Pritha Hari
Pritha Hari (née Vijayakumar; born 10 January 1983) is an Indian businesswoman and former actress who appeared predominantly in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[1] The daughter of veteran actors Vijayakumar and Manjula, she debuted in Telugu cinema with the lead role opposite Vineeth in Rukmini (1997), followed by her Tamil entry in Sandhippoma (1998).[1][2] She garnered notable recognition for portraying Rajinikanth's daughter in the blockbuster family drama Padayappa (1999), and went on to feature in films such as the Malayalam comedy Udayapuram Sulthan (1999), the Telugu romantic drama Priyamaina Neeku (2002), and the Tamil ensemble Punnagai Desam (2001).[2][3] In 2002, Hari married acclaimed Tamil film director Hari (Harikrishnan), with whom she has three sons; she subsequently retired from acting to prioritize family life.[1][4][5] Transitioning to entrepreneurship, she founded Pritha Palace, a banquet hall and event venue in Chennai, and Good Luck Studios, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and production sectors.[1]Early life
Family background
Pritha Hari (born Preetha Vijayakumar) is the daughter of veteran Tamil actor Vijayakumar and actress Manjula Vijayakumar.[6][7] She was the second child born to her parents, following her elder sister Vanitha Vijayakumar.[8] Vijayakumar's first marriage to Muthukannu produced three children: daughters Kavitha Vijayakumar and Anitha Vijayakumar, and son Arun Vijay, who is also an established actor in Tamil cinema.[7][6] These half-siblings, along with Pritha's full younger sister Sridevi Vijayakumar—who likewise pursued acting—formed part of the blended Vijayakumar family, known for its deep ties to the South Indian film industry across generations.[8][9] Manjula Vijayakumar began her acting career with a debut role as Gemini Ganesan's teenage daughter in the 1969 Tamil film Shanthi Nilayam, an adaptation of The Sound of Music, and achieved a breakthrough with her performance in the 1971 hit Rickshawkaran.[10] Over three decades, she appeared in more than 100 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, often portraying supporting roles that contributed to her reputation as a versatile character actress.[11] Manjula passed away on July 23, 2013, at age 59 due to kidney failure following a fall.[8][9] The Vijayakumar family's prominence in South Indian cinema provided a foundational network for Pritha's early entry into the industry, with multiple members establishing careers as actors and contributing to the region's cinematic legacy.[7][6]Upbringing
Pritha Hari, born Preetha Vijayakumar on 10 January 1983 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, was the second child of prominent Tamil film actors Vijayakumar and Manjula.[12][13][14] Raised in a household deeply connected to the South Indian cinema, her childhood was shaped by the constant presence of the film industry, with frequent exposure to production sets and related events stemming from her parents' extensive careers.[15] While public details on her educational background remain limited, Hari grew up amid Chennai's rich cultural environment, where traditional Tamil values were emphasized within her family.[15]Acting career
Debut and breakthrough
Pritha Hari, known professionally as Preetha Vijayakumar, entered the South Indian film industry with her first signed role as the lead actress in the Telugu romantic drama Rukmini (1997), directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty and starring opposite Vineeth. Due to production delays, the film marked her official on-screen debut upon its release.[13] She transitioned to Tamil cinema with her lead role as Sharmila in the action film Dharma (1998), directed by Keyaar and starring opposite Vijayakanth, followed by the romantic drama Sandhippoma (1998), directed by Indrakumar and co-starring Suriya in his acting debut, which introduced her to Tamil audiences as a fresh face in the industry.[16]) The following year, Hari expanded into Malayalam films with a supporting role as Gopika in the comedy Udayapuram Sulthan (1999), directed by Jose Thomas and featuring Dileep, establishing her versatility across regional cinemas.[17] Hari's breakthrough arrived with her portrayal of Anitha, the elder daughter of the titular character played by Rajinikanth, in the blockbuster action-drama Padayappa (1999), directed by K. S. Ravikumar; the film's massive commercial success and cultural impact significantly elevated her profile in Tamil cinema.[18] This role, alongside her family's established connections in the industry, paved the way for further opportunities.[19] From the late 1990s through the early 2000s, Hari balanced lead and supporting roles in multilingual projects, including the Tamil family drama Ponnu Veettukkaran (1999) where she starred opposite Murali, and the action film Kakkai Siraginilae (2000) alongside Vadivelu, solidifying her presence in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema before gradually scaling back her acting commitments.[2]Notable performances
