Producer Krishnaveni Who Introduced NTR, Passes Away at 102!

Tollywood is saddened by the passing away of senior actress cum producer Krishnaveni who is credited for launching Sr NTR in the film industry. She earned a unique chapter in the history of Telugu cinema by becoming the early female actress in Telugu cinema.

She was also a singer, producer, and studio head. She breathed her last today early morning at 4 AM due to illness.

Krishnaveni was born on December 24, 1924, in Pangidi village of West Godavari district. She has been interested in theatre since childhood. Director C. Pullaiah, who wanted to make the film ‘Anasuya’ with child stars, saw Krishnaveni’s play ‘Thulabharam’ in Rajahmundry and selected her for the title role.

Krishnaveni was ten years old at that time. The entire production of this film took place in Kolkata. About 60 children and girls acted in this film.

In 1937, C.S.R. Anjaneyulu encouraged her and took her to Chennai. At that time, she acted in the film ‘Thukaram.’ Later, she went on to be seen in many successful movies.

Krishnaveni sang her own songs when she started her career as an actress. She also crooned for Anjali Devi in Keelu Gurram. Lakshmamma and Gollabhama are two films that brought her immense fame.

In 1939, while acting in the film ‘Mahananda,’ she met the famous director and producer Mirzapuram Raja. Later, their relationship blossomed into love, resulting in their marriage in 1940.

After marriage, Krishnaveni did not act in outside films as per her husband’s wish. She also supervised the activities of her Shobhanachala Studios. They produced many films under the same banner.

Chadalavada Narayana Rao was introduced as a hero through the first social film ‘Jeevana Jyothi’, which came out under this banner.

Krishnaveni is credited with introducing Sr NTR to the silver screen. In 1942, Anuradha Devi was born to Krishnaveni and Mirzapuram Raja. She founded a banner named M.R.A. and produced the film ‘Mana Desam’ under the direction of L.V. Prasad.

NTR was introduced to the film industry through this film. This film is based on the Bengali novel ‘Vipradasu’. Krishnaveni introduced Ghantasala and Ramesh Naidu as music directors, P. Leela and Jikki as singers, and Erra Appa Rao as a director! She is also the highest-paid actress of the first generation.

At that time, she took a salary of 45 thousand. Another actress who took a salary equal to her was Bhanumathi. Krishnaveni’s last film as an actress was ‘Sahasam’. Her last film as a producer was ‘Dampatyam’ in 1957.

Andhra Pradesh state government, recognizing Krishnaveni’s services to the Telugu cinema industry, honored her with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu Award. Krishnaveni also participated in the ‘Manadesam’ diamond jubilee celebrations held in Vijayawada recently.

She traveled to Vijayawada in a wheelchair and was honored on the stage by former Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu.