Post Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Veteran South Indian actress Sumithra has entertained audiences for more than five decades across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu cinema. While fans know her for powerful mother and character roles in recent years, many still search for details about her personal life, especially her husband. Here’s a clear, updated look at the man she shared her life with and the family they built together.
Table of Contents
Who Was Sumithra’s Husband?
Sumithra was married to the noted Kannada film director D. Rajendra Babu. The couple tied the knot in 1980 and remained together until his death on 3 November 2013. Rajendra Babu was a respected name in Kannada cinema, known for directing several commercially successful and critically appreciated films. Their marriage lasted more than three decades and was widely regarded as a stable partnership between two people deeply rooted in the South Indian film industry.
After his passing due to cardiac arrest at their residence in Bangalore, Sumithra continued her acting career while supporting her daughters. There are no credible reports of her remarrying.
Early Life and How They Met
Born on 18 September 1953 in Thrissur, Kerala, to Raghavan Nair and Janaki, Sumithra grew up with three brothers. She trained in classical dance during her school years and entered films in the early 1970s. She quickly rose as a leading actress in the 1970s and 1980s, sharing screen space with major stars including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sivaji Ganesan and Vishnuvardhan.
Her marriage to Rajendra Babu connected her more closely with the Kannada film industry. The couple settled in Bangalore, where they raised their family while both continued working in cinema.
Their Daughters and Family Life
Sumithra and D. Rajendra Babu have two daughters, both of whom followed their parents into the entertainment world:
- Umashankari (born 1982) – Made her acting debut as a lead in the Kannada film Uppi Dada M.B.B.S. and later appeared in television serials such as Chikkamma.
- Nakshatra (born 1990) – Debuted as a lead actress in the Tamil film Doo and has worked in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam projects.
The family has largely kept a low public profile outside of professional work. Sumithra has spoken occasionally about the support she received at home while balancing long shooting schedules and motherhood.
Key Facts About Actress Sumithra and Her Husband
Detail Information Actress Name Sumithra Date of Birth 18 September 1953 (Thrissur, Kerala) Husband D. Rajendra Babu (Kannada film director) Year of Marriage 1980 Husband’s Death 3 November 2013 Children Umashankari (1982), Nakshatra (1990) Languages Worked In Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu Career Span 1972 – present Current Status Widow, continues acting in supporting roles
Conclusion
Sumithra’s husband, D. Rajendra Babu, was a significant figure both in her personal life and in Kannada cinema. Their long marriage produced two daughters who carried the family’s creative legacy forward. Even after his passing in 2013, Sumithra has remained active on screen, quietly maintaining the dignity and professionalism that defined her career. As of October 2026 she continues to appear in character roles, reminding audiences of the lasting impact of a life lived between family and films.
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