(born Vijaya) is a prominent Indian actress who became a leading star in the Telugu and Tamil film industries during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for her versatile screen presence, she transitioned from a beloved "traditional" heroine to taking on bold character roles and eventually finding success in television. Filmography Highlights
Raasi's career began as a child artist under the name Vijaya in films like Rao Gari Illu (1988) and Aditya 369 (1991). She later adopted the screen name Manthra for her Tamil and Malayalam projects. Peak Heroine Era (1997–2002)
She gained massive recognition as a lead actress with a string of hits in Telugu: Subhakankshalu (1997): Her official debut as a lead in Telugu cinema. Gokulamlo Seeta
(1997): Cemented her image as a "traditional" South Indian heroine. Pelli Pandiri
(1998): Another significant family drama that highlighted her expressive acting. Preyasi Raave
(1999): Earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress – Telugu.
(2000): A popular devotional film that remains a fan favorite. Supporting & Negative Roles
As the industry changed, Raasi experimented with varied roles:
(2003): Played a critically acclaimed negative character, Malli, directed by Teja.
(1999): Appeared in a popular "item number" during a transition phase in her career. Comeback and Recent Work
After a hiatus following her marriage in 2005, she returned to the screen in character-driven roles:
(2017): A suspense thriller where she played the central character, Rebecca. Kalyana Vaibhogame (2016): Played a supporting motherly role. (2025): Her latest appearance in a pivotal Tamil role. Popular Videos and Media
Raasi remains active through various digital and television platforms, often engaging with fans through retrospective content.
The "Laila" of Tollywood: A Retrospective on Raasi’s Filmography and Digital Legacy
In the vibrant tapestry of Telugu cinema during the late 1990s and early 2000s, few actresses commanded the screen with the blend of innocence and effervescence quite like Raasi. Born as Mani Sharma, she adopted the stage name Raasi and became a household name, earning the nickname "Laila" from her fans—an homage to her captivating eyes and charming screen presence.
While many heroines of that era have faded into obscurity, Raasi remains a significant cultural touchstone. Her filmography is a testament to a golden era of commercial Telugu cinema, and her popularity persists today through digital platforms where her songs and scenes continue to garner millions of views.
2. Key Filmography (Selected Notable Films)
| Year | Film Title | Co-Star | Role Type | Box Office / Notes | |------|------------|---------|-----------|--------------------| | 1997 | Pellichesukundam | Venkatesh | Supporting / Sister role | Early break; family drama | | 1998 | Pavitra Prema | Venkatesh | Lead heroine | Hit; emotional love story | | 1999 | Samudram | Srikanth | Lead | Action-drama; notable songs | | 2000 | Annayya | Chiranjeevi | Lead | Blockbuster; her biggest commercial success | | 2000 | Goppinti Alludu | Akkineni Nagarjuna | Lead | Family entertainer; hit | | 2001 | Narasimha Naidu | Balakrishna | Lead | Superhit; mass action film | | 2001 | Preminchu | Laya (dual heroine) | Lead | Romantic drama | | 2002 | Chennakesava Reddy | Balakrishna | Lead | High-budget action | | 2003 | Vijayam | Raja | Lead | Moderate success |
Note: After 2003, Raasi appeared in a few Tamil and Kannada films, then retired around 2006.
Lesser-Known Facts About Raasi
- She is an accomplished Kuchipudi dancer. You can see her dance skills in the song “Ghallu Ghallu” from Sreeram.
- Raasi rejected several offers from Bollywood, preferring content-driven South Indian scripts.
- She once played a dual role in the unreleased film Malli Pelli, clips of which have become rare collector’s items on fan pages.
- Her last full-fledged Telugu heroine role was in Gowri (2004). After marriage, she chose family over filmi lights.
10. Aithe (2003)
- Co-star: Ajay, Sivaji
- Role: Geetha
- Critical acclaim: A cult classic crime thriller. Raasi’s raw, de-glam act as a woman caught in a kidnapping plot is considered her career-best performance.
Early Life and Entry into Cinema
Before diving into the filmography, it is essential to understand the woman behind the characters. Raasi was born in Andhra Pradesh and completed her education in Hyderabad. She made her acting debut at a very young age, but it was her role in the blockbuster Suswagatham (1998) that turned her into a household name. Directed by Bhimaneni Srinivasa Rao, the film opposite debutant Pawan Kalyan became a massive hit, and Raasi’s portrayal of a free-spirited village girl won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.
