Manju Bhashini
Manju Bhashini | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Silli Lalli, Puttakkana Makkalu, Bigg Boss Kannada 12 |
Manju Bhashini is an Indian television actress known for her work in Kannada-language serials. She gained recognition for portraying Samaja Sevaki Lalitamba in the sitcom Silli Lalli on ETV Kannada, and for her later roles in Mayamruga and Puttakkana Makkalu.[1]
Career[edit]
Bhashini began her career in the 1990s with serials such as Mayamruga and the long-running comedy Silli Lalli, which made her a familiar face on Kannada television.[2]
In 2021, she returned to television with the Zee Kannada daily soap Puttakkana Makkalu, playing Baddi Bangaramma, a shrewd but humorous moneylender. The series, led by veteran actor Umashree, premiered on 13 December 2021 and became one of Zee Kannada’s top-rated shows.[3][4]
Bigg Boss Kannada (Season 12)[edit]
In 2025, Bhashini appeared as a contestant in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, hosted by Kichcha Sudeep.[5][6]
She entered the house as the second confirmed contestant, shortly after social-media personalities Cockroach Sudhi and Mallamma were announced.[7] Throughout her stay, she was noted for her balanced temperament and her ability to mediate between contestants during heated exchanges, particularly those involving Rakshita Shetty and Ashwini SN.[8]
Bhashini’s on-screen camaraderie with contestant Ashwini SN and her nostalgic references to her Silli Lalli days received positive reactions from viewers and social media users.[9]
Despite initial popularity, she was evicted in a mid-week elimination episode that surprised fans.[10] Several Kannada media outlets described her exit as “unexpected” and praised her dignified conduct during eviction.[11][12]
After her eviction, she gave interviews expressing gratitude to viewers and discussing the challenges of adapting to the competitive reality-show format.[13] She also revealed her per-week remuneration and reflected on her time inside the house in a post-show segment aired on TV9 Kannada.[14]
Personal life[edit]
Bhashini hails from Karnataka and is known for her interest in collecting Ganesha idols, a hobby featured in *The Hindu*.[15] She is a co-founder of the Lime Light Acting Academy, established with her Silli Lalli colleagues.[16]
Filmography[edit]
Film[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Ammavra Ganda | Heroine’s sister | |
| 1997 | Bhoomi Geetha | Lead | |
| 2006 | Ganda Hendathi | ||
| 2009 | Raaj – The Showman |
Television[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2001 | Silli Lalli | Samaja Sevaki Lalitamba | ETV Kannada | Breakthrough role |
| 1998 | Mayamruga | Brinda | DD Chandana | |
| 2007 | Yadva Tadva | Udaya TV | ||
| 2021–2024 | Puttakkana Makkalu | Baddi Bangaramma | Zee Kannada | Major comeback role |
| 2025 | Bigg Boss Kannada 12 | Herself (contestant) | Colors Kannada | Reality show appearance |
References[edit]
- ↑ "Chandru to direct". IndiaGlitz. 2 January 2008. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
- ↑ "Silli Lalli fame Manju Bhashini's journey". Filmibeat Kannada. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini to play a powerful moneylender in Puttakkana Makkalu". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Zee Kannada launches new show Puttakkana Makkalu". Best Media Info. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Bigg Boss Kannada 12 contestants list: Manju Bhashini among confirmed entries". The Indian Express. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Bigg Boss Kannada 12: Manju Bhashini among first confirmed contestants". Cinema Express. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini enters Bigg Boss Kannada 12 as second contestant". Vijaya Karnataka. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini reacts to Ashwini Gowda–Rakshita Shetty fight inside Bigg Boss house". Asianet News Kannada. 14 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini gets emotional in Bigg Boss Kannada house". TV9 Kannada. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Mid-week elimination: Manju Bhashini and Satish exit Bigg Boss Kannada 12". TV9 Kannada. 13 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini and Ashwini SN evicted from Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12". Vijaya Karnataka. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini eliminated from Bigg Boss Kannada 12". Vishwavani News. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini opens up after Bigg Boss Kannada eviction". Vijaya Karnataka. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Manju Bhashini reveals her salary for Bigg Boss Kannada 12". TV9 Kannada. 17 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Manju Bhashini, an avid collector of Ganesha idols". The Hindu. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "'Lime Light' Evolved". IndiaGlitz. 26 December 2012. Archived from the original on 19 January 2015.