Garikapati Varalakshmi

Garikapati Varalakshmi (27 September 1926 – 26 November 2006) was a versatile Indian actress, stage artist, singer, and director renowned for her contributions to Telugu and Tamil cinema.

Born in 1926 in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India, Varalakshmi’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age of 11 when she commenced acting on stage in Vijayawada. Collaborating with eminent stage actors like Thungala Chalapathi and Dasari Kotiratnam, she garnered acclaim for her performances in plays such as “Sakkubai” and “Rangoon Rowdy.”

Varalakshmi transitioned to the silver screen at the age of 14 with roles in “Barrister Parvatheesam” and “Bondam Pelli.” Despite initially venturing into singing in Bombay, her career as a singer didn’t flourish, prompting her return to Madras in 1946. She tied the knot with filmmaker and studio-owner K. S. Prakash Rao, with whom she ventured into acting and production, notably in the controversial yet successful film “Drohi,” where she portrayed the role of an arrogant daughter.

“Drohi” marked the beginning of a prolific acting career for Varalakshmi, who went on to star in popular films like “Kula Gotralu,” “Kanna Talli,” and “Pelli Chesi Choodu,” sharing the screen with the top heroes of the 1940s and 1950s in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Her repertoire of roles ranged from the loving woman to the arrogant sister and the mother-in-law.

Not limited to acting, Varalakshmi also showcased her directorial skills in the socially relevant film “Moogajeevulu.” Beyond the realm of entertainment, she ventured into politics, briefly supporting M.G.R., and actively participated in the Andhra Pradesh Praja Natya Mandali.

Varalakshmi’s legacy extends to her family, as she was the mother of two children, daughter Kovelamudi Kanaka Durga and son Kovelamudi Siva Prakash, who rose to fame as a renowned cameraman. Additionally, she was the step-mother of acclaimed director Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao.

Throughout her illustrious career, Garikapati Varalakshmi left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, earning accolades for her multifaceted talent and significant contributions to the film industry.