Sukumari (6 October 1940 – 26 March 2013) was an Indian actress who worked predominantly in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. In a career that spanned more than five decades, she appeared in over 2,500 films across multiple languages, becoming one of the most prolific character actresses of South Indian cinema. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2003 and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2010.
| Born | 6 October 1940 |
|---|---|
| Died | 26 March 2013, Chennai |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | More than five decades, beginning at age 10 |
| Notable industries | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu cinema |
| Films | More than 2,500 |
| Civilian honour | Padma Shri (2003) |
| Major award | National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress (2010) |
Sukumari began her acting career at the age of 10. Over the following decades, she established herself as a versatile performer working in films of multiple languages. Although her primary work was in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, she also appeared in a few Hindi productions and in single films in Sinhala, French, Italian, Bengali, Tulu, English, and Kannada.
Sukumari's career, spanning over fifty years, made her a familiar presence in South Indian cinema across several generations of filmmakers and actors. The breadth of her filmography — over 2,500 titles — placed her among the most prolific actresses in Indian cinema. She was particularly noted for her supporting and character roles.
In 2010, Sukumari won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Tamil film Namma Gramam.
Sukumari died on 26 March 2013 in Chennai, following a heart attack.
Sukumari's longevity, the volume of her filmography, and her ability to work across linguistic film industries made her a noted figure in Indian cinema. Her recognition with both the Padma Shri and a National Film Award reflected her stature as a respected character actress.