Smt. Savitri Kommareddy(Telugu: సావిత్రి కొమ్మారెడ్డి) (born Savitri Nissankara; 6th December, 1935 – 26th December, 1981) was a popular Indian film actress. She is also known as director and producer. She had appeared in versatile roles among Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi language films. She was known for her liveliness and captivating performance, She called as one of the best actresses in Indian film industry.
Early life:
Savithri was born on December 6th, 1935 to a telugu speaking couple Nissankara Guruviah and Subhadhramma in Chirravuru near Tenali in Guntur, Madras Presidency, now part of Andhra Pradesh. Savithri has only one sibling, a sister, who was one year older than her. Her name was Maruthi. She lost her father when she was just 6 months. With her maternal uncle KommaReddy Venkata Rammaiah Chowdary’s support, she studied till third form eighth standard in Kasturibai Memorial School at Vijayawada, Krishna District. She learned music and Indian classical dance under Sista Purnayya Sasthri started at age of 8 and she performed Stage plays with drama troupes of “Arunodaya Natya Mandali”, and helped to find her way into the film industry.
Career:
She gave some public performances as a child artist in Vijayawada. Later, she worked in a theater company run by Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao. She also started her own company, the Navabharata Natya Mandali. Her best stage role was in Atma Vanchana written by Bucchi Babu.
In Telugu film Industry:
In 1950 Savithiri was introduced as a child artist in a telugu movie ‘Samsaram ‘. K.V. Chaudri helped her to enter the cinema industry and had a good positive response. She acted number of movie’s continuously in Tamil and Telugu. ‘Savithri’ turned South India’s Superstar after ‘Devadas’ which turned to be a mega hit movie.
She was bestowed into the film industry at a very young age (at the age of 12) as she got an offer in the film ‘Agni Pariksha’ in 1949. She merely missed the chance because she looked too young to play the role in that particular film. Soon after that, In 1950 Savithiri was introduced as a child artist in a telugu movie ‘Samsaram’, which was produced by the banner ‘Sadhana Chitra’ but again bad luck shoved off the role since she felt very abashed and tensed up to take through with Akkineni Nageswara Rao as he is a big star. As a result she was replaced by Pushpalatha but was offered a small role in that movie. When the film was released, the producers and directors recognized her inborn talent. She caught chances to act in films like ‘Sankranthi’, ‘Palleturu’ etc. She performed in a dance flick in the legendary film ‘Pathala Bhairavi’ in 1951. There was no looking back for Savithri, after she had performed as a second heroine in the film ‘Pelli Chesi Choodu’ in 1952 by L. V. Prasad.
She acted in memorable films like Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952), Palletooru (1952), Chandra Haram (1953), Devadasu (1953), Ardhangi (1955), Missamma(1955), Donga Ramudu (1955), Amara Deepam (1956), Mayabazaar (1957), Appu Chesi Pappu Kodu (1959), Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960), Aradhana (1962), Gundamma Katha (1962), Rakta Tilakam (1963), Mooga Manasulu (1963), Poojaphalam (1964), Pandava Vanavasam (1965), Prana Mitrulu (1967), Varakatnam (1968), Maro Prapancham (1970) and Jagan Mohini (1978).
Of all Savithri’s movies Chivarakumigiledi is considered to be a magnum opus.But the film was a total financial failure. Apart from those films that are already mentioned there are some more great movies such as DongaRamudu(1956), Todikodallu(1957), Mangalya Balam(1958), Abhimanam(1958), Muripinche muvvalu(1960), Manchi Manasulu(1961), Doctor Chakravarthi(1964) and Devatha(1965) etc. These movies stand as a shining testimony to her versatality as an actress. These movies will find a mention in a list of all time great telugu movies.
In Tamil film Industry:
Savitri was a legendary actress in Tamil. She has paired opposite leading actors like Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran. Savithri acted her 100th film ‘Konjum Salangai’ happened to be paired with Gemini Ganesan. She was fondly called Nadigaiyar Thilagam (நடிகையர் திலகம்) in the Tamil film industry.
