Roja Selvamani
R. K. Roja Selvamani (born Sri Latha Reddy; 17 November 1972), is an Indian politician and former actress.[4] She served as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement of Andhra Pradesh since 11 April 2022 until a landslide defeat in 2024 assembly elections.[5]
Roja was born in Tirupati to Nagaraja Reddy and Lalitha Reddy, she has two brothers by the name of Kumaraswamy Reddy and Ramaprasad Reddy. Roja was a leading and established actress in the Indian cinema featuring in multiple Tamil and Telugu films as a leading actress from the 1990s till 2000s and featured in blockbuster films such as Chembaruthi (1992), Sarpayagam (1992), Anna (1994) and Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen (1998) in which she won multiple awards such as the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress and the Nandi Awards for her film performances.
Roja became the Minister for Tourism Culture and Youth Advancement for the Government of Andhra Pradesh in April 2022.
Early life
[edit]Roja was born as Sri Latha Reddy on 17 November 1972 to Nagaraja Reddy and Lalitha in Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. She has two brothers, Kumaraswamy Reddy and Ramaprasad Reddy.[6] Later, the family moved to Hyderabad. She got her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Sri Padmavathi Women's University, Tirupati. Roja learnt Kuchipudi and was performing in dance before she entered films.[citation needed]
Career
[edit]Film career
[edit]Roja entered the film industry with Telugu film Prema Thapassu with Rajendra Prasad. The entire movie was shot in Tirupati.
She was introduced to the Tamil film industry by director R. K. Selvamani with Chembaruthi, along with actor Prashanth. The movie was a hit and paved way for role in another success, Suriyan with Sarath Kumar. Both the films established her in Tamil cinema.[7] She became known for songs such as "Meloor Maman" in the film Makkal Aatchi with Mammootty and "Mastana Mastana" in Raasaiyya with Prabhu Deva. Her performance in films with actors such as Rajinikanth in Veera, Arjun Sarja in Ayudha Poojai and Prabhu in Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa were praised. Roja's major career breakthrough was in the film Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen, directed by Vikraman. In Telugu, she appeared in successful movies like Mutha Mestri, Mugguru Monagallu, Bhairava Dweepam, Bobbili Simham, Annamayya, Anna, Peddannayya, Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi, Subhalagnam, Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam and Kalavida. Her 100th movie was Pottu Amman. Roja later appeared in supporting roles in films like Arasu (2003), Parijatham (2006), Shambo Shiva Shambo (2010), Golimar (2010), Mogudu (2011), Kodipunju (2011), Veera (2011), Kaavalan (2011) and Saguni (2012).
Political career
[edit]Roja joined Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1998 and was the president of the Telugu Mahila wing of the Party.[8] In the 2004 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, she contested from the Nagari Assembly constituency but did not emerge victorious. In 2009 Indian general election, Roja ran for the Chandragiri Assembly constituency but faced another defeat, this time against Aruna Kumari Galla. In the same year she left TDP and joined the Indian National Congress, which was led by Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy at the time.[9] Following the passing of Rajasekhara Reddy, his son, Jagan Mohan Reddy, decided to part ways with the Congress and established the YSR Congress Party.[10] In response to these developments, Roja made the decision to leave the Congress and joined the YSRCP. In 2014 assembly elections, she won as an MLA from Nagari assembly constituency. She contested once again from Nagari in 2019 assembly election and won the seat again. In 2020, she assumed the role of Chairperson of APIIC. Then, in 2022 she was appointed as the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement portfolio.[11]
Despite Roja being an active speaker among women MLAs, she was suspended from attending the legislative assembly for one year.[12][13] The decision was taken by majority in the legislative house, on 18 December 2015, and by the approval of the Speaker.[12][13] Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, leader of the opposition, opposed the suspension. There were several concerns on the procedure followed while suspending Roja. Such doubts made the opposition to move no-trust motion against the speaker.[14] An issue was raised by the opposition party on how the media clipping, property of the house, released and published on social media without the speaker's approval and the speaker also noted their concern and set up an inquiry to probe the issue further and submit a report by next meeting.[15]
Electoral history
