No list is complete without this chartbuster. Composed by Vidyasagar and picturized on Vijay and Ramba, Appadi Podu is arguably the most famous item number in Tamil cinema history. Ramba’s high-energy dance moves, the catchy flute beat, and the vibrant costumes make this video a staple at weddings and parties. The song has over 50 million+ cumulative views across YouTube channels.
If you grew up watching Tamil cinema in the 1990s, there is a high probability that you remember the exact beat drop of “Petta Rap” or the sizzling chemistry in “En Veetu Thottathil.”
Before the era of Instagram reels and YouTube shorts, there was Ramba—the dancer who didn’t just walk into a song; she stormed it.
While she wasn't a leading lady in the traditional sense (like a Khushbu or Simran), Ramba carved a niche so deep that her name became a verb. To "pull a Ramba" meant you were about to steal the entire show in 3 minutes. Let’s take a nostalgic drive through the filmography and the iconic clips that broke records (and VHS tapes).
Ramba’s legacy is largely carried by her high-energy, often trendsetting item songs. Here are the most viewed and remembered videos (available on YouTube and music streaming platforms):
Why it’s viral: The raw 90s production, the high-energy beat by Sirpy, and Ramba’s freestyle moves. Watch how she doesn't just dance with Karthik; she dances at him. It’s a masterclass in screen presence.
Director: K. S. Ravikumar Co-star: Rajinikanth
Yes, she was in a movie with the Superstar. While the film is famous for Ramya Krishnan’s Neelambari, Ramba appeared in the song "Minsara Kanna." Sharing screen space with Rajini at the height of his stardom? That’s a resume bullet point for life.
Ramba has appeared in over 100 films across multiple languages. Below is a detailed list of her Tamil films (Kollywood) in chronological order, highlighting her roles and co-stars.