In Paasa Malar movie which she was paired opposite Gemini Ganesan and as a sister of Sivaji Ganesan and Navarathiri (நவராத்திரி) brought her accolades from all over pushing her to the top slot in the Tamil Film Industry. Kalathur Kannamma (1959), Missiyamma, Pasamalar (1961), Pava Mannippu (1961) etc. are some of her memorable classics in Tamil cinema.
In Hindi film Industry:
Savitri acted in few Hindi films like Bahut Din Huwe (1954), Ghar Basake Dekho (1963), Ganga Ki Lahren (1964), Balram Shri Krishna (1968).
In Kannada film Industry:
Savitri acted in few Kannada films towards the end of her career. She played the role of mother of Dr.Rajkumar in superhit films like Thaayige Thakka Maga (1978) and Ravichandra (1980). It was her longtime wish to act with Rajkumar. She also acted in Chandanada Gombe and Devaru Kottavara (1975).
In Malayalam film Industry:
Savithri acted in the following Malayalam films Nava Dhaara Chuli (1973), Anthony Punnyavalan (1978) and Ashwathama (1978) in her entire professional career.
As a Director and Producer:
Savithri was not only a distinguished actress but also a refined film director. She had directed films like Chinnari Papalu (1968), Chiranjeevi, Maathru Devatha and Vintha Samsaram in Telugu and a few films in Tamil. Her misfortune started with the film ‘Praptam’ (Mooga Manasulu in Telugu) the Tamil film, which was made under her own production and direction. The film took nearly five years to be completed and that pushed Savithri into debts. She would watch all the Hollywood movies and analyze them in an amazing manner. She loved Sophia Loren and Shirley McLain.
Personal life:
Savithri was married to the Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan in 1955, while she was acting in a movie called “Manampol Mangalyam” with Gemini during that time. She declared it publicly three years after the wedding.It was revealed subsequently when Savithri gave her photo for the Lux soap advertisement, as it was signed as ‘Savithri Ganesh’ at the backside of the photograph. They were blessed with two children Vijaya Chamundeswari and Sathish Kumar.
Savitri was a strict, disciplined and compassionate mother. Because of her work pressure she hardly found some time to spend with her kids. Even then she used to capture some time out of her hectic schedule and spent a good quality of time with her kids. She gave her children complete liberty while insuring certain restrictions on them. She never raised hands at her children. She loved her kids immeasurably. Since there was no availability of televisions at that time, she arranged a 16mm projector, to show the films that she had acted to her kids.
Death:
On the course of her travel to Mysore for a shooting she broke down, went into coma, and was hurried back to Chennai where her children admitted her in a hospital. There she lost her speech and left this world on 26th, December 1981 at Madras. She left her screen life as an eternal model.
Awards and honours:
In 1960, She has received the President’s Rashtrapati Award for her performance in the film Chivaraku Migiledi(1960).
State Awards:
- Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu
- Nata Siromani by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Other honors:
- Maha Nati (Supreme Actress) from Yuvathi Mandali of Andhra Pradesh
- Nadigayar Thilakam (Greatest Actress) from Tamil Film Industry
Filmfare Awards:
Savithri was recepient of the first Best Actress “Fimfare Award South” for “Devadasu“. She also won the most Filmfare Best Actress Awards, five for the films Devadasu (1953), Maya Bazar (1957), Gundamma Katha (1962), Doctor Chakravarthy (1964), Maro Prapancham (1970).
