Biography
*Anuradha, widely known by her screen name Tara* (born March 4, 1973), is an Indian actress and politician celebrated for her naturalistic performances, dramatic depth, and versatile character roles across Kannada cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has won a National Film Award, multiple Karnataka State Film Awards, and a Filmfare Award South, establishing herself as one of the finest actors in South Indian cinema. Born and raised in Bengaluru, Tara made her screen acting debut in 1984 with the Tamil film Ingeyum Oru Gangai, directed by Manivannan. She entered Kannada cinema with films like Thulasidala (1985) and the Rajkumar-starrer Guri (1986), quickly becoming a dependable leading and supporting actress. During the late 1980s, she made notable appearances in Mani Ratnam's acclaimed Tamil classics Nayakan (1987) and Agni Natchathiram (1988), alongside successful ventures in Telugu and Kannada mainstream cinema. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Tara transitioned effortlessly into author-backed, parallel, and art-house cinema. She earned critical acclaim for Girish Karnad's Kanooru Heggadithi (1999) and T. S. Nagabharana's Mathadana (2002). Her crowning artistic achievement arrived with Girish Kasaravalli's Hasina (2004), where her sensitive portrayal of a resilient Muslim woman challenging triple talaq won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. She delivered another powerhouse performance as Mridula in A. M. R. Ramesh's docudrama Cyanide (2006), earning the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress. In later years, Tara established herself as a revered character actor, bringing emotional weight and sharp comedic timing to contemporary favorites such as Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014), Hebbet Ramakka (2018), and Tagaru Palya (2023). Beyond cinema, she served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) and as the President of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy. Married to noted cinematographer H. C. Venugopal, she remains an enduring cultural and artistic icon in the Kannada film fraternity.
Acted in 103
2020s
- 2027
Roshagni
Rathna
- 2026
Elra Kaaleliyatte Kaala
Movie
- 2025
Vaamana
Movie
- 2024
Kotee
Sujatha
- 2023
Tagaru Palya
Movie
- 2021
Badava Rascal
Movie
2010s
- 2019
Aadi Lakshmi Puraana
Shanthamma
Evadu Thakkuva Kaadu
Movie
- 2018
Atharva
Movie
Kilambitaangayaa Kilambitaangayaa
Movie
Hebbet Ramakka
Movie
- 2017
Sathriyan
Movie
- 2014
Ulidavaru Kandanthe
Ratnakka
- 2013
Shravani Subramanya
Anuradha
Galaate
Movie
- 2012
Maattrraan
Sudha
- 2011
Kempe Gowda
Kavya's Mother
- 2010
Modalasala
Deepu's mother
Eradane Maduve
The head of Maid's association
School Master
Movie
2000s
- 2009
Birugaali
Hacchi's mother
- 2008
Muniyandi Vilangial Moonramandu
Movie
- 2007
Ee Bandhana
Sukanya
- 2005
Pandu Ranga Vittala
Movie
Auto Shankar
Movie
Deadly Soma
Movie
- 2004
Jyeshta
Movie
Nalla
Dr. Sarla Desai
Haseena
Hasina
- 2003
Paris Pranaya
"Cell" Seetha
- 2002
Ninagagi
Rukkamma
- 2001
Kotigalu Saar Kotigalu
Shalini/Shalu, Moni's wife
Neelambari
Movie
Diggajaru
Gowri
Mathadana
Movie
- 2000
Galate Aliyandru
Movie
Devara Maga
Sundari
Hagalu Vesha
Movie
1990s
- 1999
Durga Shakthi
Movie
Premotsava
Movie
- 1998
Gadibidi Krishna
Movie
Hendithghelthini
Movie
Yaare Neenu Cheluve
Mary
- 1997
Amruthavarshini
Vimala
Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda
Movie
- 1996
Vetri Vinayagar
Mallika
Jeevanadi
Movie
Sipayi
Movie
Dhani
Movie
Ibbara Naduve Muddina Aata
Movie
- 1995
Hello Sister
Movie
Shubha Lagna
Movie
Thumbida Mane
Movie
Killer Diary
Movie
- 1994
Gandhada Gudi Part 2
Movie
Alexander
Movie
- 1993
Prana Snehitha
Movie
Bhagavan Sri Saibaba
Movie
Server Somanna
Movie
Mojina Maduve
Movie
Muddina Maava
Movie
- 1992
Nagaradalli Nayakaru
Movie
Malashree Mamashree
Movie
Halli Meshtru
Movie
Belli Kalungura
Movie
Undoo Hoda Kondoo Hoda
Movie
- 1991
Ibbaru Hendira Muddina Police
Movie
C.B.I Shiva
Movie
Banni Ondsala Nodi
Movie
Nanagu Hendthi Beku
Movie
Shwethagni
Movie
Nagu Naguta Nali
Movie
Golmal Part 2
Movie
- 1990
Maneli Ili Beedili Huli
Movie
Nighooda Rahasya
Movie
Ivalentha Hendthi
Movie
Neti Siddhartha
Rekha
1980s
- 1989
Premagni
Movie
Hendthighelbedi
Inspector Srinivas Wife
Padmavyuha
Movie
Sura Sundaranga
Movie
Deva
Movie
- 1988
Ranaranga
Bhavana
Thayigobba Karna
Movie
Pelli Chesi Choodu
Movie
Sangliyana
Movie
Agni Natchathiram
Mallika
- 1987
Nayakan
Shakila
Shubha Milana
Movie
Mr. Raja
Movie
- 1986
Maneye Manthralaya
Movie
Bete
Movie
Matthondu Charithre
Movie
Guri
Movie
Sundara Swapnagalu
Movie
Anand
Asha
Sathkara
Movie
Madhura Bandhavya
Movie
- 1984
January 1
Movie
Ingeyum Oru Gangai
Maruthayi
No release date
Avale Nanna Hendthi
Gayathri
Produced 1
2000s
- 2004
Haseena
Producer
Appearances1
2010s
- 2014
Weekend With Ramesh
Herself · 1 episode