[edit]| S.No | Year | Election | Constituency | Party | Votes | Vote % | Margin | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004 | Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly | Nagari | TDP | 59,867 | 46.4% | - 5,694 | Lost |
| 2 | 2009 | Chandragiri | 60,962 | 35.68% | - 10,980 | Lost | ||
| 3 | 2014 | Nagari | YSRCP | 73,924 | 47.23% | + 858 | Won | |
| 4 | 2019 | 80,333 | 47.60% | + 2,708 | Won | |||
| 5 | 2024 | 62,793 | 35.17% | - 45,004 | Lost |
Other work
[edit]Roja was the anchor of a show named Modern Mahalakshmi before getting replaced by Anasuya. This show was telecast on MAA TV.[16] She is one of the judges for the comedy shows Jabardasth and Extra Jabardasth. These shows are telecast on ETV.[17] She hosted one show for Zee Tamizh called lucka kicka, which was a huge hit in Tamil Nadu.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Roja married Tamil film director R. K. Selvamani on 21 August 2002.[19] The couple has a daughter and a son.[20]
Roja had a penchant for hairdressing and it was evident as whenever she was on the sets she was seen hairdressing her peers like Devayani, Khushbu, Ranjitha and Mumtaz to name a few.[citation needed] According to Ramya Krishna, her friend and co-star, Roja is one of the few artists who can do their makeup themselves.[citation needed]
Filmography
[edit]Tamil cinema
[edit]Telugu cinema
[edit]| Year | Title | Role (dubbed voice) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Prema Thapassu | Muthyalu | |
| Sarpayagam | Anupama | Special Jury-Nandi Award | |
| 1992 | Seetharatnam Gari Abbayi | Manga (Durga) | |
| Atta Sommu Alludi Daanam | Baby | ||
| Prema Vijetha | |||
| 1993 | Rakshana | Special appearance | |
| Attaku Koduku Mamaku Alludu | Roja | ||
| Illu Pelli | |||
| Nakshatra Poratam | |||
| Moggudugaru | Roja | ||
| Mutha Mestri | Kalpana | ||
| 1994 | Mugguru Monagallu | Seetha | |
| Bhairava Dweepam | Princess Padmavathi | ||
| Gandeevam | Roja | ||
| Bobbili Simham | Krishnaveni (Saritha) | ||
| Anna | Chandi | Nandi award for Best Supporting Actress | |
| Police Brothers | Kanaka Durga | ||
| Subhalagnam | Lata (Roja Ramani) | ||
| Roja | Bharathi | ||
| 1995 | Big Boss | Roja (Roja Ramani) | |
| Maatho Pettukoku | Lata | ||
| Maya Bazaar | Special appearance | ||
| Telugu Veera Levara | Talupulamma | ||
| Vajram | Kuali | ||
| Pokiri Raja | Chandramukhi | ||
| Ghatotkachudu | Roja | ||
| 1996 | Topi Raja Sweety Roja | Roja | |
| Rayudugaru Nayudugaru | |||
| Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | Draupadi | ||
| 1997 | Peddannayya | Seeta | |
| Adavilo Anna | Rani | ||
| Annamayya | Saluva Narasimha Rayalu's wife | ||
| 1998 | Sambhavam | ||
| Pelladi Chupistha | |||
| Swarnakka | Swarnakka | Nandi award for Best actress | |
| Vaibhavam | |||
| Mee Aayana Jagratha | Sundari | ||
| 1999 | Sultan | Revathi | |
| 2000 | Sammakka Sarakka | Sarakka | |
| Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi | Geetha (Saritha) | ||
| Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa | Ragini (Shilpa) | ||
| 2001 | Family Circus | Durga | |
| Durga | Durga | ||
| 2002 | Police Sisters | ACP Jhansi | |
| 2010 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Home Minister | |
| Golimaar | Arundathi | ||
| 2011 | Parama Veera Chakra | Movie artist | |
| Mogudu | Politician Chamundeshwari | ||
| Kodipunju | Sita Ratnam as Tanish's Mother | ||
| Veera | Satya's mother | ||
| Sri Rama Rajyam | Bhudevi | ||
| 2012 | Lucky | Lucky's boss | |
| 2013 | Pavitra | Munna's mother | [citation needed] |
| Sri Jagadguru Adi Shankara | Goddess Lakshmi | ||
| Kamina | |||
| D/O Varma |
Kannada cinema
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Gadibidi Ganda | Neelambari | |
| 1997 | Kalavida | Kavana | |
| 1999 | Premotsava | Bhavana | |
| 2000 | Independence Day | ||
| Bharatha Naari | |||
| 2001 | Grama Devathe | Parvati | |
| Sundara Kanda | |||
| 2002 | Parva | Sudha | |
| 2004 | Maurya | Meena |
Malayalam cinema
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Gangothri | Nandana Menon | |
| 2002 | Malayali Mamanu Vanakkam | Parvathy | |
| 2015 | Jamna Pyari | Neelambari |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Language | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2003 | Nathi Enge Pogirathu | Sindhu | Tamil | Star Vijay | TV Serial |
| 2004 | Uttarayana | Jaya Gouri | Kannada | Udaya TV | TV Serial |
| 2010–2013 | Modern Mahalakshmi | Host | Telugu | Maa TV | TV show |
| 2011 | Nachore | Judge | Zee Telugu | TV show | |
| 2013–2022 | Jabardasth | Judge | ETV | Weekly | |
| 2014–2022 | Extra Jabardasth | Judge | Weekly | ||
| 2014–2015 | Race | Host | Zee Telugu | TV show | |
| 2015 | Luckka Kikka : Genes | Tamil | Zee Tamil | TV show | |
| 2015 | Ragada : The Ultimate Dance Show | Judge | Telugu | Tollywood TV Telugu | TV show |
| 2015–2016 | Jabardast 31 : December Celebrations | Judge | ETV | TV Programme | |
