Roja (politician)

This article uses bare URLs, which may be threatened by link rot. Please consider converting them to full citations to ensure the article remains verifiable and maintains a consistent citation style. Several templates and tools are available to assist in formatting, such as reFill (documentation). (August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

|

Indian politician and former film actress

A request that this article title be changed to Roja Selvamani is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed.

|

Roja

Roja at an interview with Sakshi TV in 2017

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Incumbent

Assumed office
11 April 2022
Chief Minister| Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy
Preceded by| Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao
Constituency| Nagari
Chairperson of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation
In office
15 July 2019 – 17 July 2021
Succeeded by| Mettu Govinda Reddy
Member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly

Incumbent

Assumed office
19 June 2014
Chief Minister|

* N. Chandrababu Naidu
* Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy

Preceded by| Gali Muddu Krishnama Naidu
Constituency| Nagari
President of the YSRCP Women's Wing

Incumbent

Assumed office
2015
President of the Telugu Mahila
In office
1999–2009
Personal details
Born|

Sri Latha Reddy[1]

(1972-11-17) 17 November 1972 (age 49)
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Other political
affiliations| Telugu Desam Party (until 2004)

Spouse(s)|

R. K. Selvamani

(m. 2002)​

[2]
Children| 2
Occupation|

* Actress
* politician

Awards| Nandi awards
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress
Cinema Express Awards

Roja (born Sri Latha Reddy; 17 November 1972), also known by her married name Roja Selvamani or R.K. Roja, is an Indian politician and former actress.[3] She is serving as the current Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement of Andhra Pradesh. She was a leading actress in Tamil and Telugu films from 1991 to 2002. She has also acted in a few Kannada and Malayalam-language films.[4] She won three Nandi Awards and one Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Roja began her political career in 1999 from the Telugu Desam Party and aligns with the YSR Congress Party since 2011. She was elected as an MLA from Nagari in Andhra Pradesh twice in the 2014 and 2019. She also serves as the YSR Congress Party's state women president. Between 2019 and 2021, Roja served as the chairperson of APIIC Andhra Pradesh. In 2022, Roja officially made a public statement announcing her quitting the film industry to focus more on her political career as a politician. She also announced that she will no longer be acting in any films.[5] Roja is married to Tamil film director R. K. Selvamani.

## Contents

* 1 Early life
* 2 Career
* 2.1 Film career
* 2.2 Political career
* 3 Other work
* 4 Personal life
* 5 Filmography
* 5.1 Tamil cinema
* 5.2 Telugu cinema
* 5.3 Kannada cinema
* 5.4 Malayalam cinema
* 5.5 Television
* 6 Political statistics
* 7 Awards
* 8 References
* 9 External links

## 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 was the only girl with 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.[7]

## Career[edit]

### Film career[edit]

Roja entered the film industry with Telugu films. Her first movie was Prema Thapassu with Rajendra Prasad where the complete 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.[8] 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 in 1999 and was the president of the Telugu Mahila wing of the Party.[9] She lost the 2009 AP State Elections. In August 2009, she quit TDP and joined YSR Congress Party when the party was established. In 2014 general elections, she won as an MLA from Nagari assembly constituency. She contested once again from Nagari assembly constituency in 2019 election. The results are announced and she won the seat again. She was appointed Chairperson of APIIC in 2020.

Despite Roja being an active speaker among women MLA's she was suspended from attending the legislative assembly for one year.[10][11] The decision was taken by majority in the legislative house, on 18 December 2015, and by the approval of the Speaker.[10][11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

## Other work[edit]

Roja played anchor in a show named Modern Mahalakshmi before getting replaced by Anasuya. This show was telecasted on MAA TV.[14] She is one of the judges for the comedy shows Jabardasth and Extra Jabardasth. This show telecasts on E TV.[15] She hosted one show for Zee Tamizh called lucka kicka, which was a huge hit in Tamil Nadu.[16]

## Personal life[edit]

Roja married Tamil film director R. K. Selvamani on 10 August 2002. The couple have a daughter and a son.[17]

