Roja Selvamani, born Sri Latha Reddy, is one of the most celebrated actresses in South Indian cinema and a powerful political figure in Andhra Pradesh. Known for her expressive acting, graceful dance skills, and commanding screen presence, she has appeared in more than 100 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam industries. Apart from her illustrious film career, she has also earned a significant identity in politics as an MLA and social leader. Roja’s versatility extends to television as well, where she gained immense popularity as a judge on the famous comedy show Jabardasth.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roja Selvamani (Birth Name: Sri Latha Reddy) |
| Date of Birth | 17 November 1972 |
| Birthplace | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Education | Degree from Nagarjuna University (Details explained in the next section) |
| Profession | Actress, Politician, TV Personality |
| Debut Film | Sarpayagam (1991, Telugu) |
| Years Active | 1991 – Present |
| Major Film Industries | Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam |
| Political Party | YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) |
| Political Positions | MLA for Nagari (2014–2019, 2019–2024), Chairperson of AP Women’s Commission |
| Spouse | Director R. K. Selvamani |
| Marriage Year | 2002 |
| Children | Daughter: Anjana Selvamani, Son: Krishna Selvamani |
| Popular TV Shows | Jabardasth, Extra Jabardasth (Judge) |
| Known For | Strong dialogue delivery, emotional performances, women-centric roles |
Early Life & Education
Roja was born on 17 November 1972 in a middle-class family in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Raised in a culturally rich environment, she was deeply inclined toward the performing arts from a young age. Her parents encouraged her participation in classical dance, and she underwent professional training in Kuchipudi, which later helped her achieve success in films.
Family Background
- Father: Nagaraja Reddy
- Mother: Kusuma Reddy
- Siblings: One sister and one brother
Roja’s early schooling took place in Tirupati, where she was active in cultural activities and stage performances. Her natural talent for dance made her popular in school competitions.
Higher Education
She completed her degree in Political Science from Andhra Pradesh Residential Degree College (APRDC), affiliated with Nagarjuna University. This academic background later helped her transition smoothly into politics.
Her strong communication skills, confidence, and stage presence were evident from her early years, which contributed to her entry into the film industry.
Career Beginnings in Film Industry
Roja’s entry into cinema was facilitated by the famous director Kodi Ramakrishna, who offered her a role in the film Sarpayagam (1991). Her performance caught the attention of audiences as well as filmmakers, leading to several offers from both Telugu and Tamil industries.
During the early 1990s, Roja quickly became one of the leading actresses due to:
- Her expressive facial emotions
- Strong dialogue delivery
- Impeccable dance skills
- Ability to adapt to emotional, comedy, action, and traditional roles
She soon worked alongside top actors such as:
- Chiranjeevi
- Balakrishna
- Venkatesh
- Rajinikanth
- Kamal Haasan
- Nagarjuna
- Arjun
- Vijayakanth
Over time, Roja established herself as a versatile actress with equal success in commercial and message-driven films.
Complete Telugu Movies List
Roja acted in several Telugu films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Below is the full list categorized chronologically.