| 2016 | Genes (season 2) | Host | Tamil | Zee Tamil | TV show |
| 2016–2017 | Racchabanda | Host | Telugu | Gemini TV | TV show |
| 2016 | Dasara Mahostavam | Judge | ETV Telugu | TV Programme | |
| 2017 | Pandem Kollu | Judge | TV Programme | ||
| 2017 | Ugadi 369 | Judge | TV Programme | ||
| 2017 | Junior Super Stars (season 2) | Judge | Tamil | Zee Tamizh | TV show |
| 2017 | Weekend with Stars | Guest | Zee Tamil | Talk Show | |
| 2017 | Konchem Touch Lo Unte Chepta (Season 3) | Guest | Telugu | Zee Telugu | TV show |
| 2018 | Bathuku Jatka Bandi | Host | TV show | ||
| 2018 | Aha Naa Pellanta | Judge | ETV Telugu | TV Programme | |
| 2018 | Rangasthalam | Gemini TV | TV Dance Show | ||
| 2019 | Lollupa | Host | Tamil | Sun TV | TV Programme |
| 2019 | Tasmath Jagratha | Telugu | Gemini TV | Crime Patrol | |
| 2020 | Amma Sarileru Nikevvaru | TV Programme |
Awards
[edit]- Special Jury Award – Sarpayagam (1991)[24]
- Best Supporting Actress – Anna (1994)[25]
- Best Actress – Swarnakka (1998)[24]
- 1998 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress – Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen[26][22]
- 1998 – Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil – Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen[27]
- 2010 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu – Golimaar
References
[edit]- ^ "సినిమాల కోసం పేరు మార్చుకున్న స్టార్ హీరోయిన్లు". Sakshi (in Telugu). 30 September 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
- ^ "Roja quits TDP, to join Congress soon". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema news – 90's favourite tamil actress, she is famous in red clothe movie... Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Maalaimalar.com. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Watch Video: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Roja requests PM Modi for selfie, he obliges". freepressjournal.in. 4 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
- ^ Service, Express News (14 April 2022). "New Minister for Tourism RK Roja vows to make Andhra a tourism hub". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Maalaimalar.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Koffee with Anu". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 6 April 2007. Archived from the original on 10 April 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
- ^ "Roja likely to join Congress". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 31 August 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2009.
- ^ "Roja's journey from silver screen to Andhra Cabinet". The Economic Times. 12 April 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ "Roja quits TDP, to join Congress soon". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ "Actor Roja breaks myth of 'Iron leg' after becoming Andhra minister". The News Minute. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ a b "1-yr suspension for MLA Roja". The Times of India. 19 December 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ a b "Actor Roja suspended from AP Assembly for a year". Deccan Herald. 19 December 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "YSRC Gives No-trust Notice against Speaker". The New Indian Express. 24 December 2015. Archived from the original on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Telugu States Latest News, Andhra Pradesh News Latest, Telangana News Today, Tollywood News Today, Bigg Boss Updates, Hyderabad News, Breaking News, India News, Telugu NRI News | SakshiPost".
- ^ "Anusuya to host Modern Mahalaxmi". The Times of India. 17 March 2014.
- ^ "MLA Roja says she will prefer Jabardasth over politics – ApNewsCorNer". apnewscorner.com. 11 April 2022. Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- ^ "Luckka Kickka Season 2 – 03-01-2015 – Zee Tamil Official YouTube Video Luckka Kickka, Popular heroine ROJA is back with a bang hosting the new game… – Trailers and Teaser-Tamil – Pinterest – Teaser and Youtube". Pinterest.
- ^ "News Today". Idlebrain. 23 August 2002. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
Telugu actress Roja entered nuptial knot with Tamil director Selvamani today (21st August) at Tirumala.
- ^ "From 'damsel in distress' to ruthless politician : The dramatic transformation of RK Roja". 10 June 2017.
- ^ "dinakaran". 4 April 2007. Archived from the original on 4 April 2007.
- ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 April 2003. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
- ^ a b "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh (in Telugu). Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
- ^ "Dinakaran". Archived from the original on 4 April 2007.
- ^ "Cinema Express awards presented". August 1999.
External links
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- Actresses from Andhra Pradesh
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