M.N. Lakshmi Devi

Born April 14, 1934 · Chintamani, Karnataka

**M. N. Lakshmi Devi** (born 14 April 1934) is a veteran Indian actress who has left an indelible mark on Kannada cinema. With a staggering career spanning over seven decades, she is widely celebrated as one of the longest-serving artists in the Sandalwood industry, having acted in over 600 films. Hailing from Chintamani in Karnataka, her passion for the performing arts began early. She made her cinematic debut in the early 1950s, with her earliest credited roles appearing in *Sri Srinivasa Kalyana* (1952) and *Sowbhagya Lakshmi* (1953). Establishing herself as a highly versatile character actress, she quickly became a prominent fixture in Kannada cinema. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she delivered memorable performances in landmark films such as *Bhakta Kanakadasa* (1960), *Veera Kesari* (1963), *Gejje Pooje* (1970), *Sharapanjara* (1971), *Naagarahaavu* (1972), and *Bangaarada Manushya* (1972). Her dynamic screen presence was immortalized in the classic hit song "Yaru yaru nee yaru" from the 1962 film *Rathna Manjari*, which was famously picturized on her and the legendary comedian Narasimharaju. Remarkably, Lakshmi Devi has maintained an active screen presence well into her senior years, featuring in contemporary hits like *Googly* (2013) and *Raja Huli* (2013). Her profound, lifelong dedication to the arts has been heavily recognized by the state. She won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in *Kallara Kalla* (2001 to 2002). In recognition of her monumental contributions to Kannada culture and cinema, she was honored with the prestigious Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Karnataka for the years 2006 to 2007.