Year | Cinema | Language |
---|---|---|
1950 | Samsaram(సంసారం) | Telugu |
1951 | Patala Bhairavi(పాతాళ భైరవి) | Telugu |
1951 | Roopavathi(రూపవతి) | Telugu |
1951 | Patala Bhairavi( படல பைரவி) | Tamil |
1952 | Aadarsham(ఆదర్శం) | Telugu |
1952 | Palletooru(పల్లెటూరు) | Telugu |
1952 | Pelli Chesi Choodu(పెళ్లి చేసి చూడు) | Telugu |
1952 | Priyuralu(ప్రియురాలు) | Telugu |
1952 | Sankranthi(సంక్రాంతి) | Telugu |
1952 | Shanthi(శాంతి) | Telugu |
1952 | Kalyanam Panni Paar(கல்யாணம் பண்ணி பார்) | Tamil |
1953 | Alludu Chesina Allari(అల్లుడు చేసిన అల్లరి) | Telugu |
1953 | Bratuku Theruvu(బ్రతుకు తెరువు) | Telugu |
1953 | Devadasu(దేవదాసు) | Telugu |
1953 | Kodarikam(కోడరికం) | Telugu |
1953 | Paropakaram(పరోపకారం) | Telugu |
1953 | Pempudu Koduku(పెంపుడు కొడుకు) | Telugu |
1953 | Pratigna(ప్రతిజ్ఞ) | Telugu |
1953 | Devadas(தேவதாஸ்) | Tamil |
1953 | Manampol Mangalyam(மனம்போல் மாங்கல்யம்) | Tamil |
1953 | Parobakaram(பரோபகாரம்) | Tamil |
1953 | Pratignya(ப்ரடிஞ்ய) | Tamil |
1953 | Vanjam(வஞ்சம்) | Tamil |
1954 | Menarikam(మేనరికం) | Telugu |
1954 | Parivartana(పరివర్తన) | Telugu |
1954 | Chandraharam(சன்றஹர்ரம்) | Tamil |
1954 | Kudumbam(குடும்பம்) | Tamil |
1954 | Sugam Enge(சுகம் எங்கே) | Tamil |
1955 | Ardhangi(అర్ధాంగి) | Telugu |
1955 | Donga Ramudu(దొంగ రాముడు) | Telugu |
1955 | Kanyasulkam(కన్యాశుల్కం) | Telugu |
1955 | Missamma(మిస్సమ్మ) | Telugu |
1955 | Santanam(సంతానం) | Telugu |
1955 | Chella Pillai(செல்ல பிள்ளை) | Tamil |
1955 | Gomathiyin Kathalin(கோமதியின் காதலின்) | Tamil |
1955 | Guna Sundari(குண சுந்தரி) | Tamil |
1955 | Maheshwari(மகேஸ்வரி) | Tamil |
1955 | Maman Magal (மாமன் மகள்) | Tamil |
1955 | Missamma(மிஸ்ஸம்மா) | Tamil |
1955 | Santhanam(சந்தனம்) | Tamil |
1956 | Amara Deepam(అమర దీపం) | Telugu |
1956 | Bhale Ramudu(భలే రాముడు) | Telugu |
1956 | Charanadaasi(చరణదాసి) | Telugu |
1956 | Amara Deepam(அமர தீபம்) | Tamil |
1956 | Madarakula Manikkam(மடரகுல மாணிக்கம்) | Tamil |
1956 | Pennin Perumayi(பெண்ணின் பெருமாயி) | Tamil |
1956 | Prema Pasam(பிரேமா பாசம்) | Tamil |
1957 | Bhale Ammayilu(భలే అమ్మాయిలు) | Telugu |
1957 | Kutumba Gowravam(కుటుంబ గౌరవం) | Telugu |
1957 | Maya Bazaar(మాయ బజార్) | Telugu |
1957 | M.L.A.(ఎం.ఎల్.ఎ.) | Telugu |
1957 | Sowbhagyavathi(సౌభాగ్యవతి) | Telugu |
1957 | Thodi Kodallu(తోడి కోడళ్ళు) | Telugu |
1957 | Engelveettu Mahalakshmi(என்கேல்வீட்டு மகாலட்சுமி) | Tamil |
1957 | Iru Sahodarigal(இரு சஹோடரிகள்) | Tamil |
1957 | Karpukarasi(கற்புக்கரசி) | Tamil |
1957 | Mahadevi(மகாதேவி) | Tamil |
