Arathi (b. 1954)
Kannada actress born in Aragal, Mysore, Karnataka. Star in 70s melodramas continuing Kalpana’s 60s films. Best work under Puttanna Kanagal’s direction in films built around her unique presence. Shot repeatedly and at length with an obsessive physical grossness, her body becomes the target of a destructive neurosis that Kanagal usually ascribes to the male lead. Her persona became an emblem elaborated over a series of films starting with Nagara Haavu and was later used by other film-makers. Her wooden acting coupled with a statuesque presence often adds a voyeurist dimension to long and complicated stories that end with the desecration of what she embodies and, sometimes, with her death (e.g. Ranganayaki). Even her absence in Kanagal’s Manasa Sarovara (1982) led to speculation about the ‘real’ meaning of the theme of a doctor who leaves his wife to cure a mentally deranged girl, falls in love with her, and goes insane when she falls for his nephew. Directed a TV series, Namma Nammalli. Briefly a member of the Karnataka State’s legislative assembly representing the BJP.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1970: Gejje Pooje; Takka! Bitre Sikka!!; 1971: Kasturi Nivasa; Anugraha; Pratidhwani; Nyayave Devaru; Shri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama; 1972: Sipayi Ramu; Bhale Huchcha; Nagara Haavu; Kulagaurava; Vooriki Upakari; Bangarada Manushya; 1973: Mane Belagida Sose; Edakallu Guddada Mele; Muruvare Vajragalu; Bangarada Panjara; Mannina Magalu; 1974: Nanu Baalabeku; Upasane; Maha Thyaga; Bhale Bhatta; 1975: Dari Tappida Maga; Shubhamangala; Bili Hendthi; Katha Sangama; Devara Kannu; Hosilu Mettida Hennu; 1976: Premada Kanike; Punaradatta; Bahadur Gandu; Raja Nanna Raja; Phalithamsha; Balu Jenu; Aparadhi; 1977: Magiya Kanasu; Pavanaganga; Anurupa; Kudre Mukha; 1978: Hombisilu; Matu Tappada Maga; Muyyige Muyi; Paduvarahalli Pandavaru; Anuragha Bandhana; Premayana; Vasanthalakshmi; Balu Aparupa Nam Jodi; 1979: Dharmasere; Adalu Badalu; Na Niruvude Ninagangi; Manini; Nentaro Gantu Kallaro; 1980: Bhakta Siriyala; Hanthakana Sanchu; Bangarada Jinke; Nyaya Neethi Dharma; Anurakthe; 1981: Ranganayaki; Thayiya Madilalli; Nari Swargakke Dari; Ganesha Mahime; Bhagyavantha; Chadurida Chitragalu; Bhagyada Belaku; Edeyuru Siddalingeshwara; Preetisi Nodu; 1982: Pedda Gedda; Archana; Mullina Gulabi; Karmika Kallanalla; Mava Sose Saval; Parijata; Nyaya Yellide?; Kannu Terasida Hennu; Suvarna Sethuve; Hasyarathna Ramakrishna; Raja Maharaja; Parvayin Marupakkam; 1983: Tirugu Bhana; Gedda Maga; Jaggu; Nyaya Gedditu; Kalluveene Nudiyitu; Thayiya Nudi; Sididedda Sahodara; Kranthiyogi Basavanna; Ananda Sagara; Muttaide Bhagya; Gandharvagiri; Akrosha; Chelisada Sagara; Samarpane; Premave Balina Belaku; Bekkina Kannu; 1984: Kaliyuga; Khaidi; Poojaphala; Hennina Saubhagya; Avala Antaranga; Ramapurada Ravana; Pavitra Prema; Agnyathavasa; Preeti Vatsalya; 1985: Nee Nakkaga; Sati Sakkubai; Lakshmi Kataksha; Kumkuma Thanda Saubhagya; Swabhimana; Shiva Kotta Saubhagya; Tulasi Dala; Haavu Eni Aata; Kuridoddi Kurukshetra; 1986: Bettada Thayi; Seelu Nakshatra; Tiger; 1987: Thaliye Ane; 1988: Superboy.