Regional Female Actor
Vinaya Prakash, also known as Vinaya Prasad, is an Indian actress known for her work primarily in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and TV series. Born and raised in the Udupi district of Karnataka, she made her film debut with a small role in G. V. Iyer's Madhwacharya in 1988. She initially worked in supporting roles before gaining recognition as a leading lady in films such as Ganeshana Maduve opposite Anant Nag.
Prasad has appeared in numerous successful films across different languages. Some of her notable Kannada films include Ganeshana Maduve, Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare, Gauri Ganesha, Mysore Jaana, and Suryodaya. She also starred in the Malayalam blockbuster Manichitrathazhu alongside Mohanlal. In Tamil, she acted as the heroine in the hit movie Thaikulame Thaikulame. In Telugu, her notable films include Indra, Donga Dongadi, and Andhrudu.
After establishing herself as a lead actress, Prasad transitioned to character roles and has remained a sought-after actress in the South Indian film industry. She is also known for her skills as a compere and singer, having hosted various events and performed at prestigious venues. Prasad gained immense popularity through the Malayalam TV series Sthree, which aired from 1998 to 2000, and its sequel, also titled Sthree, in 2006.
In her personal life, Prasad was married to V. R. K Prasad, a director and editor of Kannada films, who passed away at a young age. She later married Jyotiprakash and currently resides in Bangalore with her husband and daughter, Prathama Prasad. Jyotiprakash has a son named Jai Atre from a previous marriage, who is involved in film direction and screenwriting in Mumbai