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Sarpayagam | Not Known |
| 1992 | Aapadbandhavudu | Madhuravani |
| 1993 | Muta Mesthri | Chitra |
| 1993 | Anna | Not Known |
| 1993 | Recchukka | Not Known |
| 1993 | Anveshana | Swapna |
| 1993 | Bangaru Bullodu | Priya |
| 1993 | Gharana Mogudu (Special Song) | Special Appearance |
| 1994 | Bobbili Simham | Sravani |
| 1994 | Rendilla Poojari | Not Known |
| 1994 | Rajakumarudu | Supporting Role |
| 1994 | Palnati Pourusham | Mallamma |
| 1994 | Gang Leader (Special Song) | Special Appearance |
| 1994 | Subha Sankalpam | Asha |
| 1995 | Rikshavodu | Rani |
| 1995 | Big Boss | Anjali |
| 1995 | Vajram | Lalitha |
| 1995 | Allari Premikudu | Keerthi |
| 1995 | Maathru Devo Bhava | Not Known |
| 1996 | Topi Raja Sweety Roja | Roja |
| 1996 | Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | Sathyabhama |
| 1996 | Peddannayya | Not Known |
| 1996 | Street Fighter | Priya |
| 1997 | Auto Driver | Rupa |
| 1997 | Hitler | Shailaja |
| 1997 | Osey Ramulamma | Ramulamma |
| 1997 | Palnati Brahmanaidu | Not Known |
| 1998 | Annayya | Malathi |
| 1998 | Master | Priya |
| 1998 | Sevakudu | Not Known |
| 1998 | Samarasimha Reddy | Chandramati |
| 1999 | Iddaru Mitrulu | Not Known |
| 1999 | Raja Kumarudu | Not Known |
| 1999 | Manasulo Maata | Not Known |
| 1999 | Seenu | Not Known |
| 1999 | Dorasanamma | Not Known |
| 2000 | Jayam Manadera | Not Known |
| 2000 | Postman | Not Known |
| 2000 | Suryam | Not Known |
| 2000 | Greeku Veerudu | Actress Roja (Cameo) |
| 2001 | Chitram Banal Kurradu | Not Known |
| 2001 | Nippu Ravva | Not Known |
| 2001 | Srimanthudu | Not Known |
| 2002 | Pidugu | Not Known |
| 2003 | Palnati Brahmanaidu | Jhansi |
| 2004 | Anna | Anjali |
| 2005 | Apthudu | Lawyer |
| 2005 | Kanchanamala Cable TV | Not Known |
| 2006 | Prema Samrat | Not Known |
| 2007 | Sri Mahalakshmi | Not Known |
| 2008 | Stalin (Special Appearance) | Special Appearance |
| 2009 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Not Known |
| 2010 | Subhakankshalu | Not Known |
| 2010 | Golimar | Not Known |
| 2011 | Mangala | Not Known |
| 2013 | Aravind 2 | Not Known |
| 2015 | Pataas | Home Minister |
| 2015 | Yevade Subramanyam | Anjana’s Mother |
| 2016 | Nannaku Prematho | Not Known |
| 2017 | Guntur Talkies 2 | Not Known |
| 2019 | NTR Kathanayakudu | Lakshmi Parvathi |
| 2022 | F3 | Judge (Cameo) |
Complete Tamil Movies List
Roja also had a successful career in Tamil cinema and acted in several major hits.
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Chembaruthi | Bharathi |
| 1993 | Suriyan Chandiran | Not Known |
| 1993 | Veera | Rani |
| 1994 | Adharmam | Ponni |
| 1994 | Seevalaperi Pandi | Pandiyammal |
| 1994 | Enga Thambi | Chitra |
| 1994 | Indhu | Indhu |
| 1994 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen (Special Appearance) | Special Appearance |
| 1995 | Muthu | Ranganayaki |
| 1996 | Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen | Not Known |
| 1996 | Avvai Shanmugi | Thamizh Selvi |
| 1997 | Chinna Mappillai | Janaki |
| 1997 | Vaimaye Vellum | Not Known |
| 1998 | Pudhu Manithan | Not Known |
| 1998 | Thodarum | Meera |
| 1999 | Puthiya Parasakthi | Not Known |
| 2000 | Mr. Romeo | Not Known |
| 2001 | Mapillai Gappillai | Not Known |
| 2002 | Azhagi | Supporting Role |
| 2003 | Vanchinathan | Not Known |
| 2005 | Ayya | Not Known |
| 2006 | Thimiru | Doctor |
| 2007 | Thaamirabharani | Not Known |
| 2008 | Mudhal Mudhal Mudhal | Not Known |
| 2009 | Thoranai | Not Known |
Kannada Movies List
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Gadibidi Ganda | Rekha |
| 1993 | Annaiah | Not Known |
| 1994 | Gadibidi Aliya | Priya |
| 1995 | Ravimama | Not Known |
| 1996 | Chora Chittha Chora | Not Known |
| 1997 | Yeshwant | Not Known |
| 1998 | Kurubana Rani | Lakshmi |
| 1999 | Yajamana | Lakshmi |
Malayalam Movies List
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan | Maya |
| 1994 | Commissioner | Latha |
| 1996 | Gandharvam | Not Known |
| 1997 | Independents | Not Known |
Television Career
Roja became a household name on Telugu television due to her strong screen presence and energetic judging style.
