Udayavani’s Navaroopa Ambassadors: Celebration of vibrant success of 9 women achievers

Team Udayavani, Oct 2, 2024, 3:59 PM IST

Navaratri has arrived, and Udayavani’s “Navaroopa” is set to welcome it with renewed enthusiasm. For two years, the vibrant celebration of “Navaroopa” has won the hearts of coastal Karnataka readers, and this year, it continues to showcase the achievements of nine distinguished women.

From veteran actress B. Saroja Devi to renowned writer Vaidehi, each of these women has made an indelible mark in their respective fields. These “Navaroopa ambassadors,” ranging from seasoned professionals to the younger generation, represent a proud legacy of success and perseverance.

Starting October 3, the nine-day festival of colours will kick off. Each day will be associated with a different color: yellow, green, grey, orange, white, red, blue, and pink. Women can participate by wearing the color of the day and sending a group photo to Udayavani’s WhatsApp by 3 PM each day. Selected pictures will be published, encouraging readers to join in and celebrate the vibrant festival.

B. Saroja Devi

Known as “Abhinaya Saraswati,” B. Saroja Devi is a legendary figure in Indian cinema. Having acted in over 200 films across languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, she made her debut with the film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. Her performance in Kittur Rani Chennamma is unforgettable, and she has been honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Vaidehi

Popularly known by her pen name “Vaidehi,” Janaki Srinivasamurthy is a prominent Kannada writer from Kundapur, now residing in Manipal. She has made her mark in various literary genres, including short stories, poetry, and novels. Vaidehi received the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for her short story collection Krauncha Pakshigalu.

Pragathi Shetty

Pragathi Shetty, the wife of actor-director Rishab Shetty, has carved her own niche in the film industry as a costume designer. Besides handling costume design for Rishab’s productions, she also oversees production work at Rishab Films, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.

M.D. Pallavi

A renowned singer, M.D. Pallavi has left a lasting impression with her versatility across genres like bhavageete (emotional songs), film songs, folk, and devotional music. Coming from a family of artists, Pallavi has been active in the music industry for over two decades, delivering hits like Deepavu Ninnade and Nodayya Kwate Lingave.

Madhura R.J.

Actress Madhura R.J. is actively involved in Tulu cinema and theater, having starred in films like Anarkali and dramas like Nemmadi Apartment. A research associate at Nitte Educational Institutions, Madhura hails from Mangaluru and has also performed in television shows.

Shreyanka Patil

A name familiar to sports lovers, Shreyanka Patil is a spin bowler in the Indian women’s cricket team and has played for RCB in the Women’s Premier League. Originally from Jevargi Kolakoor village, Shreyanka is currently pursuing a B.Com degree at Bishop Cotton College in Bengaluru.

Deepa Pai

Deepa Pradeep Pai leads the branding and business development department of Hangyo Ice Cream, one of India’s leading ice cream brands. Her work includes product design, management, and new product development, playing a pivotal role in the company’s success alongside Managing Director Pradeep G. Pai.

Rukmini Vasanth

Actress Rukmini Vasanth gained fame with her role in the Sapta Sagaradache Ello film series. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, she debuted in the Kannada film industry with Birbal and continues to impress audiences with upcoming projects like Bhagir and Bhairathi Ranagal.

Sandhya Kamath

Sandhya Subhash Kamath from Udupi is an active entrepreneur, musician, and health enthusiast. She is the creative force behind new jewelry designs at the Aabharana institution, a trustee of the Manipal Sangeet Sabha, and an avid yoga practitioner.