Vinaya Prasad
Vinaya Prasad, born as Vinaya Bhat, is a popular film and television actress in South India who has primarily featured in Kannada and Malayalam films and TV series besides acting in Tamil and Telugu language films. She has won the State Best Actress Award for her performances in Aathanka and Bannada Hejje. The senior actress in her career has shared screen space with Vishnuvardhan, Ananth Nag, Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Ambareesh, Venkatesh, Akkineni Nagarjuna, V. Ravichandran, Shivrajkumar, Mahesh Babu, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and others.
Career
Vinaya Prasad hails from Udupi district of Karnataka state. Prasad made her film debut with a small role in G. V. Iyer's Madhwacharya in 1988. She worked in smaller character roles before playing the leading lady in Ganeshana Maduve opposite Anant Nag. The film was a huge success and she went on to act in more than 60 films in not only Kannada but also Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu. Some of her notable Kannada films include Ganeshana Maduve, Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare, Gauri Ganesha, Mysore Jaana and Suryodaya. After a successful career as a lead actress, Prasad switched over to character roles in South Indian films and remains a sought-after actress in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. Prasad is also an effective compere and singer. Prasad has compered several important events like Vasantha Habba in Nrityagram and the annual Dasara procession in Mysore.She starred in a few Malayalam films also before starring in the longest-running and most popular daily soap opera on Malayalam TV, Sthree, which aired from late 1998 to mid 2000 on Asianet television channel. The Kannada version of this serial was also made. The popularity of this soap made her a household name among Malayalis.
She starred in a supporting role in the all-time blockbuster Manichitrathazhu, which starred Mohanlal. In Tamil, Prasad has acted as the heroine in the hit movie Thaikulame Thaikulame with Pandiarajan and Urvashi in the lead roles. In Telugu, Prasad's movies include Indra, Donga Dongadi and Andhrudu, for which her performance won a lot of praise.
In 2006, she returned to the Malayalam small screen to reprise her role as Indu in the sequel to the original Sthree, also named, Sthree.
Personal life
Prasad is from the Udupi district in Karnataka and was brought up in Udupi. She is a Karhade Brahmin. She was first married in 1988 to V. R. K Prasad, an award-winning director and editor of Kannada films who expired in 1995 at a young age. The couple had a daughter, Prathama Prasad.She married then Jyotiprakash, a former widower, in 2002. Prasad currently resides in Bangalore with her husband, Jyotiprakash and daughter, Prathama Prasad. Jyotiprakash already has a son named Jai Atre from his previous marriage who is also in to film direction and screen-writing in Mumbai.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Language | Roles | Notes |
| 1988 | Madhwacharya | Kannada | ||
| 1990 | Ganeshana Maduve | Kannada | Aadhi Lakshmi | |
| 1990 | Policena Hendthi | Kannada | ||
| 1990 | College Hero | Kannada | ||
| 1991 | Gauri Ganesha | Kannada | Sarasu | |
| 1991 | Perunthachan | Malayalam | Bhargavi Thampuratti | |
| 1991 | Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare | Kannada | Ramya | |
| 1991 | Ide Police Belt | Kannada | ||
| 1991 | Kiladi Gandu | Kannada | Lakshmi | |
| 1991 | Shwethagni | Kannada | ||
| 1991 | Mookilla Rajyathu | Malayalam | Leena | |
| 1991 | Gururayara Soththu | Kannada | ||
| 1991 | Agni Panjara | Kannada | Vinaya | |
| 1991 | Nayaka | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Mysore Jaana | Kannada | Asha | |
