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Lakshmi (actress)

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Lakshmi
Lakshmi at Naan Suvasikkum Sivaji book launch in 2015
Born
Yaragudipadi Venkata Mahalakshmi

(1952-12-13) 13 December 1952 (age 71)
Madras, Madras State, India
Years active1968–present
Spouses
  • Bhaskaran
    (m. 1969; div. 1974)
  • (m. 1975; div. 1980)
  • (m. 1987)
Children2, including Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran
Parents

Yaragudipadi Venkata Mahalakshmi (born 13 December 1952[1]), known professionally as Lakshmi, is an Indian actress known for her works primarily in all 4 Southern Indian language film industries (distributing her acting career across all four languages almost equally). She has also acted in some Hindi films. Her debut as a full fledged actress happened with the Tamil film Jeevanaamsam in 1968. In the same year, she acted in the Kannada film Goa Dalli CID 999 and Telugu film Bandhavyalu.

In 1974, her debut Malayalam film, Chattakari went on to become a blockbuster throughout India. She has acted in over 650 films as confirmed in the popular Kannada TV Show Weekend With Ramesh on Zee Kannada channel. Her performance in Mithunam (2012) is regarded as one of the 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade by Film Companion.[citation needed] Lakshmi then went on to appear in a number of commercially successful films in various languages without a hesitation or diction. She dubs her voice for all of her movies, irrespective of the language and remains one of the very few critically acclaimed stars to achieve this stage.

In a career spanning more than five decades she has won one National Film Award for Best Actress, nine Filmfare Awards South, One Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, Nandi Awards, Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress for the movie Hoovu Hannu, the Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards and various other state awards.

Lakshmi made her Bollywood debut in 1975, with the woman-centric Julie, the remake of Malayalam film Chattakkari. After appearing as a lead actress for more than a decade, she switched over to character roles. She is the only actress who has won the Filmfare Awards South in all four south languages[2][3][4][5][6][7][excessive citations]

Early life

[edit]

Lakshmi was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her mother Kumari Rukmini was a Tamil actress.[8] Her father, Yaragudipati Varada Rao, was a Telugu producer, director, thespian, screenwriter, editor and actor known for his works predominantly in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil Cinema.[9]

Career

[edit]

She established herself as a successful and popular actress in South India in the 1970s, acting in all four South Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Lakshmi rose to fame with her first Malayalam movie Chattakari (1974), which won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.[citation needed] This has the distinction of being the first Malayalam film to run continuously for 40 weeks in a Bangalore theatre. Chattakari (1974) was remade in Hindi as Julie (1975) and in Telugu as Miss Julie Prema Katha (1975). In addition to a Filmfare Best Actress Award,[10] she also won the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards for the "most outstanding work of the year", for her work in Julie.[11] She is known for her versatility as an actress and for the glamorous outlook she embodied. Her acting in the Telugu film Panthulamma is often credited as one of her best performances.[12]

After the success of her debut Malayalam film Chattakari, she starred in many other films in Malayalam. She won Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for her performances in Chalanum and Mohiniyaattam.[citation needed]

She has acted with almost all the leading actors and stars of South India, but it was her combination with famous Kannada star Anant Nag in the 70s and 80s that struck a chord with the audience. Nag and Lakshmi are considered one of the all-time greatest pairs in South Indian cinema. They acted together in 10-12 films. Their pair was considered best-looking and the right recipe for success. Some of these films were based on TaRaSu novels and dealt with the life of married middle-class couples.

After her success in Julie, Lakshmi didn't star in many Hindi films and instead concentrated on doing more South Indian films. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (1977),[citation needed] becoming one of the first South Indian actresses to win that category for a Tamil film. When her career as a leading lady ended in the 1980s, she started playing supporting roles as a mother and later as grandmother. She played Aishwarya Rai's grandmother in the Tamil musical blockbuster film, Jeans (1998) and Kareena Kapoor's grandmother in the hit film, Hulchul (2004).

She has performed in more than 400 films and has also been involved in politics.[citation needed]

Under K. Balachander's supervision, she made her directorial debut with a remake of Yours, Mine and Ours: the Kannada film Makkala Sainya (1980 Tamil version Mazhalai Pattalam).[13]

Lakshmi is fluent in all four South Indian languages. She took a break from acting to host two talk shows, including the Tamil talk show Achamillai, Achamillai.[citation needed]She hosted a talk show in Kannada for Suvarna channel called Idu Kathe Alla Jeevana.[14] She also hosts a talk show in Tamil for Vijay TV called Kadhai Alla Nijam. She has hosted a talk show in Kannada for Suvarna channel called Neena? Naana? After the shows ended, she returned to act in films. [citation needed]

Currently she is on the judges' panel for the Malayalam reality show Champions on Surya TV. She is also a judge for a Kannada reality show called Drama Juniors on Zee Kannada. She has overall appeared in over 650 films across languages as confirmed on popular Kannada show Weekend with Ramesh on Zee Kannada.

