Devi; 25 April 1943 – 2 May 2002) was an Indian actress who worked in Tamil and Telugu along with a few Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films. She was one of the popular lead actresses in the 1960s.
Devika is the daughter of Gajapati Naidu and granddaughter of Telugu cinema doyen and pioneer Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu. One of her uncles, C. Basudev, served as the mayor of Chennai. Actress Kanaka is her only daughter.
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Film career
In Tamil, she acted with all major heroes of the day.
In Mudhalali, an AVM film, in which she made her debut, she was paired with S. S. Rajendran. The film received a certificate as the (Best regional language film) for the year and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
She paired with M. G. Ramachandran in Anandha Jodhi. She won accolades and her portrayal was a critical and commercial success.
With Sivaji Ganesan she acted in the films Karnan, Kulamagal Radhai, Andavan Kattalai, Anbu Karangal, Annai Illam, Paava Mannippu, Muradan Muthu, Neela Vaanam and Bale Pandiya.
She portrayed Radha in the film Sumaithaangi alongside Gemini Ganesan as his tragic lover. The film was directed by Sridhar. Her performance received critical acclaim.
She acted in some other Sridhar films like Nenjam Marappathillai and Nenjil Or Aalayam. The song Sonnadhu Nee thaanaa in Nenjil or Aalayam became a hit because of her acting, apart from the lyrics and music.
Death
Devika was admitted to Madras Hospital when she complained of chest pain and after a few days she died following a heart attack.
Filmography
Telugu
Rechukka (1955) as Lalitha Devi
Atta okinti kodale (1958)
Sabhash Ramudu (1959)
Anna Chellalu (1960)
Mangalyam (1960)
Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani (1960) as Apoorva Chinthamani
Santhi Nivasam (1960)
Taxi Ramudu (1961)
Batasari (1961)
Pendli Pilupu (1961)
Papa Pariharam (1961)
Sabhash Raja (1961)
Chitti Tammudu (1962)
Dakshayagnam (1962) as Sathi Devi
Gaali Medalu (1962)
Mahamantri Timmarusu (1962)
Nuvva? Nena? (1962)
Rakta Sambandham (1962)
Somavara Vrata Mahatyam (1963) as Srimanthini
Pempudu Koothuru (1963)
Desa Drohulu (1964)
Aada Brathuku (1965)
Mangalasutram (1966)
Sri Krishnavataram (1967)
Bhama Vijayam (1967)
Malayalam
Pullimaan (1972)
C.I.D. In Jungle (1971)
Nizhalattam (1970)
Karuna (1966)
Kattupookkal (1965) as Annie
Hindi
Naya Din Nai Raat (1974)
Grahasti (1963)
Man-Mauji (1962)
Gharana (1961)
Ghar Sansar (1958)
Kannada
Maadi Madidavaru (1974)
Bhale Rani (1972)