Discover the life and career of Vijaya Chamundeswari, a prominent figure known for her connection to South Indian cinema royalty and her own impressive accomplishments.

Wiki/Biography & Career

Vijaya Chamundeswari entered this world on December 2, 1959, in Madras (present-day Chennai). Her astrological sign is Sagittarius. She received her education at prestigious institutions, including Andhra Mahila Sabha, Presentation Convent School in Kodaikanal, and Vidhyodaya High School in Chennai. Her academic journey culminated in a graduation in English Literature from Ethiraj College for Women. Currently, she is a respected fitness expert at GG Hospitals in Chennai.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5’5″
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Caste & Husband

Vijaya Chamundeswari hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the South Indian film industry. Her father, the legendary Gemini Ganesan, and her mother, the equally iconic Savitri, were celebrated Tamil and Telugu actors. Her father’s heritage included Tamil Brahmin on his paternal side and Isai Vellalar on his maternal side. Her mother belonged to a Telugu-speaking Kapu family.

She shares a close bond with her younger brother, Satish Ganesan. Due to her father’s multiple marriages, Vijaya has numerous half-siblings. These include four half-sisters from her father’s marriage to Alamelu: Dr. Revathi Swaminathan, Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, Narayani Ganesan, and Dr. Jaya Shreedhar. From her father’s marriage to Pushpavalli, she has two half-sisters: the renowned Bollywood actress Rekha, and Radha, a former actress residing in the USA. Her father’s fourth marriage to Juliana Andrews did not produce any children.

Vijaya is married to Govind Rao Vaddi. Together, they have two sons: Arun Kumar Vaddi (involved in theatre and dog breeding) and Abhinay Vaddi (an actor). She also enjoys the company of her grandson, Ritwik, and granddaughter, Swastika.

Favourite Things

• Author: Amish Tripathi
• Books: Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi
• Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy
• Travel Destination: Dubai
• Flower: Roses

Facts/Trivia

Vijaya Chamundeswari’s passions extend beyond her family and profession. She enjoys activities such as travelling, gardening, and farming. Her close friends and family affectionately call her Viji.

Interestingly, her name, Vijaya Chamundeswari, is a tribute to a production house that played a significant role in her mother’s career, giving her many memorable roles. Her mother, Savitri, was widely regarded as the “Meenakumari” of the South Indian film industry.

Vijaya’s life has also been marked by challenges. She married at a young age of 16, a few years after her parents separated amid personal struggles. Her mother’s battles with alcoholism following marital difficulties deeply affected her. The tragic loss of her mother at the age of 46, after a prolonged coma, significantly impacted Vijaya’s life.

She has shared that she avoided watching her mother’s films during her childhood due to the emotional nature of her roles, only starting to watch them after her mother’s passing. She also commented on the biopic, “Mahanati,” released in 2018, and the subsequent discussion about its portrayal of her family.

Beyond her family and professional life, Vijaya displays a deep affection for animals; she notably owned a pet snake until its death in 2015.