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] Actress Mumtaz in an interview praised Roja's willingness and egoless attitude when she did her hair and make-up during a Singapore Film Show in 2003.[18]

## Filmography[edit]

### Tamil cinema[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes

|
|
|

1992 | Chembaruthi | Chembaruthi |
1992 | Suriyan | Usha |
1993 | Uzhaippali | Vimala |
1994 | Athiradi Padai | Bharathi |
1994 | Indhu | Indhu |
1994 | Veera | Rooba |
1994 | Sarigamapadani | Archana |
1995 | Engirundho Vandhan | Radha |
1995 | Raja Muthirai | Priya |
1995 | Asuran | Parvathi |
1995 | Raasaiyya | Anita |
1995 | Makkal Aatchi | Sarasu |
1995 | Ayudha Poojai | Sindhamani |
1996 | Parambarai | Paruvatham |
1996 | Rajali | Rani |
1996 | Tamizh Selvan | Fathima |
1997 | Vallal | Roja |
1997 | Adimai Changili | Senthamarai |
1997 | Pasamulla Pandiyare | Revathi |
1997 | Kadavul | Parvathi |
1997 | Arasiyal | Supriya |
1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | Radha | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress[19][20]
Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil
1998 | En Aasai Rasave | Nagajyoti |
1998 | Veeram Vilanja Mannu | Village Girl |
1998 | Pudhumai Pithan | Shenbagam |
1998 | Kaadhal Kavithai | Herself | Special appearance
1999 | Housefull | Writer |
1999 | Chinna Raja | Radha |
1999 | Nenjinile | Herself | Special appearance
1999 | Chinna Durai | Pushpavalli |
1999 | Suyamvaram | Easwari |
1999 | Mugam | Malini |
1999 | Ooty | Charu |
1999 | Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa | Ragini |
1999 | Azhagarsamy | Suja |
2000 | Thirunelveli | Thulasi's former lover |
2000 | Eazhaiyin Sirippil | Saroja |
2000 | Sandhitha Velai | Thilaka |
2000 | Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela | Rupini |
2000 | Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai | Tamizhselvi |
2000 | Puratchikkaaran | Kanimozhi |
2000 | Independence Day |  |
2000 | Pottu Amman | Durga |
2001 | Looty | Geetha |
2001 | Nila Kaalam | Veni |
2001 | Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala | Roja |
2001 | Super Kudumbam | Raakku |
2001 | Viswanathan Ramamoorthy | Meena |
2001 | Maayan | Azhagamma |
2001 | Veettoda Mappillai | Meena |
2001 | Mitta Miraasu | Meenakshi |
2001 | Kottai Mariamman | Kottai Mariamman |
2002 | Angala Parameswari | Parvati |
2002 | Shakalaka Baby | Shenbagam (Shakalaka Baby) |
2003 | Arasu | Sivagami |
2003 | Success | Raadhika |
2005 | Maayavi | Herself | Special appearance
2005 | Karagattakkari |  |
2006 | Pasa Kiligal | Angayarkanni |
2006 | Parijatham | Sridhar's Mother |
2006 | Kurukshetram | Vaishnavi |
2007 | Kuttrapathirikai | Geetha |
2007 | Ninaithu Ninaithu Parthen | Vikranth's mother |
2008 | Ellam Avan Seyal | Jaggubai |
2011 | Kaavalan | Devika Muthu Ramalingam |
2012 | Saguni | Sreedevi's Mother |
2013 | Masani | Rajeshwari |
2014 | Apple Penne | Hamsavalli |
2015 | Killadi | Angayarkanni |
2015 | Pulan Visaranai 2 | Saranya |
2015 | En Vazhi Thani Vazhi | Renuka Devi |

