Urvashi

25 Jan, 1970 | Kollam, Kerala

Actress/Producer/Actor

Biography

Kavitha Ranjini , known by her stage name Urvashi , is an Indian film actress, television host, and producer. She has acted predominantly in Malayalam and Tamil films, and has also appeared in Kannada and Telugu films. Personal Life Urvashi was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to actor Chavara V. P. Nair and Vijayalakshmi. Her sisters, Kalaranjini and Kalpana, are also acclaimed actresses in South Indian cinema. She married actor Manoj K. Jayan in 2000. The couple has a daughter named Kunjatta. On 11 October 2008, it was reported that Urvashi and Manoj K. Jayan had mutually separated. In 2013, Urvashi married Shivaprasad. The couple welcomed a son, Ishaan Prajapathi, in August 2014. Acting Career Urvashi began her acting career as a child artist in the late 1970s, making her debut in the Malayalam film ‘Kathirmandapam’ (1979). By the late 1980s, she had established herself as one of the leading actresses in Malayalam cinema, with memorable performances in films like Thalayanamanthram, Mazhavil Kavadi, and many more. She made her Tamil debut in Munthanai Mudichchu, directed by K. Bhagyaraj. The film was a huge success and catapulted her to stardom, making her one of the most sought-after actresses across all South Indian languages. Urvashi is celebrated for her versatility she shines in comedy, emotional roles, and powerful character-driven performances. Her impeccable comic timing became a hallmark of her acting style, especially in her iconic collaborations with stars like Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, and Jayaram in Malayalam cinema. She quickly rose to prominence during the 1980s and 1990s, dominating both Malayalam and Tamil films. Known for her commitment to her roles, Urvashi has always dubbed in her own voice, lending authenticity to her performances. She also made a strong mark in Kannada cinema, acting alongside legends like Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ravichandran, and Ramesh Aravind. After a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, Urvashi made a powerful comeback with the critically acclaimed Achuvinte Amma, directed by Sathyan Anthikad a major milestone in her career. She continued to impress audiences with leading roles in Mummy & Me and Ente Ummante Peru. Most recently, Urvashi was seen in the Malayalam film Ullozhukku, which won the Best Feature Film at the 70th National Film Awards. She also bagged the Best Supporting Actress award for her stellar performance in the same film, reaffirming her status as one of the finest performers in Indian cinema.