Personal life

[edit]
Lakshmi with her daughter, Samyuktha

Lakshmi's first marriage was with Bhaskaran with whom she has a daughter, actress Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran.[15] They later got divorced.

Her second marriage was with co-star Mohan Sharma on the sets of Chattakari (1975) and ended in divorce (1980).

While she was shooting En Uyir Kannamma (1988) she and actor-director M. Sivachandran fell in love and got married (1987). The couple adopted a girl named Samyuktha in 2000.[16]

Awards

[edit]
Nandi Awards[21]
  • 1975 - Most outstanding work of the year for Julie[23]

South India International Movie Awards

[edit]
  • 2021 – SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Oh! Baby

Notable filmography

[edit]

Tamil

[edit]
List of Lakshmi Tamil film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968 Jeevanaamsam Lalitha
1969 Kanni Pen
Kaaval Dheivam Gokila
Annaiyum Pithavum
Mannippu Bama
Paalkudam
Magane Nee Vazhga
1970 Maattukara Velan Kamala Nagalingam
Jeevanadi
Ethiroli Kalpana
Kannan Varuvan
Maanavan
Navagraham Vatchala
Penn Deivam Ponnamma's daughter
Veetukku Veedu Malathi
Yaen? Kamala
1971 Nootrukku Nooru Lakshmi
Thangaikaga Radha/Amutha
Thirumagal Radha
Arunodhayam Nirmala
Uyir
Kumari Kottam Uma
Thulli Odum Pulliman
1972 Kasethan Kadavulada Rama
Aseervatham
Kanimuthu Paappa
Karunthel Kannayiram
Dhikku Theriyadha Kaattil
Puguntha Veedu
Pillaiyo Pillai
Agathiyar Kaveri
Ponmagal Vanthal
Idhaya Veenai Nalini
Nawab Narkali Kanchana
Rani Yar Kuzhandhai
Sange Muzhangu Ladha
1973 Rajaraja Cholan Princess Kundavai
Karaikkal Ammaiyar Punithavathi
Arangetram Cameo
Thirumalai Deivam Goddess Padmavati
Prarthanai
Thalai Prasavam
Thedi Vandha Lakshmi Lakshmi
Vijaya
1974 Dikkatra Parvathi Parvathi Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Naan Avanillai Salima
Thirumangalyam Lavanya
Akkarai Pachai
Magalukkaga
Kanmani Raja Janaki
Prayachittham
Tiger Thaathachari
1975 Swaami Ayyappan Mohini
Pinju Manam
1976 Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal Ganga National Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Seervarisai
Unakkaga Naan
Vazhvu En Pakkam Saraswathi/Usha
1977 Thoondil Meen
Oruvannukku Oruthi
Punitha Anthoniyar
1978 Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral Kalyani Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Thyagam Radha
Achchani
1979 Dhairyalakshmi
Nangooram
Vallavan Varugiran
1980 Polladhavan Seetha
Avan Aval Adhu
Mazhai Pattalam
1981 Netrikan Meenakshi
Kudumbam Oru Koyil
Savaal Ganga
Thillu Mullu Cameo
Vaa Indha Pakkam
1982 Nenjangal
1983 Unmaigal Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Indru Nee Nalai Naan
Thandikapatta Nyayangal
Nenjodu Nenjam
1984 Sirai Bhagirathi
Nee Thodumbothu
Nenjathai Allitha
1985 Sri Raghavendrar Saraswati Bai
Udhaya Geetham Leela Chowdhry
Anthasthu
Oru Malarin Payanam
Thavam
1986 Samsaram Adhu Minsaram Uma Cinema Express Award for Best Actress – Tamil[citation needed]
Kodai Mazhai
Anandha Kanneer Parvatham
Enakku Nane Needipathi
Kanmaniye Pesu
Neethana Antha Kuyil
Palaivana Rojakkal Surya
1987 Sirai Paravai
Kudumbam Oru Koyil
Dampathyam
Evargal Indiyargal
Mupperum Deviyar
Thalidhaanam
1988 Kaalaiyum Neeye Maalaiyum Neeye
Paasa Paravaigal Mrs. Anandhi Sukumar, Advocate
Adhu Antha Kaalam
En Uyir Kannamma
Kadarkarai Thaagam
Ratha Dhanam
Thambi Thanga Kambi Ganga (Kaveri)
1989 Ore Oru Gramathiley Gayathri alias Karuppayi
1990 Nyayangal Jayikkattum Saraswathi
Naanum Indha Ooruthan
1991 Maanagara Kaaval Rupavathy, the Prime Minister of India
Rudhra Lalitha
1992 Jodi Senthachu
Sir... I Love You Veni
1993 Enga Thambi Shanthi
1994 Athiradi Padai Chithra IAS
Kanmani Kanmani's mother
Pattukottai Periyappa Jhansi
1995 Periya Kudumbam Kasthuri
Mr. Madras Murugan's mother
1996 Musthaffaa Bhagyalakshmi
Ilamai Rojakkal
1997 Vallal Durairasu's sister
1998 Moovendhar Sivagami
Veera Thalattu Pandian's adopted mother
Jeans Krishnaveny Paatty
Iniyavale Prabakharan's mother, Lakshmi
Murattu Kadhal
Thalaimurai
1999 Padayappa Padayappa's mother
Kannupada Poguthaiya Parvathy
Manam Virumbuthe Unnai Priya's mother
2000 Kakkai Siraginilae Savithri
Rhythm Chithra's mother-in-law
Vaanavil Jayalakshmi I.A.S
Snegithiye Malathi
2002 Dhaya Mother Sharada
2004 Vasool Raja MBBS Janaki's mother
2005 Ayya Ayyadurai's wife
Kanda Naal Mudhal Ramani
2007 Naan Avanillai Sarada
Vel Vetrivel's grandmother
2008 Karuvarai Pookkal
2009 Unnaipol Oruvan Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu
2015 Moone Moonu Varthai Malini