| TV Show | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jabardasth | Telugu | Judge |
| Extra Jabardasth | Telugu | Judge |
| Ragada | Telugu | Host |
| Lakshmi Rave Maa Intiki | Telugu | Actress |
| Genes | Telugu | Guest |
| Super Mom | Telugu | Guest Appearance |
Political Career
Roja’s transition from cinema to politics was natural due to her confidence, communication skills, and grassroots influence. She entered politics with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) initially, and later joined the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) under the leadership of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
📌 Key Milestones in Her Political Journey
1️⃣ Joining TDP
- Roja entered politics in the early 2000s by joining the Telugu Desam Party.
- She became the President of the TDP Women’s Wing.
- Contested in 2004 & 2009 elections but did not win.
2️⃣ Joining YSR Congress Party
- In 2011, she joined YSRCP and became one of the party’s most active leaders.
- Her speeches gained popularity for their aggression and clarity.
3️⃣ MLA from Nagari Constituency
Roja contested from Nagari (Andhra Pradesh):
| Year | Position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | MLA, Nagari | Won |
| 2019 | MLA, Nagari | Won again |
Her repeated victories made her one of the most influential women in state politics.
4️⃣ Chairperson – AP Women’s Commission
In 2022, she was appointed as the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission, a prestigious and impactful role.
5️⃣ Notable Contributions
- Raised issues related to women’s safety.
- Actively participated in public welfare programs.
- Known for bold and outspoken political debates.
Roja is recognized as one of the strongest female leaders in Andhra Pradesh today.
Personal Life
Roja’s personal life has always drawn interest because of her marriage to a prominent filmmaker.
📌 Marriage & Family
- Husband: Director R. K. Selvamani
- Marriage Year: 2002
- Children:
- Daughter: Anjana Selvamani
- Son: Krishna Selvamani
📌 Relationship With Cinema
Even after entering politics, Roja stayed connected to movies and television. Her role as a TV show judge further strengthened her connection with the entertainment world.
📌 Public Image
Roja is admired for:
- Her confident personality
- Strong emotional performances on screen
- Bold political speeches
- Kindness toward fans and contestants on TV shows
Awards & Achievements
Roja has received several prestigious awards for both her acting talent and her contributions to society.
🏆 Major Film Awards
- Nandi Award – Best Supporting Actress for Anna
- Cinema Express Award – For performances in Telugu films
- Kalaimamani Award – Honoring her work in Tamil cinema
🏆 Political & Public Service Recognition
- Recognized for women’s empowerment initiatives
- Acknowledged for social service activities in her constituency
🏆 Television Popularity
- Became one of the highest-rated reality show judges in Telugu TV
- Jabardasth episodes featuring Roja consistently received top TRP ratings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ What is Roja Selvamani’s real name?
Her birth name is Sri Latha Reddy.
2️⃣ When did Roja start her acting career?
She made her film debut with Sarpayagam (1991).
3️⃣ How many movies has Roja acted in?
Roja has acted in 100+ films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
4️⃣ Who is Roja’s husband?
Roja is married to director R. K. Selvamani.
5️⃣ Which political party does she belong to?
She is part of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
6️⃣ What is Roja most famous for in television?
She is best known as a judge on Jabardasth and Extra Jabardasth.
7️⃣ Did Roja win elections as MLA?
Yes, she won twice:
- 2014
- 2019
8️⃣ What role did she play in NTR Kathanayakudu?
She played Lakshmi Parvathi.