Pritha Hari, professionally known as Preetha Vijayakumar, earned acclaim for her supporting roles in Tamil cinema during the early 2000s, often portraying characters that added emotional depth to family-oriented narratives. In Punnagai Desam (2002), she played Nandhini, a devoted classmate with unrequited feelings for the protagonist, Selvam, which highlighted her ability to convey subtle romantic longing in a comedic ensemble.[20] Her performance in this light-hearted drama contributed to the film's appeal as a feel-good entertainer. Similarly, in Alli Arjuna (2002), she portrayed Nisha, a supportive friend in the sports-themed story, demonstrating her poise in ensemble casts focused on themes of perseverance and camaraderie. In Dubai (2001), a Malayalam action thriller, Hari took on the role of Alice, a pivotal supporting character entangled in the central conflict, showcasing her adaptability across linguistic boundaries. Hari's contributions extended to Telugu cinema, where she balanced lead and supporting parts with grace, particularly in romantic and dramatic contexts. Her lead role as Sirisha in Priyamaina Neeku (2001) opposite Tarun marked a significant showcase of her expressive range in a youthful love story, helping to establish her as a versatile performer in multilingual projects. In mid-career releases like Kshemanga Velli Labhamga Randi (2000), she appeared in a supporting capacity, further emphasizing her comfort with ensemble dynamics in family comedies.[14] In Malayalam films, Hari's notable highlights included the supporting role as Ann Mary in Snehithan (2002), opposite Kunchacko Boban, in this romantic comedy.[21] Her work in Dharma (1998), a Tamil action film, featured her as Sharmila, the female lead alongside Vijayakanth, blending romance with high-stakes drama and underscoring her early promise as a newcomer from a prominent film family.[22] Overall, these performances in the early 2000s, spanning family dramas and romances, positioned Hari as a graceful and versatile supporting actress, with her background as the daughter of actors Vijayakumar and Manjula aiding her rapid rise in South Indian cinema.[14]Transition out of acting
By the early 2000s, Pritha Hari, professionally known as Preetha Vijayakumar, significantly reduced her acting commitments, with her last notable roles appearing in films such as Priyamaina Neeku (2001), Alli Arjuna (2002), and Kaadhal Sugamanathu (2003). These projects represented a gradual decline in her film work, as she shifted focus following her marriage to director Hari in 2002.[23][2] The key factor influencing her departure from acting was her marriage and the subsequent emphasis on family life, leading her to step away from the demands of the film industry.[24][25] As a former actress familiar with the industry's pressures, she opted for a more private existence centered on her growing family, including the birth of her three sons.[5] Her exit from acting was not sudden but evolved over a few years, with no further on-screen appearances after 2003, effectively concluding her cinematic career by the mid-2000s. This period marked her reorientation toward entrepreneurial pursuits, solidifying her identity beyond the silver screen.[25][4]Business ventures
Pritha Palace
Pritha Palace is a banquet hall founded by Pritha Hari as her inaugural major business venture in the hospitality sector, following her retirement from acting.[26] It operates as a family-managed enterprise catering to social events and celebrations. The venue reflects Hari's shift toward entrepreneurial pursuits, leveraging her prominence in the entertainment industry to enter event hosting and venue management. Situated at No. 3/498, A2, Doctor BP Rajan Road, Uthandi, Kanathur, Chennai - 600119, along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR), Pritha Palace benefits from its position in a culturally vibrant coastal neighborhood. This location provides easy accessibility for guests from across Chennai while offering a serene backdrop enhanced by proximity to the sea.[27] The air-conditioned facility is purpose-built for weddings, receptions, and other large-scale functions, with modern amenities including spacious halls that accommodate up to 500 guests for main ceremonies and dining areas for up to 100 guests for meals, along with 5 AC suites and parking for 8 cars and 30 bikes. Its design emphasizes functionality and elegance, making it a popular choice for hosting diverse gatherings in a professional yet welcoming environment.[27]Good Luck Studios
Good Luck Studios was established in 2023 in Saligramam, Chennai, by Pritha Hari and her husband, director Hari, as a revival of the historic Good Luck Preview Theater that operated during the 1980s and 1990s.[28][29] The original theater served as a landmark venue in Chennai, hosting previews of numerous blockbuster films and becoming a cherished part of the city's cinematic memory associated with the Vijayakumar family.[28] The studio is dedicated to post-production activities, including three studios and an edit suite for recording, dubbing, editing, and mixing facilities tailored for the film industry.[28] It stands as a tribute to the family's legacy in South Indian cinema, originally owned by Pritha Hari's parents, Vijayakumar and Manjula Vijayakumar.[28] Actor Suriya inaugurated the facility on April 2, 2023, marking its launch as a modern hub for post-production in the region.[29][30] As a joint venture between Pritha Hari and director Hari, Good Luck Studios enhances the family's legacy in the film sector without involving Pritha in acting roles.[31] This project represents an expansion of their business interests, building on the success of Pritha Palace in event hosting.[30]Personal life
