Ramya Krishna was two-time lucky in her long and successful career. She was one of the most popular leading actresses in her prime and later became equally successful as a supporting actress. She has worked in several blockbusters across Telugu and Tamil cinema, and even starred in a couple of Bollywood films. But two roles stand out as truly special.
Among her many memorable characters, Neelambari and Rajamata remain the most iconic.
Ramya Krishna as Neelambari in Padayappa
She played Neelambari in Rajinikanth’s massive blockbuster “Padayappa” in 1999. The film, dubbed into Telugu as “Narasimha,” became an equally huge hit here. Although Soundarya was the main female lead, it was Ramya Krishna’s portrayal of the fierce and fiery Neelambari that became unforgettable.
As “Padayappa” gears up for a re-release, Rajinikanth revealed that Ramya Krishna was not the first choice for Neelambari. The team initially wanted Aishwarya Rai, who had just debuted with Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar and later acted in Jeans. She refused the negative role so early in her career, and Ramya Krishna stepped in and made it iconic.
Ramya Krishna as Rajamata in Baahubali
Her other career-defining role, Rajamata Sivagami in Rajamouli’s “Baahubali,” also came to her unexpectedly. Rajamouli originally wanted Sridevi, but negotiations fell apart due to remuneration and other issues. Ramya Krishna was then cast in the role, and Baahubali went on to create history. Her performance earned nationwide acclaim.
Both iconic roles reached her only after other actresses declined them. But Ramya Krishna seized the opportunities and turned them into unforgettable milestones.
