Meet only heroine of Rajinikanth who played 4 different roles with him, sometimes a lover, sometimes a mother, sometimes a sister, she is...

India.com

27-05-2025

In the world of cinema, stars are often worshiped for their reel-life characters. From their iconic chemistry as co-stars to their impressive and strong roles, they often remain etched in the hearts of audiences. However, what once was seen as an iconic romantic pairing would turn around and become a relationship of mother-son. Even though the male leads are often seen romancing even in their older years, actresses would be portraying everything from different generations. Where once she would see in leading a romancing co-star, next time she might be a mother, or a sister.
One such story is of a versatile and impeccable actress, Srividya. Her on-screen roles with superstar Rajinikanth are nothing short of fascinating as she has played his lover, mother, sister, and mother-in-law.
Srividya made her debut in the film industry at just the age of 14 because she had financial constraints in her family. Soon, with her strong screen presence, expressive dance, and beauty, she made a space for herself in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Her debut was a Tamil film, Thiruvarutchelvan, where she starred opposite legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan. Later, she went on to make a mark for herself in Telugu cinema with Pettarasi Pettamma, and her career soared, especially with the support of director Dasari Narayana Rao.
She did her first film with Rajinikanth in 1975 with the film Apoorva Raagangal. This K. Balachander's film, which was Rajinikanth's debut, where he was seen romancing Srividya. But 14 years later, the same on-screen duo that played lovers at one time were seen in a totally different dynamic. This time, Srividya played Rajinikanth's mother-in-law. This shift from playing Rajnikanth's lover to his mother-in-law wasn't her choice,e but it was her sabbatical from acting that affected the quality of roles being offered to her.
Then, in 1991, for Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi, she played the role of Rajinikanth's mother, which also got her a lot of appraisal. After this in 1993, she played the role of his sister in Uzhappall again in Manithan. But besides the changing on-screen dynamic with Rajnikanth, their chemistry was hailed and celebrated.
Srividya and Rajinikanth worked in five major films, portraying a spectrum of relationships that stretched across decades and generations. Their unique on-screen journey, from lovers to family members, remains one of the most memorable in South Indian cinema, highlighting not just their versatility but also the changing face of roles for women in film.