An actress who once captivated the Telugu audience by portraying the hero’s mother is now turning heads with her stunning looks and enviable fitness, giving the contemporary heroines a run for their money – it’s none other than actress Pragathi.
Her latest photos have taken social media by storm, with fans marvelling at her youthful charm and grace. The term ‘Pragathi Strong’ has become synonymous with her persona—radiating confidence, elegance, and inner strength.
A familiar name in Tollywood, Pragathi has long been recognised for her strong screen presence and versatility. Born on April 17, 1975, Pragathi lost her father at a young age and began lending her voice to cartoon characters to support her mother. Her foray into the world of glamour began in her college days, when an advertisement for Mysore Silk Palace in Chennai caught the eye of Tamil director K Bhagyaraj, who cast her in Veetla Visheshanga (1994).
She went on to act in numerous Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films, primarily in supporting roles. Her performance as the hero’s mother in Yemaindi Ee Vela (2010) won her the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her reputation as a character artist with a unique screen identity.
In addition to films, Pragathi has also been a familiar face on television serials. However, her personal life has seen its share of challenges. She married at the peak of her career, a decision she later referred to as the “biggest mistake” of her life, admitting in an interview that it set her back by 10 to 20 years. After her divorce, she began living independently with her daughter.
Recently, speculation about a second marriage surfaced, prompting Pragathi to speak out. She shared that while companionship is important, finding someone who matches her maturity is difficult. “If I were 20, I might have considered it,” she remarked, “but that time has passed.”
What continues to captivate her fans today is her dedication to fitness. Even at 49, Pragathi maintains a strict gym routine and often shares her workout photos, which go viral online. Her transformation has led many to call her even more radiant than current leading heroines, with admirers flooding her posts with affectionate and romantic comments.