With the announcement of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film ‘Spirit,’ starring Prabhas, the legendary actress Kanchana is once again in the spotlight. Known for her groundbreaking work in Telugu cinema from the 1960s to the 1970s, Kanchana brought a new level of boldness and dynamism to female roles, setting a precedent for future actresses.
Kanchana, whose birth name is Vasundhara Devi, began her professional life as an air hostess. Her transition to acting was facilitated by director C.V. Sridhar, who noticed her talent and cast her in the Tamil film ‘Kaadhalikka Neramillai’ in 1964. This marked the commencement of a prolific career that has spanned more than six decades and over 100 films.
Her extensive filmography includes numerous hits in Telugu cinema, such as ‘Arjun Reddy,’ ‘Preminchi Choodu,’ and ‘Alakh Niranjan.’ Kanchana consistently challenged cinematic conventions by embracing roles that offered substance and agency, often within male-centric plotlines.
Films like ‘Veerabhimanyu,’ where she took on the role of Uttara, and ‘Ave Kallu,’ exemplify her capability to deliver captivating performances that left a lasting impression. These roles were instrumental in showcasing a more empowered and multidimensional image of the Telugu heroine.
Following her memorable appearance as the grandmother in ‘Arjun Reddy,’ Kanchana is set to appear in ‘Spirit,’ sharing the screen with Prabhas, Triptii Dimri, Prakash Raj, and Vivek Oberoi. While details of her character are kept confidential, her involvement in the film is a cause for celebration among fans and critics alike, highlighting her enduring significance in the film industry.