Pandari Bai
ActingAbout Pandari Bai
Pandari Bai (Kannada: ಪಂಡರೀ ಬಾಯಿ; 18 September 1928 – 29 January 2003) was a prominent actress of South Indian languages films mostly in Kannada language during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She is considered Kannada cinema's first successful heroine. She has the distinction of having acted as both heroine and mother to stalwarts such as Rajkumar, MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. She was the heroine in Rajkumar's debut movie Bedara Kannappa and also Sivaji's debut movie Parasakthi. She has acted in over 1,000 films in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.
Pandari Bai Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Pandari Bai reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Pandari Bai's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Pandari Bai's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Sodari, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Pandari Bai Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Pandari Bai's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Pandari Bai has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Avasara Police 100 | Raju and Seetha's mother (in archival footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Veerapandiyan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Hosa Neeru | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Andha Oru Nimidam | Radha | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Puthu Yugam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Enakkul Oruvan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Onde Raktha | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Onti Dhwani | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Thyagi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu | Shantamma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Keralida Simha | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Burripalem Bullodu | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Sigappukkal Mookkuthi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi | Parvathy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Avan Oru Sarithiram | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Lalitha | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Muthana Muthallavo | Periya Pillai's wife | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Uthaman | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Dr. Siva | Lakshmi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Pattikkaattu Raja | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Thaai Piranthaal | Lalitha's mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Paadha Poojai | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Netru Indru Naalai | Kanaga, Manavalan Thangappapuram's wife | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Alluri Seetarama Raju | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Bangarada Panjara | Janaki, Beera's Biological mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Shehzada | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Janma Rahasya | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Thavaputhalvan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Bandagi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Hrudaya Sangama | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Rivaaj | Shekhar's mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Pandanti Kapuram | Chinnamma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Prathidhwani | Meenakshi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Bhale Jodi | Suresh's mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Nadu Iravil | Ponni | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Nannha Farishta | Gauri's mom | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Sandhya Raaga | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Laadla | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Prathigne | Gowramma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Irumbu Thirai | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Paavai Vilakku | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Paigham | Parvati Ratan Lal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Annaiyin Aanai | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Rayara Sose | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Bhaktha Vijaya | Hema | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Sodari | Hemavathi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Bedara Kannappa | Neela | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Poongothai | Susheela | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Bahar | Malti (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Haridas | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
Pandari Bai - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Pandari Bai?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Pandari Bai is "Sodari" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Pandari Bai acted in?
Pandari Bai has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Pandari Bai?
Other notable films include "Nannha Farishta", "Veerapandiyan", and "Thavaputhalvan".