1957 | Maya Bazaar(மாயா பஜார்) | Tamil |
1957 | Patini Deivam(படிநி தெய்வம்) | Tamil |
1957 | Vananga Mudi(வணங்க முடி) | Tamil |
1957 | Yar Paiyan(யார் பையன்) | Tamil |
1958 | Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu(అప్పు చేసి పప్పు కూడు) | Telugu |
1958 | Inti Guttu(ఇంటిగుట్టు) | Telugu |
1958 | Karthavarayuni Katha(కార్తవరాయుని కథ) | Telugu |
1958 | Pathi Bhkathi(పతి భక్తి) | Telugu |
1958 | Annaylin Aanaya(அன்னைய்ளின் ஆணைய) | Tamil |
1958 | Kadanvaangi Kalyanam(கடன்வாங்கி கல்யாணம்) | Tamil |
1958 | Kattavarayan(கட்டவாராயண்) | Tamil |
1958 | Kudumba Gowravam(குடும்ப கெளரவம்) | Tamil |
1958 | Maana Malaay(மான மலாய்) | Tamil |
1958 | Panai Pidita Bhagyasali(பனை பிடிட பாஞசளி) | Tamil |
1958 | Pathi Bhakthi(பத்தி பக்தி) | Tamil |
1958 | Thirumanam(திருமணம்) | Tamil |
1959 | Banda Ramudu(బండ రాముడు) | Telugu |
1959 | Bhagya devatha(భాగ్య దేవత) | Telugu |
1959 | Mangalya Balam(మాంగల్య బలం) | Telugu |
1959 | Adhisaya Thirudan(அதிசய திருடன்) | Tamil |
1959 | Bhagya Devathai(பாக்ய தேவதை) | Tamil |
1959 | Manjal Magimai(மஞ்சள் மகிமை) | Tamil |
1960 | Abhimaanam(అభిమానం) | Telugu |
1960 | Chivaraku Migiledi(చివరకు మిగిలేది) | Telugu |
1960 | Deepavali(దీపావళి ) | Telugu |
1960 | Kumkuma Rekha(కుంకుమ రేఖ) | Telugu |
1960 | Maa Babu(మా బాబు) | Telugu |
1960 | MamaKu Thagga Alludu(మామకు తగ్గ అల్లుడు) | Telugu |
1960 | Nammina Bantu(నమ్మిన బంటు) | Telugu |
1960 | Sri Venkateshwara Mahatyam(శ్రీ వెంకటేశ్వర మహత్యం) | Telugu |
1960 | Vimala(విమల) | Telugu |
1960 | Kalathoor Kannama(களத்தூர் கன்னம) | Tamil |
1960 | Kuravanchi(குறவஞ்சி) | Tamil |
1960 | Pattaliyan Vetri(பட்டலியன் வெற்றி) | Tamil |
1960 | Pudiya Paadai(புதிய பாடை) | Tamil |
1961 | Aadarsha Sahodarulu(ఆదర్శ సహోదరులు) | Telugu |
1961 | Kalisi Unte Kaladu Sukham(కలిసి ఉంటే కలదు సుఖం) | Telugu |
1961 | Velugu Needalu(వెలుగు నీడలు) | Telugu |
1961 | Anbu Magan(அன்பு மகன்) | Tamil |
1961 | Ellam Unakkaga(அன்பு மகன்) | Tamil |
1961 | Kappalottiya Thamizhan(கப்பலோட்டிய தமிழன்) | Tamil |
1961 | Pasamalar(பாசமலர்) | Tamil |
1961 | Pavamannipu(பாவமன்னிப்பு) | Tamil |
1961 | Thooya Ullam(தூய உள்ளம்) | Tamil |
1962 | Aaradhana(ఆరాధన) | Telugu |
1962 | Aathma Bandhuvu(ఆత్మ బంధువు) | Telugu |
1962 | Andi Andani Prema(అందీ అందని ప్రేమ) | Telugu |
1962 | Gundamma Katha(గుండమ్మ కథ) | Telugu |
1962 | Kalimi Lemulu(కలిమి లేములు) | Telugu |
1962 | Manchi Manasulu(మంచి మనసులు) | Telugu |
1962 | Muripinche Muvvalu(మురిపించే మువ్వలు) | Telugu |
1962 | Raktha Sambandham(రక్త సంబంధం) | Telugu |
1962 | Siri Sampadalu(సిరి సంపదలు) | Telugu |
