Sumalatha reportedly speaks six languages, and has acted in four. She is married to great actor and Karnataka politician Ambareesh, and is a close friend of actress Suhasini Maniratnam, her co-star in a Telugu movie. The friendship between the two provided the material for a candid scene in the film, when director Kodandarami Reddy noticed Suhasini combing Sumalatha's long hair on the train journey to the film set. Reddy asked his cameraman, Ashok Reddy, to film the two, and added the scene to the movie's final cut.

She has acted in many Telugu films. She received the best actress Nandi Award for her role in Sruthilayalu in 1987. She co-starred with Rajendra Prasad (actor) in Jayammu Nishchayammu Raa and Donga Kollu; with Chiranjeevi in Swayamkrushi, Gangleader, Veta, Raakshasudu, Kaidhi, Chattam tho Poratam, Agnigundam and Sri Manjunatha. Her last movie in Telugu is Boss(2006), she played Sreya's mother role in that movie.

She also appeared in a Kannada movie Kallarali Hoovagi with her husband, which went on to win a National Award.

Filmography

Sumalatha has appeared in many Malayalam films including Thazhvaram, Isabella, Nirakkoottu,Thoovanathumbikal, Parampara and New Delhi. Her career best acting were in Isabella as a tour guide Isabella and in Thoovanathumbikal as a sex worker Clara. Her biggest hit was New Delhi in which she played the role of a dancer, Maria Fernandes opposite Mammootty. Her most of the memorable and hit films were with Mammootty with whom she maintained a wonderful onscreen chemistry. The list includes New Delhi, Nirakkoottu, Parampara, Nair Sab etc.But her acting alongside superstar Mohanlal in Thoovanathumbikal was fantastic which is still considered as one of the best films in the history of Malayalam films.

    * Boss (2006)
    * Sri Manjunatha (2001) .... Sumalatha Devi
    * Raja Kumarudu (1999) .... Rajlakshmi
    * Mahaanta: The Film (1997) .... Shanti Malhotra
    * Dushman Duniya Ka (1996) .... Reshma
    * Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj (1992) .... Ritu Saxena
    * Dabbu Bale Jabbu (1992)
    * Swarg Yahan Narak Yahan (1991) .... Suman V. Kumar
    * Gang Leader (1991) .... Raghava's Wife
    * Parampara (1990) .... Meera
    * Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu (1990)
    * Pratibandh (1990)
    * No.20 Madras Mail (1990) .... Sr. Gloria
    * Jayammu Nischayammu Raa! (1990) .... Santhi
    * Thazhvaram (1990) .... Kochootti
    * Nair Saab (1989) .... Prabha
    * Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas (1989) .... Sophia
    * Dhinarathrangal (1988) .... Dr Savithri
    * Antima Theerpu (1988)
    * Donga Kollu (1988)
    * Isabella (1988) .... Isabella
    * Swayam Krushi (1987) .... Sarada
    * New Delhi (1987) .... Maria Fernandez
    * Pasivadi Pranam (1987)
    * Sruthi Layalu (1987)
    * Thoovanathumbikal (1987) .... Clara
    * Raakshasudu (1986)
    * Veta (1986)
    * Shyama (1986) .... Lakshmi
    * Tandra Paparayudu (1986) .... Subhadra
    * Nirakkoottu (1985) .... Mercy
    * Chattamtho Porattam (1985) .... Kalyani
    * Jackie (1985)
    * Agnigundam (1984)
    * Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)
    * Justice Chakravarthy (1984)
    * Merupudadi (1984)
    * Khaidi (1983) .... Dr. Sujatha
    * Aalyashikaram (1983)
    * Odai Nathiyaakirathu (1983)
    * Subhalekha (1982) .... Sujatha
    * John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982) .... Jeny
    * Pelleedu Pillalu (1982) .... Poorna
    * Thadakam (1982)
    * Thenum Vayambum (1981)
    * Munnettam (1981)
    * Kolilakkam (1981) .... Suma
    * Raktham (1981) .... Valsala
    * Moorkhan (1980) .... Raji
    * Murattu Kaalai (1980) .... Soundaryan
    * Rajadhi Raja (1980)
    * Samajaniki Saval (1979)