Rani Chandra (1949 – 1976) was an Indian actress and model, a winner of Miss Kerala.[1] She died when Indian Airlines Flight 171 crashed in Bombay in 1976. She acted in several landmark films such as Nellu (Malayalam, 1974), Bhadrakali (Tamil, 1976) and Swapnadanam (Malayalam, 1976).

Rani Chandra
Born2 June 1949
Died12 October 1976(1976-10-12) (aged 27)

Background

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She was born to Chandran and Kanthimathi in 1949 at Fort Kochi, Travancore-Cochin (now Kerala). She had four sisters and a brother.[1] She pursued degree from St Thereses College Ernakulam. She owned a dance troupe. Actress Chippy is Ranichandra's Brother Shaji's Daughter.[2] Rani Chandra was selected as Miss Kerala in 1972.[3]

Career

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Her first film, Anjusundarikal, was widely accepted by the audience. Other major films included Ulsavam, Kadarumasam, Nellu, Swapnadanam, Oonjal, Alinganam, Abhinandanam, Sindoooram, Thirumadhuram, and Anuragam. She won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for the film Swapnadanam. Rani Chandra played the major role in the very popular Tamil cinema song in the film Bhadrakali.

Death

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Rani Chandra, her mother, and three sisters were killed in Indian Airlines Flight 171 crash in 1976.[citation needed] They were on a return flight from Bombay when their plane caught fire and nose dived near the airport, killing everyone on board. They were returning from a Dance performance in the Middle East. Their earlier flight from Bombay to Madras returned to Bombay shortly after takeoff after a snag hit. The aircraft and all passengers were re-boarded onto the flight. The dead included members of her music troupe as well.

After her death, the unfinished portion of the movie Bhadrakali was finished using a double. The movie ends using earlier footage of Rani Chandra.

Awards

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Kerala State Film Awards:

Filmography

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Malayalam

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  1. Oonjal (1977)
  2. Sindooram (1976)
  3. Amba Ambika Ambaalika(1976) as Ambika
  4. Ayalkkaari (1976) as Sathi
  5. Swapnaadanam (1976) as Sumithra
  6. Chirikkudukka (1976) as Malathi
  7. Anaavaranam (1976)
  8. Mallanum Mathevanum (1976)
  9. Muthu (1976)
  10. Madhuram Thirumadhuram (1976) as Radha
  11. Lakshmivijayam (1976)
  12. Swimming Pool (1976)
  13. Abhinandanam (1976) as Radha
  14. Udyaanalakshmi (1976)
  15. Aalinganam (1976) as Dr. Raji
  16. Malsaram (1975)
  17. Criminals (Kayangal) (1975)
  18. Swarnna Malsyam (1975)
  19. Hello Darling (1975) as Sumithra
  20. Mucheettukalikkaarante Makal (1975) as Zainaba
  21. Ayodhya (1975)
  22. Chalanam (1975) as Joyamma
  23. Odakkuzhal (1975)
  24. Ulsavam (1975) as Leela
  25. Love Marriage (1975) as Viji
  26. Ullaasayaathra (1975)
  27. Boy Friend (1975)
  28. Swaami Ayyappan (1975)
  29. Swarnnavigraham (1974)
  30. Bhoogolam Thiriyunnu (1974) as Vijayamma
  31. Naathoon (1974)
  32. Poonthenaruvi (1974) as Vimala
  33. Devi Kanyaakumaari (1974)
  34. Shaapamoksham (1974)
  35. Sapthaswarangal (1974) as Mini
  36. Youvanam (1974) as Sharada
  37. Kaamini (1974)
  38. Nellu (1974) as Javani
  39. Soundarya Pooja (1973)
  40. Swapnam (1973) as Vasumathi
  41. Udayam (1973) as Hema
  42. Kaattuvithachavan (1973)
  43. Police Ariyaruthu (1973) as Alice
  44. Kaalachakram (1973) as Geetha.
  45. Ragging (1973)
  46. Pacha Nottukal(1973) as Rosie
  47. Aaraadhika (1973) as Latha
  48. Jesus (1973) as Kanaikkari
  49. Kaapaalika(1973) as Lillykutti
  50. Ajnaathavasam(1973) as Kamala
  51. Driksaakshi (1973) as Rajamma
  52. Omana (1972) as Pennamma
  53. Brahmachaari (1972)
  54. Puthrakameshti (1972)
  55. Sree Guruvayoorappan (1972)
  56. Devi (1972)
  57. Chembarathi (1972) as Savithri
  58. Prathidhwani (1971)
  59. Vivaaham Swargathil (1970)
  60. Vivahasammanam (1970) as Sundari
  61. Anaachaadhanam (1969)
  62. Anchusundarikal (1968)
  63. Pavappettaval (1967) (credited as Miss Kerala)

Tamil

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References

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  1. ^ a b റാണിചന്ദ്ര-നോവിക്കുന്ന ഓര്‍മ്മ
  2. ^ "CiniDiary". Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  3. ^ Imprints On Indian Film Screen: Rani Chandra
  4. ^ "State Film Awards". Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
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