# fathima babu biography of mahatma
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It opened doors for Fathima in the film industry and gave her the confidence to pursue acting full-time. Each of these films showcased her versatility as an actress. In Ravanaprabhu (2001), directed by Ranjith, she portrayed Sreedevi, a key family member in the action-drama sequel to Devasuram.[19] That same year, Little John saw her as Nirmala Vishwanath, supporting the story of a dwarf aspiring for normalcy.[20] Later credits include Onnaman (2002), Hallo (2007), Bhramaram (2009), Matinee (2012), and Chithirayil Nilachoru (2013) as the church mother, showcasing versatility in rural and dramatic settings.[21][20] These roles, typically secondary, reflected cross-linguistic opportunities for South Indian character actresses during the 2000s.[22]No verified roles appear in Telugu or other non-Dravidian South Indian cinema, with her career centered on Tamil and Malayalam productions.[20][19]
| Language | Film Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil | Manadhai Thirudivittai | 2001 | Shruthi's Mother |
| Tamil | Aalavandhan | 2001 | Tejaswini's Mother |
| Tamil | Saroja | 2008 | Supporting |
| Tamil | Thiruthani | 2012 | Supporting |
| Malayalam | Ravanaprabhu | 2001 | Sreedevi |
| Malayalam | Little John | 2001 | Nirmala Vishwanath |
| Malayalam | Onnaman | 2002 | Supporting |
| Malayalam | Matinee | 2012 | Supporting |
| Malayalam | Chithirayil Nilachoru | 2013 | Church Mother |
Television and Stage Work
Fathima Babu commenced her television career as a newsreader on DD Podhigai, the Tamil-language channel of Doordarshan, where she delivered broadcasts in the Tamil language.[23] She subsequently served in a similar capacity at Jaya TV, leveraging her articulate delivery to build a public profile in Tamil media.[18] Beyond anchoring, Babu transitioned to acting in Tamil serials, appearing in productions such as Yaaradi Nee Mohini on Zee Tamil, where she portrayed supporting characters alongside leads like Nachathira and Chaitra Reddy.[24]In stage theater, Babu established Fab's Theatre (FABS), a production group based in Chennai dedicated to staging Tamil dramas.[25] Introduced to the medium through mentorship, she directed and performed in several plays, including the 2016 production Thaarama Tallyaa, which featured ensemble performances by her troupe and emphasized technical precision in staging.[25] Notable acting roles include Nandini in a 2013 adaptation of Ponniyin Selvan, a historical drama that highlighted her versatility in classical narratives.[18]Babu also helmed short plays such as Koodi Vazhandal, Aan Dharmam, Naan Avanillai, and Thappatam, showcasing directorial range across comedic and dramatic formats performed in Chennai venues.[18] Her theater involvement underscores a commitment to live performance, with FABS continuing to mount shows that blend traditional Tamil storytelling with contemporary execution.[25]Reality TV Participation and Aftermath
Fathima Babu entered the third season of Bigg Boss Tamil, a competitive reality television series broadcast on Star Vijay and hosted by Kamal Haasan, which launched on June 23, 2019.[26] As a veteran newsreader and actress, she was introduced as the inaugural contestant to step into the house, alongside 15 other participants including actors, musicians, and media personalities.[26] The format required housemates to live in isolation, performing tasks and facing weekly evictions based on public votes, with Babu navigating alliances and challenges during her brief stay.[27]Babu's tenure ended abruptly as she became the first contestant evicted on July 7, 2019, after receiving the lowest public votes in the inaugural elimination round.[28] Her exit, occurring just two weeks into the season, drew attention due to her established public profile but limited on-screen adaptability compared to younger competitors.[27]Post-eviction, Babu described her experience as fulfilling without high expectations of victory, noting relief at leaving the high-pressure environment and likening emerging contestant Losliya Mariyanesan to a breakout star from a prior season.[29] The participation did not significantly alter her career trajectory, as she resumed media and political engagements without reported offers stemming directly from the show.[30] By 2024, she remained connected to the franchise, publicly commending strategic play in Bigg Boss Tamil 7 and indicating ongoing interest as a viewer rather than a pivotal career pivot.[30]Political Engagement
Affiliation with AIADMK
Fathima Babu joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on October 29, 2013, alongside fellow newsreader Nirmala Periyasamy and former DMK figures such as minister Pulavar Senguttuvan.[32] The party, then led by J.Jayalalithaa, appointed her to serve as a speaker, leveraging her media background to articulate party positions publicly.Her role involved active participation in AIADMK communications and events. In October 2015, Babu publicly relayed Jayalalithaa's directive prohibiting party-affiliated actors from contesting elections in film industry bodies, emphasizing the leader's aim to prevent internal divisions among members.[33] This reflected her function in bridging the party's political and entertainment wings during a period of heightened electoral preparations.Babu's affiliation aligned with AIADMK's governance tenure, including support for Jayalalithaa's campaigns amid the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, though she did not secure a formal candidacy.[4] Her involvement waned post-2016, coinciding with Jayalalithaa's death in December that year, marking a brief foray into partisan politics before returning to media and acting pursuits.[32]
Motivations and Activities
Fathima Babu joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on October 29, 2013, alongside fellow newsreader Nirmala Periyasamy, expressing that the party was "where I belong to."[4] Upon induction, party leader J.Jayalalithaa appointed her to the list of party speakers, indicating an intent to leverage her media background for public outreach.[32]Babu's primary activities involved election campaigning and public speaking on behalf of AIADMK candidates. Her roles often portrayed strong, nurturing women—mothers, wives, and matriarchs—who left a lasting impression on audiences.
Early Life & Background
Fathima was born on August 6, 1968, in the serene coastal town of Puducherry, India.
She stated that she had known her future husband prior to their marriage, as he frequently drove her home from work, and described the union as voluntary rather than a consequence of duress. Her love for stories and language made her a standout student in school. She would transition from journalism to acting—a move that was both bold and unconventional for someone with her background.
College for Women, Pondicherry
Career Beginnings
Babu’s career began not on the silver screen, but in the newsroom.
She pursued her education at Bharathidasan Govt. These qualities made her a role model for aspiring journalists and broadcasters. In the late 1980s, she joined DD Podhigai, the Tamil-language arm of Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster. They reflect warmth, intelligence, and a quiet strength that has become her trademark. She began her public career as a newsreader, working for more than 25 years with DD Podhigai, the Tamil version of Doordarshan news, and later for Jaya TV.
Interestingly, she later converted to Hinduism for her husband and expanded her career into television serials, films, and theatre performances, primarily in Tamil and Malayalam languages.
Fathima’s journey began as a newsreader with DD Podhigai in the late 1980s. In Minnale (2001), she played Reema Sen’s mother, and her scenes added emotional texture to the romantic drama.
Though her screen time was limited, her performance added emotional weight to the film. Her role in Oru Naal Varum, a satirical take on corruption, was subtle yet impactful.
Telugu Film Industry
Fathima also ventured into Telugu cinema, where she appeared in a handful of films. Her first major break came in 1996 when she was cast in Kalki, a feminist Tamil film directed by the legendary K.
Balachander. Whether she’s delivering the news, acting in a film, or appearing on a reality show, her eyes convey sincerity and depth. She began receiving offers for supporting roles, often portraying mothers, aunts, and other strong female characters. For Fathima, this was not just a career move—it was a personal challenge.
She entered the Bigg Boss house on Day 1, alongside 16 other contestants, including actors, models, and musicians.
Her hobbies include shopping, cooking, and traveling.