1962 | Bandha Pasam(பந்தா பாசம்) | Tamil |
1962 | Ellorum Vazha Vendum(எல்லோரும் வழ வேண்டும்) | Tamil |
1962 | Indra En Selvam(ஈன்ற என் செல்வம்) | Tamil |
1962 | Kathiruntha Kangal(காத்திருந்த கண்கள்) | Tamil |
1962 | Konjum Salangai(கொஞ்சும் சலங்கை) | Tamil |
1962 | Manithan Maravillai(மனிதன் மாறவில்லை) | Tamil |
1962 | Neeya Naana(நீயா நானா) | Tamil |
1962 | Padithal Mattum Podhuma(படித்தல் மட்டும் போதுமா) | Tamil |
1962 | Parthal Pasi Theerum(பார்த்தல் பசி தீரும்) | Tamil |
1962 | Pathakanikkai(பதகநிக்கை) | Tamil |
1962 | Vadivukku Valaikappu(வடிவுக்கு வளைகாப்பு) | Tamil |
1963 | Chaduvukunna Ammayilu(చదువుకున్న అమ్మాయిలు) | Telugu |
1963 | Karna(కర్ణ) | Telugu |
1963 | Mamakaram(మమకారం) | Telugu |
1963 | Muggurammayilu Moodu Hathyalu(ముగ్గురమ్మాయిలు మూడు హత్యలు) | Telugu |
1963 | Narthanashala(నర్తనశాల) | Telugu |
1963 | Thobuttuvulu(తోబుట్టువులు) | Telugu |
1963 | Karpagam(கற்பகம்) | Tamil |
1963 | Parisu(பரிசு) | Tamil |
1963 | Raktha Thilagam(ரக்த திலகம்) | Tamil |
1964 | Doctor Chakravarthy(డాక్టర్ చక్రవర్తి) | Telugu |
1964 | Mooga Manasulu(మూగ మనసులు) | Telugu |
1964 | Pathivratha(పతివ్రత) | Telugu |
1964 | Pooja Phalam(పూజాఫలం) | Telugu |
1964 | Ayiram Roopai(ஆயிரம் ரூபாய்) | Tamil |
1964 | Kai Kodutha Deivam(கை கொடுத்த தெய்வம்) | Tamil |
1964 | Karnan(கர்ணன்) | Tamil |
1964 | Navarathiri(நவராத்திரி) | Tamil |
1964 | Vettaikaran(வேட்டைக்காரன்) | Tamil |
1965 | Devatha(దేవత) | Telugu |
1965 | Manushulu Mamathalu(మనుషులు మమతలు) | Telugu |
1965 | Naadee Aada Janme(నాదీ ఆడ జన్మే) | Telugu |
1965 | Pandava Vanavasam(పాండవ వనవాసం) | Telugu |
1965 | Shiva Leelalu(శివ లీలలు) | Telugu |
1965 | Sumangali(సుమంగళి) | Telugu |
1965 | Hello Mr. Zamindar(ஹலோ மிஸ்டர். சமிந்தர்) | Tamil |
1965 | Pandava Vanavasam(பண்டவ வனவாசம்) | Tamil |
1965 | Poojaikku Vanthamalar(பூஜைக்கு வந்தமலர்) | Tamil |
1965 | Thiruvilayadal(திருவிளையாடல்) | Tamil |
1965 | Vallavanukku Vallavan(வல்லவனுக்கு வல்லவன்) | Tamil |
1966 | Bhaktha Pothana(భక్త పోతన) | Telugu |
1966 | Manase Mandiram(మనసే మందిరం) | Telugu |
1966 | Monagallku Monagadu(మొనగాళ్ళకు మొనగాడు) | Telugu |
1966 | Navarathri(నవరాత్రి) | Telugu |
1966 | Annavin Aasai(அண்ணாவின் ஆசை) | Tamil |
1966 | Saraswati Sabadam(சரஸ்வதி சபதம்) | Tamil |
1966 | Thattungal Thirakka Padum(தட்டுங்கள் திறக்க படும்) | Tamil |
1967 | Kanchu Kota(కంచు కోట) | Telugu |
1967 | Nirdoshi(నిర్దోషి) | Telugu |
1967 | Prana Mithrulu(ప్రాణ మిత్రులు) | Telugu |
1967 | Ummadi Kutumbam(ఉమ్మడి కుటుంబం) | Telugu |