| 1992 | Midida Shruthi | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Rajadhi Raja | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Police File | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Police Lockup | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Shakthi Yukthi | Kannada | Seetha | |
| 1992 | Goonda Rajya | Kannada | ||
| 1993 | Manichitrathazhu | Malayalam | Sreedevi | |
| 1993 | Dakshayini | Kannada | sujatha | |
| 1993 | Bhavya Bharatha | Kannada | ||
| 1993 | Gundana Maduve | Kannada | ||
| 1993 | Sarkarakke Saval | Kannada | ||
| 1993 | Aathanka | Kannada | Vaani | Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress |
| 1993 | Suryodaya | Kannada | Pramila | |
| 1994 | Karulina Koogu | Kannada | Sharada | |
| 1994 | Mouna Raga | Kannada | Lavanya | |
| 1994 | Nanendu Nimmavane | Kannada | ||
| 1994 | Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Malayalam | Nancy Joseph | |
| 1994 | Samrat | Kannada | Special appearance | |
| 1994 | Yarigu Helbedi | Kannada | ||
| 1994 | Mahashakthi Maaye | Kannada | Soubhagya | |
| 1994 | Anuraga Spandana | Kannada | ||
| 1994 | Durga Pooje | Kannada | ||
| 1995 | Kalyanotsava | Kannada | ||
| 1995 | Kona Edaithe | Kannada | Goddess of Justice | |
| 1995 | Shiva | Kannada | ||
| 1995 | Thumbida Mane | Kannada | ||
| 1995 | Thaikulame Thaikulame | Tamil | Monisha | |
| 1995 | Thavaru Beegaru | Kannada | Lakshmi | |
| 1995 | Muthinantha Hendathi | Kannada | ||
| 1995 | Lady Police | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Mahathai | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Sowbhagya Devathe | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Central Jail | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Hrudaya kallaru | Kannada | Vinaya | |
| 1996 | Sipayi | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Thali Pooje | Kannada | Jwala | |
| 1996 | Sathya Sangharsha | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Mouna Raga | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Balina Jyothi | Kannada | Janaki | |
| 1996 | GodFather | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Anuraga Spandana | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Laalanam | Malayalam | Sasikala | |
| 1997 | Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu | Malayalam | Uma | |
| 1997 | Laali | Kannada | Guest appearance | |
| 1997 | Yuva Shakthi | Kannada | ||
| 1997 | Baalida Mane | Kannada | ||
| 1997 | Bhoomi Geetha | Kannada | ||
| 1997 | Mangala Sutra | Kannada | Seetha | |
| 1997 | Raaja | Kannada | ||
| 1997 | Manava 2022 | Kannada | ||
| 1998 | Andaman | Kannada | ||
| 1998 | Preethsod Thappa | Kannada | Bhavani | |
| 1998 | Daayadi | Kannada | ||
| 1998 | Hoomale | Kannada | ||
| 1999 | Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi | Kannada | ||
| 1999 | Maha Edabidangi | Kannada | Vinaya | |
| 1999 | Chandrodaya | Kannada | Lawyer | |
| 2000 | Kalisundam Raa | Telugu | Anasooya | |
| 2000 | Independence Day | Kannada | ||
| 2001 | Bannada Hejje | Kannada | Seetha | Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress |
| 2001 | Baava Baamaida | Kannada | Lekshmi | |
| 2001 | Bhadra | Malayalam | Bhadra | |
| 2002 | Indra | Telugu | ||
| 2004 | Donga Dongadi | Telugu | ||
| 2004 | Love | Kannada | ||
| 2004 | Nimma Preethiya Huduga | Kannada | ||
| 2004 | Srirampura Police Station | Kannada | ||
| 2004 | Monda | Kannada | ||
| 2005 | Rishi | Kannada | lekshmi | |
| 2005 | Nenapirali | Kannada | ||
| 2005 | Chandramukhi | Tamil | Lakshmi Kandaswamy | |
| 2005 | Ambuttu Imbuttu Embuttu | Tamil | Vijaya | |
| 2005 | Andhrudu | Telugu | Munna's mother | |
| 2005 | Subash Chandra Bose | Telugu | ||
| 2006 | Hatavadi | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Dattha | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Ashoka | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Shree | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Student | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Chinnodu | Telugu | ||
