Latha (actress)

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Latha Sethupathi, also known as Latha, is an Indian actress who starred in leading roles in South Indian films from 1973 to 1983.^[1] She is also known for her roles in various Tamil television series.^[1][2]

Latha Sethupathi was born into the Sethupathi clan, the royal family of Ramnad, in Tamil Nadu, India. She is the daughter of politician Shanmugha Rajeswara Sethupathi; her mother was named Leelarani. As her mother was not her father's official wife, Latha's status within the family was considered illegitimate. She has a brother, actor Rajkumar Sethupathy, and half-brothers Dasarathan Sethupathi and Ramanatha Sethupathi. Latha's fluency in both Tamil and Telugu stemmed from her mother's origin in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.^[3]

She started her career at the age of fifteen with encouragement from her aunt, actress Kamala Kotnis.^[4] Her first film was Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973), starring and produced by M. G. Ramachandran.^[5][6]

Sethupathi has been featured in over a hundred films, spanning the Tamil-, Telugu-, and Malayalam-language cinemas. Her first film, in Tamil, was Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973), in which she starred alongside M. G. Ramachandran. It was shot exclusively outside of India in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan. M.G Ramachandran recommended her for the role alongside Akkineni Nageswara Rao for Andala Ramudu (1973), marking her debut in Telugu films.^[7]

She specialized playing roles in Tamil and Telugu films. She played Zeenat Aman's role in the two remakes of Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973): the Telugu film, Annadammula Anubandham (1975) and the Tamil film Naalai Namadhe (1975). She played Jaya Bhaduri's role from Zanjeer (1973) in the Telugu remake Nippulanti Manishi (1974), and the Tamil remake, Sirithu Vazha Vendum (1974). She won a Filmfare Award for her performance in Vattathukkul Sadhuram.

She was bestowed with the Kalaimamani Award and other awards by the State Government of Tamil Nadu for her achievements in the film industry. She has also received additional awards from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for her acting. She was also briefly involved in politics, following her father Shanmugha Rajeswara Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad.^[8][4] She played a lead role in Rajinikanth's movie Shankar Salim Simon (1978). This role made her one of the only two actresses, along with Lakshmi, to be paired with MGR and Rajinikanth in the 1970s Tamil movies.^{[citation needed]}

After a hiatus of 14 years, she began acting again in Tamil and Telugu series. In 2002, she played a mother-in-law role in the Telugu television series Eenati Ramayanam,^[9] Pavithrabandham, and Matti Manishi.^[10]

She married Sabapathy, a businessman from Singapore, in 1983. She has two sons, Karthik and Srinivas.^[5][11]

Latha married businessman Sabapathy in 1983, marking a new chapter in her life. The couple has two daughters, and Latha prioritized her family responsibilities alongside her career. Following her marriage, she gradually reduced her acting commitments, focusing more on her personal life. Known for her reserved and dignified nature, Latha maintained a low profile in public and media appearances, choosing to stay away from controversies and sensationalism.^{[citation needed]}

Her role as a mother and homemaker is often highlighted as one of her defining aspects in later years, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly from the glitz of the silver screen to the tranquility of domestic life. Despite stepping away from the limelight, she has remained an iconic figure in Tamil cinema, with fans and peers often recalling her contributions to the industry with admiration.^{[citation needed]}

Latha’s ability to juggle her responsibilities and personal commitments, while leaving a legacy in Indian cinema, is a testament to her strong values and multifaceted personality. Her family continues to be her central focus, underscoring her enduring commitment to a balanced and meaningful life.^{[citation needed]}

• Latha at IMDb