1967 | Kandan Karunai(கண்டன் கருணை) | Tamil |
1967 | Seetha(சீத) | Tamil |
1967 | Thiruvaruth Chelvar(திருவறுத் செல்வர்) | Tamil |
1968 | Bandhavyalu(బాంధవ్యాలు) | Telugu |
1968 | Chinnari Paapalu(చిన్నారి పాపలు) | Telugu |
1968 | Jeevithalu(జీవితాలు) | Telugu |
1968 | Mooga Jeevulu(మూగ జీవులు) | Telugu |
1968 | Thalli Prema(తల్లి ప్రేమ) | Telugu |
1968 | Varakatnam(వరకట్నం) | Telugu |
1969 | Chiranjeevi(చిరంజీవి) | Telugu |
1969 | Mathrudevatha(మాతృదేవత) | Telugu |
1969 | Vichithra Kutumbam(విచిత్ర కుటుంబం) | Telugu |
1969 | Kuzhandai Ullam(குழந்தை உள்ளம்) | Tamil |
1970 | Kodalu Diddina Kaapuram(కోడలు దిద్దిన కాపురం) | Telugu |
1970 | Maro Prapancham(మరో ప్రపంచం) | Telugu |
1970 | Pettandarlu(పెత్తందార్లు) | Telugu |
1970 | Thallitandrulu(తల్లి తండ్రులు) | Telugu |
1970 | C.I.D. Shankar(சி.இ.டி.ஷங்கர் ) | Tamil |
1970 | Thirudatha Thirudan(திருடாத திருடன்) | Tamil |
1971 | Nindu Dampathulu(నిండు దంపతులు) | Telugu |
1971 | Thalli Koothuru(తల్లి కూతురు) | Telugu |
1971 | Vichithra Dampathyam(విచిత్ర దాంపత్యం) | Telugu |
1971 | Annai Valankanni(அன்னை வளங்கண்ணி) | Tamil |
1971 | Praptham(ப்ராப்தம்) | Tamil |
1972 | Agathiyar(அகத்தியர்) | Tamil |
1972 | Jakkamma(ஜக்கம்மா) | Tamil |
1972 | Puguntha Veedu(புகுந்த வீடு) | Tamil |
1972 | Thaikku Oru Pillai(தாய்க்கு ஒரு பிள்ளை) | Tamil |
1973 | Baghdad Perazhagi(பக்ஹ்டாத் பேரழகி) | Tamil |
1973 | Engal Thai(எங்கள் தை) | Tamil |
1973 | Manjul Kumkumam(மஞ்சுள கும்குமம்) | Tamil |
1973 | Pitha Manam Pithu(பித்த மனம் பித்து) | Tamil |
1973 | Surya Kanthi(சூர்யா காந்தி) | Tamil |
1973 | Veettu Mapllai(வீட்டு மப்ல்லை) | Tamil |
1974 | Akkaraipachai(அக்கரைபச்சை) | Tamil |
1974 | Pudavellum(புடவெல்லும்) | Tamil |
1975 | Antharangam(அந்தரங்கம்) | Tamil |
1975 | Agra Haarathi Khajuthai(ஆக்ரா ஹாரதி க்ஹசுதை) | Tamil |
1975 | Puthu Vellam(புது வெள்ளம்) | Tamil |
1978 | Ashwathama(ಅಶ್ವಥಮ) | Kannada |
1978 | Vattathukkul Sthuram (வட்டத்துக்குள் சதுரம்) | Tamil |
1979 | Amar Deep (अमर दीप) | Hindi |
1979 | Chandanada Gombe(ಚಂದನದ ಗೊಂಬೆ) | Kannada |
1979 | Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum(அல்ளுடினும் அற்புத விளக்கும்) | Tamil |
1979 | Thaayige Thakka Maga(ತಾಯಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕ ಮಗ) | Kannada |
1979 | Gorintaku(గోరింటాకు) | Telugu |
1980 | Circus Ramudu(సర్కస్ రాముడు) | Telugu |
1980 | Ravi Chandra(ರವಿ ಚಂದ್ರ) | Kannada |
1981 | Andarikante Monagadu(అందరికంటే మొనగాడు) | Telugu |
1981 | Pavitra Prema(పవిత్ర ప్రేమ) | Telugu |
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