Sumitra is an Indian actress whose career spans over four decades and across all major South Indian film industries. She made her acting debut in the 1972 movie Nirthashala, and has since appeared in over 200 films. Throughout the 1970's and the early 1980's, Sumitra was one among the most sought-after actresses in the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, and also appeared in several Telugu and Kannada films as well. Some of her best known works during this period include Nirmalyam (1973), Chakravakam (1974), Nizhal Nijamagiradhu (1978), Lava (1980), Engamma Maharani (1981) and Asambhava (1985). Since the 1990's she has largely appeared in supporting roles in films. Significant acting credits also include Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (1984), Geethanjali (1989), Chinna Thambi (1991), Saphalam (2003), Calcutta News (2008), Singam 2 (2013) and Jani (2017). Her 2018 release includes Ammammagarillu.