Meet Rani Chandra, The First Miss Kerala Who Became KG George's Heroine And Lost Her Life Too Soon

In the history of Malayalam cinema, only a few names shine bright like fleeting stars. They are brilliant, radiant, and unforgettable, even though their time was cut short by destiny. One such name is Rani Chandra. An actress known for her naturalistic acting style, humble persona, and striking presence, she had captivated audiences and directors alike in the 1970s. 

Despite a career that spanned just a few years, Rani managed to appear in over 70 films, and left a lasting impression on her peers, and she even won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. But what made Rani’s story truly remarkable wasn't just her accomplishments, but also her tragic end. At just 27, when she was at the peak of her career, she lost her life in a plane crash, along with her mother and three sisters. Let’s have a look at her life story.

Rani Chandra was crowned the first Miss Kerala

Born in 1949 to Chandran and Kanthimathi in the then Thirukochi (Travancore-Cochin), Rani was one among six children who lived with a close-knit family. In an era when beauty pageants were largely a Western thing, Kerala hosted its first-ever competition for Miss Kerala. Young Rani was still a student at the time, she participated and won the title of Miss Kerala, a milestone that changed her life and also marked the beginning in cinema.

Her beauty and dance skills quickly caught the attention of the film industry and she was soon offered roles. In her debut film, Pavappettaval, she was credited simply as ‘Miss Kerala.’ Alongside her acting career, she also ran a dance troupe called Miss Kerala and Party, with her sisters, which grew popular across the state. However, when her father’s business failed and the family’s financial condition deteriorated, Rani had to step in to support them. The troupe and her budding acting career became her family’s financial hope.

Rani Chandra became a rising star of Malayalam cinema

After graduating from St Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, Rani fully committed herself to cinema. It didn’t take her long to rise through the ranks as a sought-after actress. Soon she was working with stars like Prem Nazir, Madhu, Jayabharathi, and Srividya. Her memorable roles came in films such as Ulsavam, Kadarumasam, Swapnadanam, Oonjal, Alinganam, and Anuragam. But it was her role in Ramu Kariat’s Nellu that made people notice her. The film’s screenplay was written by Kariat, along with his assistant, KG George, and it paved the way for Rani’s career-defining role in George’s debut directorial film, Swapnadanam.

Rani Chandra became KG George’s first heroine

When KG George cast her as the female lead in his first film Swapnadanam, Rani stepped into a film that would change Malayalam cinema forever. The psychological drama, shot in black and white, introduced a new visual and narrative language to the industry. The film became a big hit and it went on to win the National Award for Best Malayalam Film and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

For her nuanced performance, Rani Chandra won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, which was a career milestone that launched her to new heights. KG George described her as a rare talent, he said she was someone who valued authenticity over exaggerated dramatics. He could be quoted as saying:

“While almost all actresses of that era showcased an overly dramatic style, Rani was different. She focused on acting naturally with precision.”

Rani Chandra’s work in Tamil cinema

Rani’s work wasn’t limited to Malayalam cinema. She soon made her mark in Tamil films as well with movies like Then Sindhudhe Vaanam and Bhadrakali, where she acted alongside stars such as Kamal Haasan and Sivakumar. Her expansion into Tamil cinema hinted at the possibility of her having a long, pan-Indian career. Unfortunately, her movie, Bhadrakali, became her last and incomplete project due to her untimely death. Filmmakers were forced to use body doubles and patch together footage from her earlier works to complete the movie.

Rani Chandra’s personal life was marked by sacrifice

Though her professional life was thriving, Rani’s personal story was full of struggles and sacrifices. As the main financial support for her family after her father’s business collapse, she prioritised her loved ones over personal life. Despite gaining attention from powerful men in the industry, she remained grounded. One such instance was her bond with director, IV Sasi, who later became a legendary filmmaker in Malayalam cinema.

Sasi openly admitted that Rani was the first woman he ever loved. After growing close, Sasi proposed marriage to her not once but twice. However, Rani gently refused, insisting that he deserved someone who could be a homemaker and not someone who was burdened with family responsibilities like her. Tragically, IV Sasi was also the last person she spoke to before boarding her final flight. From an airport telephone in Bombay, she called him to mention the gifts she had brought for him from Dubai. Neither one of them knew it would be their final conversation.

Rani Chandra lost her life in a plane crash in 1976

On October 12, 1976, Rani Chandra boarded Indian Airlines Flight 171 from Bombay to Madras. The flight had already been delayed after two failed attempts due to some technical issues, and it finally took off with 95 passengers on board. Minutes after takeoff, the aircraft attempted an emergency landing at Bombay Airport but tragically crashed, killing everyone on board. Among the people who dead were Rani, her mother, and three of her sisters. She was just 27 years old when she lost her life to the tragic incident. The loss shook the Malayalam film industry to its core.

Remembering Rani Chandra

Rani appeared in over 70 films during her brief career. Her co-stars, directors, and colleagues all remembered her as a woman of simplicity and extraordinary dedication. IV Sasi once wrote a deeply emotional article titled ‘Rani… My Dearest Rani,' after her passing. To this day, she is remembered not just for her extraordinary beauty or acting but also for her sincerity and natural charm, qualities that made her stand apart in an era when glamour would often overshadow depth.

Though her career ended abruptly, Rani Chandra’s influence lingered in the industry. She was the first Miss Kerala, the muse of KG George’s pathbreaking debut, and one of the most promising actresses of her generation. Her dedication to her family, her sacrifices in love, and her artistic passion all contribute to a legacy that continues to inspire to date.

Rani’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, and she will always remain an eternal star in Malayalam cinema.

Also Read: Meet Tamil Actor Bala, Three Failed Marriages, Found Love In 18-Year-Younger Cousin, Kokila

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