| 2007 | Thayiya Madilu | Kannada | ||
| 2007 | Aa Dinagalu | Kannada | Chethan's mother | |
| 2007 | Krishna | Kannada | Anjali's mother | |
| 2007 | Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule | Telugu | ||
| 2007 | Ugadi | Kannada | ||
| 2007 | Ee Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide | Kannada | Guest appearance | |
| 2007 | Koti Chennaya | Tulu | ||
| 2008 | Ravi Shastry | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Honganasu | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Ganesha Mathe Bandha | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Satya in Love | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Sangaathi | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Chikkamagalura Chikkamallige | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | PUC | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Hrudaya I Miss You | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Jnana Jyothi Sri Siddaganga | Kannada | dubbing | |
| 2008 | Ready | Telugu | ||
| 2008 | Indhra | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Vaitheeswaran | Tamil | Saravanan's mother | |
| 2008 | Bombaat | Kannada | ||
| 2008 | Shankara Punyakoti | Kannada | Parvathy | |
| 2008 | Souryam | Telugu | Commissioner Sarath's wife | |
| 2009 | Oru Black And White Kudumbam | Malayalam | Lakshmi | |
| 2009 | Anjaneyulu | Telugu | lekshmi | |
| 2009 | Bangaru Babu | Telugu | ||
| 2009 | Ghauttham | Kannada | ||
| 2009 | 10th Class A Sec | Kannada | ||
| 2009 | Shivamani | Kannada | ||
| 2010 | Aptharakshaka | Kannada | Gowri's mother | |
| 2010 | Shankar IPS | Kannada | ||
| 2010 | Adhurs | Telugu | ||
| 2010 | Varudu | Telugu | Deepti's mother | |
| 2010 | Namo Venkatesa | Telugu | Pooja's aunt | |
| 2010 | Marykkundoru Kunjaadu | Malayalam | Mary | |
| 2010 | Cheluveye Ninne Nodalu | Kannada | Sumithra | |
| 2010 | Nee Bandu Ninthaga | Kannada | ||
| 2010 | Pareekshe | Kannada | ||
| 2010 | Parole | Kannada | ||
| 2010 | 24 Hours | Malayalam | Leela Varma | |
| 2010 | Bava | Telugu | ||
| 2010 | Modalasala | Kannada | ||
| 2011 | Aan Piranna Veedu | Malayalam | Jithin's mother | |
| 2011 | Krishnan Marriage Story | Kannada | ||
| 2011 | Oh My Friend | Telugu | ||
| 2011 | Dookudu | Telugu | Tulasi Ram's wife | |
| 2011 | Veera Babu | Kannada | ||
| 2011 | Matthe Banni Preethsona | Kannada | ||
| 2011 | I Am Sorry Mathe Banni Preethsona | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | Shakthi | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | 18th Cross | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | Lovely | Telugu | Lavanya' mother | |
| 2012 | Paper Dhoni | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | Spanish Masala | Malayalam | Rahul's mother | |
| 2012 | Shirdi Sai | Telugu | Baajiya Bai | |
| 2012 | Perinoru Makan | Malayalam | Bhanumathi | |
| 2012 | Dookudu | Telugu | Tulasi Ram's wife | |
| 2012 | Adhikara | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | Parie | Kannada | ||
| 2012 | Sagar | Kannada | ||
| 2013 | Sketch for Love | Telugu | ||
| 2013 | Doosukeltha | Telugu | Alekhya's mother | |
| 2013 | Madarangi | Kannada | ||
| 2013 | Shravani Subramanya | Kannada | ||
| 2013 | Sri Aadiparashakthi | Kannada | ||
| 2013 | Hara | Kannada | ||
| 2013 | Bhai | Telugu | ||
| 2013 | Shadow | Telugu | Lakshmi's sister-in-law | |
| 2013 | Sakkare | Kannada | Vasundhara | |
| 2014 | Preethi Geethi Ityadi | Kannada | ||
| 2014 | Central Jail | Kannada | ||
| 2014 | Abhimanyu | Kannada | ||
| 2014 | Om Shanti Oshana | Malayalam | Rachel | |
| 2014 | Ulsaha Committee | Malayalam | Jhansi | |
| 2014 | Bangalore Days | Malayalam | Mrs Frances | |
| 2014 | Avatharam | Malayalam | Karimban John's wife | |
| 2014 | Villali Veeran | Malayalam | Geetha | |