Telugu

[edit]
List of Lakshmi Telugu film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968 Bandhavyalu Lakshmi
Chuttarikalu Lakshmi
1969 Karpura Harathi Rani (sister of hero Krishna Ghattamaneni)
Mahabaludu
1970 Mayani Mamata Leela
Oke Kutumbham Mary
Maa Aavida Collector Akka garu
1971 Suputhrudu Madhavi
Nindu Dampathulu Vani
1972 Koduku Kodalu Julie
Marapurani Thalli
Abbaigaru Ammaigaru
1973 Jeevana Tharangalu Lavanya
Devudamma Lakshmi/Rita Dual Role
Palletoori Bava Lalitha
Kanna Koduku Bharathi
Puttinillu Mettinillu Remake of Tamil film Puguntha Veedu (1972)
1974 Manushulu Mattibommalu
Andaru Dongale Lakshmi
Kode Nagu
Bangaaru Kalalu Jyothi
1975 Ammayila Sapatham Chithra
Babu
Devudu Chesina Pelli
Vayasochchina Pilla
1976 Bangaru Manishi Geetha
1977 Eetharam Manishi[24] Saroja Devi
1978 Panthulamma Sharada Filmfare Special Award – SouthNandi Award for Best Actress [citation needed]
Mallepoovu
1981 Bhavi Powrulu
Pandanti Jeevitham
Chattaniki Kallu Levu Inspector Durga
1982 Raaga Deepam Gowri
Korukunna Mogudu Parvathi
Bandhalu Anubandhalu
1983 Prema Murthulu
Mugguru Monagallu
Poratam
1986 Sravana Megalu Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu
Nandi Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Brahma Rudrulu Sujatha
Ravana Brahma Geeta
1987 Ananda Thandavam
1990 Ghatana
1992 Pranadaata Kamala
Public Rowdy
Doshi
1993 Paruvu Prathishta Parvathi
Nippu Ravva SP
Repati Rowdy[25] Janaki
1994 Andaru Andare
Todi Kodalli Syamla
O Thandri O Koduku
1995 Alluda Majaka Vasundhara
Madhya Taragathi Maha Bharatham
1996 Ninne Pelladata Mahalakshmi
1997 Abbai Gari Pelli
Aaro Pranam
Super Heroes
Priya O Priya Vasundhara
Muddula Mogudu Shakunthala Devi
1998 Premante Idera Murali's mother
Pelli Kanuka Ganga
1999 Bobbili Vamsham
2001 Murari Gopakka Nandi Award for Best Character Actress[citation needed]
Preminchu Kousalya
Chiranjeevulu
2002 Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo Achchamamba
Prudhvi Narayana Laxmi
2004 Sakhiya Durga Devi
2008 Chintakayala Ravi Seshamba chintakayala
2009 Eenadu Chief Secretary Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu[citation needed]
2012 Midhunam Buchchi Lakshmi Nandi Special Jury Award[citation needed]
2015 Moodu Mukkallo Cheppalante Malini
2019 Oh! Baby Savitri/Bebakka/Baby
Manmadhudu 2 Sam's mother
Gang Leader Saraswathi
2023 Kushi Aradhya's Paternal Grandmother]