### Telugu cinema[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role (dubbed voice)  | Notes

|
|
|

1991 | Sarpayaagaam | Anupama | Special Jury-Nandi Award
1991 | Prema Thapassu | Mutyalu |
1992 | Seetharatnam Gari Abbayi | Manga (Roja Ramani) |
1992 | Ataaku Koduku Mamaku Alludu | Roja |
1992 | Prema Vijetha |  |
1993 | Rakshana | Special appearance |
1993 | Atta Sommu Alludi Daanam | Baby |
1993 | Mogudugaru | Roja |
1993 | Mutha Mestri | Kalpana |
1994 | Mugguru Monagallu | Seeta |
1994 | Bhairava Dweepam | Princess Padmavathi |
1994 | Gandeevam | Roja |
1994 | Bobbili Simham | Krishnaveni (Saritha) |
1994 | Anna | Chandi | Nandi award for Best Supporting Actress
1994 | Police Brothers | Kanaka Durga |
1994 | Subhalagnam | Lata (Roja Ramani) |
1994 | Roja | Bharathi |
1995 | Big Boss | Roja (Roja Ramani) |
1995 | Illu Pelli | Vani |
1995 | Maato Pettukoku | Lata |
1995 | Maya Bazaar | Special appearance |
1995 | Telugu Veera Levaraa | Talupulamma |
1995 | Pokiri Raja | Chandramukhi |
1995 | Ghatotkachudu | Roja |
1996 | Topi Raja Sweety Roja | Roja |
1996 | Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | Draupadi |
1996 | Vajram | Kuali |
1997 | Peddannayya | Seeta |
1997 | Adavilo Anna | Rani |
1997 | Annamayya | Saluva Narasimha Rayalu's wife |
1998 | Sambhavam |  |
1998 | Pelladi Chupistha |  |
1998 | Swarnakka | Swarnakka | Nandi award for Best actress
1998 | Vaibhavam |  |
1998 | Mee Aayana Jagratha | Sundari |
1999 | Sultan | Revathi |
2000 | Sammakka Saarakka | Saarakka |
2000 | Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi | Geetha (Saritha) |
2000 | Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa | Ragini (Shilpa) |
2001 | Family Circus | Durga |
2001 | Durga | Durga |
2002 | Police Sisters | ACP Jhansi |
2010 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Home Minister |
2010 | Golimaar | Arundathi |
2011 | Parama Veera Chakra | Movie artist |
2011 | Mogudu | Politician Chamundeshwari |
2011 | Kodipunju | Sitaratnam, Tanish's Mother |
2011 | Veera | Satya's mother |
2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Bhudevi |
2012 | Lucky | Lucky's boss |
2013 | Pavitra | Munna's mother | [21]
2013 | Jagadguru Adi Shankara | Goddess Lakshmi |
2013 | Kamina |  |
2013 | D/O Varma |  |

### Kannada cinema[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes

|
|
|

1993 | Gadibidi Ganda | Neelambari  |
1997 | Kalavida | Kavana  |
1999 | Premotsava | Bhavana  |
2000 | Independence Day |  |
2000 | Bharatha Naari |  |
2001 | Grama Devathe | Parvati  |
2001 | 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 | E TV | Weekly
2014–2022 | Extra Jabardasth | Judge | Weekly
2014–2015 | Race | Host | Zee Telugu | TV Show
2015 | Luckka Kikka : Genes | Tamil | Zee Tamil | Weekly
2015 | Ragada : The Ultimate Dance Show | Judge | Telugu | Tollywood TV Telugu | TV Show
2015–2016 | Jabardast 31 : December Celebrations | Judge | ETV Telugu | TV Programme
2016 | Genes (Season 2) | Host | Tamil | Zee Tamil | Weekly
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

## Political statistics[edit]

Election results  Year  | Election  | Constituency  | Party  | Opponent  | Majority  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

2014  | Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election | Nagari | YSRCP | Gali Muddu Krishnama Naidu (TDP)  | 858  | Won  | [22]
2019  | Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election | Nagari | YSRCP | Gali Bhanu Prakash (TDP)  | 2,708  | Won  | [22]

## Awards[edit]

Nandi Awards[23]