| 2014 | Cousins | Malayalam | Theresa | |
| 2014 | Power | Telugu | Baldev's mother | |
| 2014 | Abhimanyu | Tamil/Kannada | Nandhini's mother | |
| 2014 | Jaihind 2 | Tamil | Nandhini's mother | |
| 2015 | Anegan | Tamil | Madhumitha's mother | |
| 2015 | RX Soori | Kannada | ||
| 2015 | Geetha Bangle Store | Kannada | ||
| 2015 | Vamshodharaka | Kannada | ||
| 2015 | Two Countries | Malayalam | Revathy | |
| 2016 | Tyson | Kannada | ||
| 2016 | Shivalinga | Kannada | Satya's mother | |
| 2016 | Madhura Swapna | Kannada | ||
| 2016 | Sarrainodu | Telugu | Gana's mother | |
| 2016 | Kalpana 2 | Kannada | Mary | |
| 2016 | Shajahanum Pareekuttiyum | Malayalam | Nancy | |
| 2016 | Akshathe | Kannada | ||
| 2016 | Welcome to Central Jail | Malayalam | Janaki | |
| 2016 | Vaishnavi | Kannada | Saraswathi | |
| 2016 | Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara | Kannada | ||
| 2016 | Panoda Bodcha | Tulu | ||
| 2017 | March 22 | Kannada | Mumtaj | |
| 2017 | Dhvani | Kannada | ||
| 2017 | Sunday Holiday | Malayalam | Narayanankutty's wife | Cameo appearance |
| 2017 | Lakshminarayanara Prapanchane Bere | Kannada | lekshmi | Actor/Director |
| 2018 | Aami | Malayalam | Sulochana Nalappat | |
| 2018 | Rajaratha | Kannada/Telugu | Usha | |
| 2018 | Chanakya Thanthram | Malayalam | Arundhathi | |
| 2018 | Viraaj | Kannada | ||
| 2019 | Madhura Raja | Malayalam | Lillykutty teacher | |
| 2019 | Khanana | Kannada | ||
| 2019 | Mookajjiya Kanasugalu | Kannada | ||
| 2020 | Kaanadante Maayavadanu | Kannada | Nirupama | |
| TBA | Paris Paris | Tamil | post production |
Television
| Year | Series | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1990 | Badukkinalli Ondu Tiruvu | Savithri | Kannada | Debut |
| 1998 | Shakthi | Seetha | Kannada | |
| 1998-2000 | Sthree | Indu | Malayalam | |
| 2000-2001 | Sthree Jwala | Malayalam | ||
| 2001-2002 | Sarada | Sarada | Malayalam | |
| 2003 | Sthree | Indu | Kannada | Remake of Sthree Malayalam TV series |
| 2004 | Nanda Gokula | Kannada | ||
| 2006 | Sthree | Indu | Malayalam | Sthree sequel |
| 2008 | Priyamanasi | Manasi | Malayalam | |
| 2009 | Sreemahabhagavatham | Kunti | Malayalam | |
| 2010 | Anupama | Anupama | Kannada | |
| 2010-2013 | Bangaara | Kaanchana | Kannada | |
| 2011 | Devimahatymam | Devamma | Malayalam | |
| 2011 | Devimahatymam | Shivani | Malayalam | |
| 2013 | Nithyothsava | Pratibha Guntur | Kannada | |
| 2014-2015 | Balamani | Sumangala a.k.a. Azhakathamma | Malayalam | |
| 2016 | Ponnambili | Appu mash's wife | Malayalam | Photo presence only |
| 2016 | Sundari | Nandhini | Kannada | |
| 2017-2018 | Ammuvinte Amma | Padmaja | Malayalam | |
| 2018–present | Paaru | Akhilandeshwari | Kannada |
Other TV series
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
| Star Singer | Celebrity judge | Malayalam | ||
| Kitchen Galatta | Contestant | Tamil | ||
| 2010 | Nanna Haadu Nannadu | Host | Kannada | |
| 2012 | Sakhiyare Sakath Maathu | Host | Kannada | |
| 2013 | Amma | Host | Kannada | |
| 2017 | Onnum Onnum Moonu | Guest | Malayalam | |
| 2017 | Humorous Talk Show | Guest | Malayalam | |
| 2017 | Don't Do Don't Do | Guest | Malayalam | |
| 2018 | Comedy Stars Season 2 | Judge | Malayalam | |
| 2018 | Comedy Super Nite | Guest | Malayalam | |
| 2018 | Tharapakittu | Guest | Malayalam | |
| 2019 | Weekend with Ramesh 4 | Guest | Kannada |
Awards and nominations
;Awards won- 1992-1993: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress
- 1999-2000: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress
- 2007: Asianet television awards for Best Actress
- 2009: Asia Vision Award for Best popular actress in Television
- 2017: RED FM Tulu Film Awards Best supporting actress
- 2019: Zee Kannada award for Iconic role of the Year
- 2011: Filmfare Awards South- Best Supporting Actress -Malayalam