Bhanumathi Biography

Dr. Paluvayi Bhanumathi Ramakrishna born on 7 September 1925 - 24 December 2005 ,was a noted Indian film actress, director, music director, singer, producer, book writer and songs writer. Most of her works are in Telugu and Tamil languages.

Bhanumathi was born as third child to Saraswatamma and Bommaraju Venkata Subbaiah, in Doddavaram village of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. Bhanumathi grew up watching her father performing stage shows. Her father, Venkatasubbiah, was a staunch lover of classical music and gave her early training in music.

Bhanumathi entered the film industry in 1935, and acted in over 200 films in Telugu and Tamil. Bhanumathi was also called as Ashtavadhani by the film industry people as she was a writer, actor, director, producer, singer, music director, editor and studio owner. Bhanumathi  also had a good knowledge of Astrology and philosophy.

he made her debut in Telugu cinema in 1939 as Kalindi in Vara Vikrayam (Telugu), directed by c. Pullaiah. Bhanumathi had acted in Malathi Madhavam, Dharma Patni and Bhaktimala. Her first popular film was Krishna Prema. Her next popular film was Swargaseema, a milestone film in her career. Bhanumathi  later acted in many memorable movies like Chakrapani, Laila Majnu, Vipranarayana, Malliswari, Batasari and Anthastulu. In 1953, she made her directorial debut with Chandirani (made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi). Her last film was made in 1998, entitled Pelli Kanuka. Annadurai gave her a title "Nadippukku Ilakkanam" (means Grammar for acting) that suits her aptly.

Apart from being an exceptional actress, she was also a very talented musician. Bhanumathi  is one of the fine actress of Telugu film industry. Bhanumathi was adept in both Carnatic and Hindustani music. Bhanumathi gave voice to her songs despite it being the norm to use playback singers for actors. Some of her songs are still popular like Pilichina biguvatara, Kila Kila Navvulu, Oh Pavurama, Preme Nerama. Bhanumathi  also provided music to a lot of her films.

During her later years she served on various movie related organizations. Bhanumathi  was a Member of State Film Awards Committee for two years. Bhanumathi was also a Visiting Professor at the Film Institute for one year. Bhanumathi  was Member of Children Film Society for 5 years, from 1965 to 1970.