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CINEMA

Ramya: From Kannada Film Star to Member of Parliament

A Bengaluru-born actor who debuted opposite Puneeth Rajkumar, became one of Kannada cinema's leading stars and then moved into national politics.

QUICK ANSWER

  • Ramya, also known as Divya Spandana, is a Kannada actor born in Bengaluru in 1982.
  • She debuted opposite Puneeth Rajkumar in Abhi (2003) and starred in Excuse Me, Arasu and Sanju Weds Geetha.
  • She was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandya in a 2013 by-election.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7 Tariq Sallam September 26, 2026 • 2 min read
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A clapperboard, film reels and a studio light beside a red carpet leading across a plaza to the steps of the domed Vidhana Soudha at sunset

Ramya was born in Bengaluru.

“She was the first star of her generation to swap film sets for Parliament.”

• On Ramya's career

Ramya, also known as Divya Spandana, is a Kannada film actor born in Bengaluru in 1982 who made her debut opposite Puneeth Rajkumar in Abhi (2003) and became one of the most popular Kannada heroines of the 2000s, with films such as Excuse Me, Arasu and Sanju Weds Geetha. She was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandya in 2013.

She is one of the few Kannada stars to have held national office. This profile keeps to the well-documented record.

Quick Information

A Bengaluru actor with a hit debut opposite Appu and a later career in Parliament.

Born
November 29, 1982, Bengaluru
Also known as
Divya Spandana
Debut
Abhi (2003), opposite Puneeth Rajkumar
Films
Excuse Me, Arasu, Sanju Weds Geetha
Politics
Elected MP from Mandya, 2013

What Was Ramya's Debut Film?

Abhi (2003), opposite Puneeth Rajkumar.

Was Ramya an MP?

Yes, she was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandya in a 2013 by-election.

A LESSER-KNOWN FACT

Sanju Weds Geetha (2011) won her the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress.

Why Does Ramya Belong in People of Bangalore?

THEIR BANGALORE CONNECTION

Born in Bengaluru, she built her film career in the city's Kannada industry.

HOW I PUT THIS TOGETHER

I haven't interviewed Ramya for this piece. It's pieced together from online research: published interviews, news reports, books and official records, cross-checked against each other. If you know Ramya and spot something I've got wrong, tap the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right and tell me, and I'll fix it.

FAQs

What is Ramya's real name?

Divya Spandana.

What was Ramya's first film?

Abhi (2003).

A Ramya Fan?

If you have a Ramya story from Bengaluru, Click the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right of your screen and tell me. That is also the easiest way to reach The City 24/7 about anything at all, including nominating someone for People of Bangalore.

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Same city, new stories, always.

Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7

Tariq Sallam

FOUNDER, THE CITY 24/7

placeBangalore calendar_monthSince 1991 groupsPeople. Places. Possibilities.

Tariq Sallam is the founder of The City 24/7, a platform dedicated to celebrating everything Bangalore. Having lived in the city since 1991, he has witnessed its remarkable journey from a laid-back Garden City to one of India’s most dynamic and innovative cities.

Passionate about its people, businesses, neighbourhoods, food, culture and hidden gems, Tariq believes every corner of Bangalore has a story worth telling. When he’s not writing or interviewing inspiring Bangaloreans, you’ll find him exploring the city. And through The City 24/7, he invites you to discover Bangalore with him, one story at a time.

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Same City. New Stories. Always.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7, with the Bengaluru skyline
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