Malayalam

[edit]
List of Lakshmi Malayalam film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1974 Chattakari Julie Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
1975 Picnic Maala
Prayanam Savithri
Sindhu Sindhu Remake of Tamil film Puguntha Veedu (1972)
Chattambikkalyaani Kalyani
Chalanum Pavizham Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
Swami Ayappan Mohini
Chuvanna Sandhyakal Ragini
Raagam Sreedevi
Ullasa Yaathra
1976 Mohiniyaattam Mohini Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam[citation needed]
Ponni Ponni
Ajayanum Vijayanum Nandini
Missi -
Priyamvada
Surveykkallu
1977 Sneha Yamuna -
Agninakshathram Tessy
Mohavum Mukthiyum -
Akshayapaathram -
Kaduvaye Pidicha Kiduva -
Chila Nerangalil Chila Manushyar
1978 Iniyum Puzhayozhukum Celeine
Vyaamoham -
Anthonees Punyavaalan
Simhaasanam Narayani
1980 Rajaneegandhi Sumathy
1981 Orikkal Koodi Devayani
Anthiveyilile Ponnu Maya
Vida Parayum Munpe Sudha
1982 Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam Deepthi
Padayottam Parvathi
Preeyasakhi Radha Radha
Lady Teacher
Gaanam Rukmini
1983 Thaalam Thettiya Tharattu Adv. Rajalakshmi
Karyam Nissaram Ammini Kutty
America America Radha
Attakkalasam Indu
Bandham Thulasi/Sarasi
Aaroodam Indira
Nathi Muthal Nathi Vare Naseema
Aadhipathyam Vilasini
Sandhya Vandanam Mini
1984 Piriyilla Naam Lakshmi Menon
Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla Maheswariyamma
Aattuvanchi Ulanjappol Prameela
Ningalil Oru Sthree Renuka
Vepraalam Rajalakshmi
1985 Choodatha Pookal Hema
1985 Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki Padmavathi
1988 Daisy Malathy Menon
1990 Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu Sreedevi Rosario
Kshanakkathu Devaki Nair
1992 Bharatham Ramani
Poochakkaru Mani Kettum Kunjukuttiyamma
1994 Manathe Vellitheru Yasodhamma
Gamanam Bhanumathi
Pathavi
2007 Raakilipattu Malathy Menon
Veeralipattu Hari's grandmother
2009 IG Dhurga Prasad's Mother
2010 Pramani Rosy Teacher
2012 Bhoomiyude Avakashikal
2014 Ormayundo Ee Mukham Gautham's grandmother

Kannada

[edit]
List of Lakshmi Kannada film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1968 Goa Dalli CID 999 Veena
1976 Naa Ninna Mareyalare Usha
1977 Olavu Geluvu Rohini
1978 Kiladi Jodi Jenny/ Radha Dual roles
1979 Naa Ninna Bidalaare Gayatri
Nanobba Kalla Rukmini
Chandanada Gombe Ratna
1980 Dhairyalakshmi Lakshmi
Ravichandra Shanti
1981 Antha Sunitha
Bhoomige Banda Bhagavantha Ganga
Avala Hejje Seetha
Gaali Maathu Gowri
Etu Eduretu Pushpa
1982 Tony Jyothi
1983 Pallavi Anu Pallavi Anu
Makkale Devaru Shanti
Mududida Tavare Aralithu Madhu
Benkiya Bale Rukmini
Nodi Swamy Navirodu Hige Aparna Special appearance
Ibbani Karagithu Manasa
1984 Makkaliralavva Mane Thumba Usharani
Thaliya Bhagya Radha
Gandu Bherunda Champa
Olavu Moodidaga Bharathi
1985 Bidugadeya Bedi Gowri
Brahmastra Tunga
Sedina Hakki Anitha / Gowri
Shwetha Gulabi Special appearance
1986 Nannavaru
1987 Onde Goodina Hakkigalu Kaveri
Sowbhagya Lakshmi Sowbhagya
Prema Kadambari Seetha
1988 Dharma Pathni Lakshmi
Mathru Vathsalaya Seetha / Indu Dual roles
Nanna Avesha
1989 Hosa Kavya Ganga
Bangaarada Baduku
1990 Lion Jagapathi Rao Janaki
1991 Bombay Daada Viji
1992 Gruha Lakshmi Parvati
1993 Hoovu Hannu Ramabai Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada[citation needed] Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
Kumkuma Bhagya Janaki
Rayara Maga Janaki
Jaga Mechida Huduga Bhavani
Sri Durga Pooje
1994 Love 94 Sharada
1995 Baalondu Chaduranga
Sathya Jwale
1996 Hetthavaru Gowri
1997 Maduve Roopa's mother-in-law
1998 Preethsod Thappa Mahalakshmi
1999 Surya Vamsha Sathyamurthy's wife
2001 Amma
Diggajaru
2002 Prema Prema's mother
2007 Hethare Hennanne Herabeku
2008 Vamshi Vamshi's mother Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress[citation needed]
2009 Buddhivantha Pooja's mother
2010 Jothegara Annapoorna
2015 Sharp Shooter
Vamshodharaka
2017 Eradane Sala Dhanu's mother
Saheba
2022 Trikona Parvati