* Special Jury Award – Sarpayagam (1991)[24]
* Best Supporting Actress – Anna (1994)[25]
* Best Actress – Swarnakka (1998)[26]

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

* 1998 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress – Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen[27][20]

Cinema Express Awards

* 1998 – Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil – Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen[28]

Filmfare Award South

* 2010 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu – Golimaar

## References[edit]

1. ^ "సినిమాల కోసం పేరు మార్చుకున్న స్టార్‌ హీరోయిన్లు". Sakshi (in Telugu). 30 September 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
2. ^ "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.
3. ^ "Watch Video: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Roja requests PM Modi for selfie, he obliges". www.freepressjournal.in. 4 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
4. ^ "Pradeep shines among ladies". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
5. ^ "Actress Roja officially quits film industry after going to the next level in politics". www.indiaglitz.com. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
6. ^ "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Maalaimalar.com. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
7. ^ "Roja Profile, Height, Age, Family, Husband, Affairs, Wiki, Biography & More". 30 May 2019.
8. ^ "Koffee with Anu". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 6 April 2007. Archived from the original on 10 April 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
9. ^ "Roja likely to join Congress". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 31 August 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2009.
10. ^ a b "1-yr suspension for MLA Roja – Times of India". IndiaTimes.com. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
11. ^ a b "Actor Roja suspended from AP Assembly for a year". DeccanHerald.com. 19 December 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
12. ^ "YSRC Gives No-trust Notice against Speaker". NewIndianExpress.com. 24 December 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
13. ^ "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".
14. ^ "Anusuya to host Modern Mahalaxmi – Times of India". The Times of India.
15. ^ "MLA Roja says she will prefer Jabardasth over politics – ApNewsCorNer". apnewscorner.com. 11 April 2022.
16. ^ "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.
17. ^ "From 'damsel in distress' to ruthless politician : The dramatic transformation of RK Roja". 10 June 2017.
18. ^ "http://www.8pmnews.com/index.php/news/headlines/happy-birthday-to-roja-selvamani"
19. ^ "dinakaran". 4 April 2007. Archived from the original on 4 April 2007.
20. ^ a b http://rrtd.nic.in/Film Bulletin-July.html[dead link]
21. ^ "Shriya starrer Pavitra to release in March". 123telugu.com. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
22. ^ a b "Nagari Assembly Election Results 2019 Live: Nagari Constituency (Seat) Election Results, Live News". News18. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
23. ^ "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)
24. ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
25. ^ Google Discussiegroepen
26. ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
27. ^ "Dinakaran". Archived from the original on 4 April 2007.
28. ^ "Cinema Express awards presented". August 1999.

## External links[edit]

* Roja at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress

1967–1980|

* K. R. Vijaya (1967)
* Padmini (1968)
* Sowcar Janaki (1969)
* K. R. Vijaya (1970)
* — (1971)
* — (1972)
* — (1973)
* — (1974)
* — (1975)
* — (1976)
* Latha (1977)
* Lakshmi (1978)
* Saritha (1979)
* Suhasini (1980)

1981–2000|

* Sridevi (1981)
* Saritha (1982)
* — (1983)
* — (1984)
* — (1985)
* — (1986)
* — (1987)
* Saritha (1988)
* Raadhika (1989)
* Revathy (1990)
* Khushbu (1991)
* Sukanya (1992)
* Meena (1993)
* Rajashree (1994)
* Khushbu (1995)
* Shruti (1996)
* Meena & Devayani (1997)
* Roja (1998)
* Simran (1999)
* Devayani (2000)

2001–present|

* Sneha (2001)
* Meena (2002)
* Laila (2003)
* Jyothika (2004)
* Jyothika (2005)
* Priyamani (2006)
* Jyothika (2007)
* Sneha (2008)
* Padmapriya Janakiraman (2009)
* Amala Paul (2010)
* Ineya
* Lakshmi Menon (2012)
* Nayanthara (2013)
* Aishwarya Rajesh (2014)

*[m.]: married
*[Ref.]: References
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template