Marriage
Pritha Hari married Harikrishnan, known professionally as director Hari, on July 15, 2002, in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends that reflected traditional South Indian customs.[5] The union united two figures from the Tamil film industry, with Hari being older than Pritha, who was born on January 10, 1983. Their meeting stemmed from shared professional circles, as Pritha's family background in cinema provided natural industry connections.[5] In July 2025, the couple celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.[32] Following the marriage, Pritha became a steadfast supporter of Hari's career, stepping away from her own acting pursuits to focus on family while offering encouragement during his directorial projects.[5] This partnership extended to collaborative ventures, notably the establishment of Good Luck Studios in 2023, a facility dedicated to recording, dubbing, and editing, which they co-founded to revive a historic site linked to Pritha's mother, Manjula Vijayakumar.[28][29] The studio's launch, inaugurated by actor Suriya, underscored their joint commitment to sustaining legacy elements of Tamil cinema infrastructure.Children
Pritha Hari and her husband are parents to three sons, with whom they form a tight-knit family unit of five based in Chennai.[33] The eldest, Krishna, was born in 2007 and celebrated his 18th birthday in January 2025 during a private family gathering.[34] The two younger sons maintain low public profiles, with their names and details not widely disclosed in media reports, underscoring the family's commitment to shielding them from public scrutiny.[24] Hari's parenting approach emphasizes a private upbringing, prioritizing normalcy and education over the glamour of their parents' film careers, while fostering a supportive home environment away from media intrusion. Occasional glimpses into family life, such as birthday celebrations, are shared selectively, often highlighting joyful moments like the sons' milestones. The children share an interest in films, influenced by their mother's acting background and father's directorial work, yet they pursue low-key lives focused on personal growth rather than industry involvement. This dynamic reflects Hari's role as a nurturing mother who balances family closeness with discretion in their Chennai residence.[5]Filmography
Tamil films
Pritha Hari, known professionally as Preetha Vijayakumar during her acting career, appeared in several Tamil films primarily in supporting roles within family dramas and romantic narratives. Her debut came in 1998, marking the beginning of a brief but notable presence in Tamil cinema before her transition to other pursuits.[3] Her Tamil film credits, organized chronologically, include the following:| Year | Title | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Dharma | Sharmila | Keyaar |
| 1998 | Sandhippoma | Nilani | Indrakumar |
| 1999 | Ponnu Veettukkaran | Indu | P. Vasu |
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Hema | Multiple (J. Paneer et al.) |
| 1999 | Padayappa | Anitha | K. S. Ravikumar |
| 2000 | Kakkai Siraginilae | Gayatri | P. Vasu |
| 2002 | Punnagai Desam | Nandhini | K. Shajahan |
| 2002 | Alli Arjuna | Nisha | Saran |
| 2004 | Thilak | Preetha | Sunil |
Telugu films
Pritha Hari made her acting debut in Telugu cinema with the lead role in the romantic drama Rukmini (1997), directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty, where she starred opposite Vineeth.[1][37] She followed this with supporting roles in several films, often portraying characters in family-oriented dramas and comedies, before transitioning to other industries. Her Telugu contributions include a mix of lead and supporting performances across romantic, action, and comedic genres.[14]| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Rukmini | Rukmini | Ravi Raja Pinisetty | Lead role in romantic drama; debut film.[1] |
| 1999 | Om Namah Shivaya | Gauri | Thriller Manju | Supporting role in action-drama.[38][39] |
| 2000 | Maa Annayya | Sumathi | Ravi Raja Pinisetty | Supporting role in family drama starring Rajasekhar and Meena.[40] |
| 2000 | Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi | Janaki | Raja Vannemreddy | Supporting role in comedy remake of Tamil film Viralukketha Veekkam.[41] |
| 2001 | Chandu | Preethi | Ravi Raja Pinisetty | Lead role.)[42] |
| 2001 | Priyamaina Neeku | Sirisha | K. Balasekaran | Supporting role as the protagonist's sister-in-law in romantic drama starring Tarun and Sneha.[43] |
Malayalam films
Pritha Hari, known professionally as Preetha Vijayakumar during her acting career, ventured into Malayalam cinema following her Tamil debut, portraying supporting characters in comedies, dramas, and action films during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[3] Her Malayalam film credits, presented chronologically, include:| Year | Title | Director | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Udayapuram Sulthan | Jose Thomas | Gopika Varma | Comedy-drama; her Malayalam debut. |
| 2001 | Dubai | Joshiy | Alice | Political action film starring Mammootty.[44][45] |
| 2001 | Red Indians | Sunil | Preetha | Action-drama involving sandalwood smuggling.[46][47] |
| 2002 | Snehithan | Jose Thomas | Ann Mary | Romantic comedy; one of her final films before retirement.[48] |