Hindi

[edit]
List of Lakshmi Hindi film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1975 Julie Julie Filmfare Award for Best Actress[citation needed]
1977 Jeevan Mukt
Charandas Lalli
1979 Aangan Ki Kali Sunita
1981 Kahani Ek Chor Ki Geeta
2004 Hulchul Laxmi Devi

TV serials

[edit]
  • Adutha Veetu Kavithai
  • Nallathor Veenai
  • Mahalakshmi

Web series

[edit]
List of Lakshmi web series credits
Year Title Role Language Channel Notes
2023 Sweet Kaaram Coffee Sundari Tamil Amazon Prime Video

TV shows

[edit]
  • Kannadada Kotyadhipati as Contestant (Kannada)
  • Kadhai Alla Nijam reality show in Vijay TV (Tamil)
  • Neena Naana as Host (Kannada)
  • Champions as Judge (Kannada)
  • Drama Juniors as Judge (Kannada)
  • Kathe Alla Jeevana (Kannada)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Episode 23". Weekend with Ramesh. Season 2 (in Kannada). 12 March 2016. Event occurs at [time needed]. Zee Kannada. Retrieved 4 August 2022. (subscription required)
  2. ^ a b https://archive.org/download/41stAnnualFilmfareBestTeluguFilmKannadaActorActressDirector/41st%20annual%20filmfare%20best%20telugu%20film%20kannada%20actor%20actress%20director.jpg [bare URL image file]
  3. ^ Reed, Sir Stanley (22 August 1976). "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". Times of India Press – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". Times of India Press. 22 August 1978 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". 22 August 1980 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ a b "34th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners". 28 May 2017. Archived from the original on 28 May 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2019 – via Internet Archive.
  7. ^ a b "Collections". 1991.
  8. ^ "Sri Valli—1945". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 28 December 2007. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  9. ^ Guy, Randor (22 August 2003). "A revolutionary filmmaker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  10. ^ "1st Filmfare Awards 1953" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 June 2009. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
  11. ^ "69th & 70th Annual Hero Honda BFJA Awards 2007". Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  12. ^ 60 years of Telugu cinema a book published in 2007
  13. ^ Raman, Mohan (3 January 2015). "KB: Kollywood's Discovery Channel". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  14. ^ Sathyendran, Nita (23 January 2009). "Timeless, ageless". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  15. ^ Warrier, Shobha (3 March 2001). "'I don't want to act with half-baked idiots any longer'". Rediff. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  16. ^ ""I'll act till my last breath" - Lakshmi". Screen. 27 July 2007. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  17. ^ a b c d e Reed, Sir Stanley (21 August 1984). "Indian and Pakistan Year Book and Who's who". Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  18. ^ 26th Filmfare Awards South
  19. ^ "Collections". 1991.
  20. ^ https://archive.org/download/46thFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners/46th%20Filmfare%20Awards%20south%20winners.jpg [bare URL image file]
  21. ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
  22. ^ "Rajkumar award for Lakshmi - Bangalore Mirror".
  23. ^ "39th Annual BFJA Awards". BFJA. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  24. ^ "Eetharam Manishi (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Repati Rowdy (1993)". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
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