T. P. Rajalakshmi
T. P. Rajalakshmi | |
|---|---|
டி. பி. ராஜலட்சுமி | |
Rajalaksmi as Yashoda in Nandakumar (1938) | |
| Born | Thiruvaiyaru Panchapakesa Rajalakshmi 11 November 1911 |
| Died | 20 August 1964 (aged 52) |
| Other names | Cinema Rani TPR |
| Occupation | Actress · Filmmaker · Singer · Producer · Screenwriter · Music director · Social reformer |
| Years active | 1929–1964 |
| Known for | First Tamil & Telugu film heroine; first South Indian female director |
| Movement | Dravidian movement |
| Spouse | T. V. Sundaram |
| Children | Kamala Mony |
Thiruvaiyaru Panchapakesa Rajalakshmi (11 November 1911 – 1964), popularly known as "Cinema Rani TPR", was an Indian actress, filmmaker, singer, producer & social reformist. She is the first Tamil and Telugu film heroine, the first South Indian female director, screenplay writer, singer, music director and producer. She supported the Dravidian movement and was closely associated with Dravidian leaders.
Her work Miss Kamala was a revolutionary movie that conveyed a strong woman equality message to society. It made Rajalakshmi the first Tamil feature film director, the first female director in South India, and the second in India after Fatma Begum. In addition to producing and directing the film, she wrote, edited and composed the music for the film.
Rajalakshmi was the first heroine in the South Indian Cinemas to have had a fan club.
Rajalakshmi was awarded the Kalaimamani award in 1964.