Jayabharathi (born 28 June 1954 as Lekshmi Bharathi) is an Indian film actress who became one of the leading performers of Malayalam cinema during the 1970s and early 1980s. She is a two-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and a recipient of a National Film Award (Special Jury Award – Special Mention).
| Born | 28 June 1954 |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lekshmi Bharathi |
| Profession | Actress, classical dancer |
| Primary industry | Malayalam cinema |
| Film debut as lead | Kattukurangu (1969), directed by P. Bhaskaran |
| Major awards | Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress (1972, 1973); National Film Award – Special Jury / Special Mention |
| Dance training | Under Kalamandalam Natarajan, Rajaram (a student of Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai), and Vazhuvoor Samraj Pillai |
| Institution | Aswathi Arts Academy |
Jayabharathi began training in classical dance at the age of five, studying under Kalamandalam Natarajan, Rajaram—who was himself a student of Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai—and Vazhuvoor Samraj Pillai. Her early years revolved around film studios, dance rehearsals, and stage performances, and she entered films as a teenager.
Her first leading role came in 1969 in Kattukurangu, directed by P. Bhaskaran. Through the 1970s she emerged as one of the most prominent Malayalam film actresses of her generation, working opposite many of the era's leading men, including Prem Nazir, Madhu, Vincent, Jayan, M. G. Soman, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. The pairing of Jayabharathi with M. G. Soman became one of the popular on-screen combinations of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Among her best-known films is Rathinirvedam, directed by Bharathan, which became one of the biggest box office hits in Kerala's history and inspired similar productions across South India in the decades following its release.
Alongside her film career, Jayabharathi has remained active in classical dance. She runs the Aswathi Arts Academy from her home and has worked towards setting up another branch in Coimbatore. In 2003, she performed at nine temples in and around Kerala.
Jayabharathi's career bridged the transition of Malayalam cinema from the late 1960s into the artistically influential 1970s. Her work with directors such as P. Bhaskaran and Bharathan, alongside leading actors of multiple southern industries, places her among the defining female stars of Malayalam cinema of that period.