Seema (Malayalam: :സീമ) is an Indian actress.[1] She has performed in approximately 250 films in Malayalam, nine in Tamil, seven in Telugu, three in Kannada and one in Hindi. Seema is still active in the movie industry.
She began her career in Tamil film at fourteen as a dancer. At the age of 19, she starred as the heroine in her first movie in Malayalam titled Avalude Ravukal (Her Nights), directed by I. V. Sasi. She continued acting till 1988 when she took a break after the Malayalam movie Mahayaanam. Seema became active again in 1998 in Olympiyan Anthony Adam. Seema won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress in 1984 and in 1985, and is known for her versatility.
Seema is married to I. V. Sasi, the veteran South Indian director, with whom she has a daughter and son.
Seema was born in Ernakulam, Kerala, in 1957 as an only child. At the age of twelve, she learned to dance from Kamal Hassan, who was the assistant of her dance master, Thankappan.
She entered the movies at age 14 as a normal group dancer, under dance master Chopra. Later, she became a dance master and worked in the film industry as a composer and dancer for almost five years. At the age of 17, she was asked to act in a Kannada movie as a second heroine with Kannada actor Ambarish. I. V. Sasi spotted her and gave her the opportunity to act in his film Avalude Raavukal (Her Nights) as the heroine, which was released on 3 March 1978. The movie, with Sherif's script and I. V. Sasi's direction, created waves among Malayali audiences because of its soft porn nature and its challenging subject. Seema's extra glamourous attire in the movie created ripples among the Malayali youth and she became an instant hit among the youth.
During that time, the Malayalam film industry was ruled by actresses Sheela, Sharada, Jayabharathi, K. R. Vijaya, and Srividya. Seema received roles from many directors. Things changed when her movies with the star Jayan proved popular. The Jayan and Seema pair attracted people to theatres. This made her an independent heroine in films such as Angaadi, Kaanthavalayam, Sakthi, Manushyamrugam, Benz Vasu, Meen, Karimpana, Thadavara, and Anupallavi. The hit pair acted together for eighteen movies in a very short span of time, but the unexpected demise of Jayan ended the partnership.
Seema was always at ease with both western and south indian attire as she had a very well maintained physique throughout her career as a mainstream actress. She did do a lot of glamour roles at the peak of her career and all were very well received by the public.
She also branched out to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She was Rajinikanth's heroine in films like Kaali and Ellam Un Kairasi.
Directors wanted to find another star to fill the gap left by Jayan. Many movies were planned for Jayan, such as Sphodanam directed by P. G. Viswambaran. He gave the chance to Mammooty to take the role of Jayan. Later Ratheesh came, also paired with Seema.
