Bhanumathi Ramakrishna

Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Biography

Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, popularly known as Ashtavadhani was a writer, lyricist, actress, director, music director, singer and producer of Telugu and Tamil languages. She had good knowledge of Astrology and philosophy also. Bhanumathi entered the film industry in 1935, and acted in over 200 films. Apart from being an exceptional actress, she was also a very talented musician. She is always ranked top among the best actresses of Telugu. She was awarded Padma Shri in 1966 and Padma Bhushan in 2003 for her contribution towards Indian cinema. She was a Member of Lalit Kala Academy for 5 years, and Telugu Sahitya Academy for 10 years. She has also served as Director and Principal of the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. Her autobiography Nalo Nenu was published in Telugu and she has also published many short stories. She, along with her husband P. S. Ramakrishna Rao, a film maker of Telugu and Tamil languages, launched a popular production company, Bharani Pictures.

She was born to Saraswatamma and Bommaraju Venkata Subbaiah, in Doddavaram village of Prakasam district, AP. Her father was a stage actor and had great love towards music. Young Bhanumathi who got inspiration from father was attracted towards music and acting from a young age. She received formal training in classical music at a young age. Bhanumathi entered the film industry in 1935. She debut in Telugu cinema in 1939 as Kalindi in Vara Vikrayam. Malathi Madhavam, Dharma Patni and Bhaktimala are her earliest movies. Krishna Prema was the first hit movie of her career, followed by Swargaseema, a milestone movie in her acting career.

Chakrapani, Laila Majnu, Vipranarayana, Malliswari, Batasari and Anthastulu are her most memorable Telugu movies. As a director, she debut with the bilingual, Chandirani, which was made in Hindi as well. Her last movie was a director was Pelli Kanuka released in 1998. C. N. Annadurai gave her a title "Nadippukku Ilakkanam". She has been one of the well-respected artists of the industry.

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Updated: April 03, 2014