Clara Abraham, who would later become known as Sheela, was born into a Syro-Malabar Catholic Nasrani family in the vibrant city of Thrissur, nestled in the picturesque state of Kerala. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of community and cultural heritage, which would later influence her choice of profession.
Sheela's journey in the film industry began with her debut in the Tamil film "Paasom," opposite the legendary M. G. Ramachandran. Her first Malayalam movie was "Bhagyajathakam," where she shared the screen with the talented Sathyan. What followed was a remarkable career spanning over four decades, during which she acted in more than 400 films.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sheela has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Indian National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the Malayalam movie "Akale." She has also won three Kerala State Film Awards in the Best Actress category, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
One of her most notable achievements is holding the Guinness World Record for acting together with Prem Nazir in 107 films, a remarkable feat that highlights her enduring partnership with the legendary actor.