P. Bhanumathi

Dr. Paluvayi Bhanumathi Ramakrishna (September 7, 1925 – December 24, 2005) was a noted Indian film actress, music director, singer, and songwriter. ^[1]. Most of her works are in Telugu and Tamil languages. She was born in Doddavaram village of Guntur District (now in Prakasam district), Andhra Pradesh.

She married Sri P. S. Ramakrishna Rao, a film producer, director and editor of Telugu and Tamil Films on 8 August 1943. The couple had one son and later launched a Production company, Bharani Pictures.

Film career

She entered the film industry in 1935, and acted in over 200 films in Telugu and Tamil. She made her debut in Telugu cinema in 1939 in Varavikrayam (Telugu), directed by P Pulliah. In 1953, she made her directorial debut with 'Chandi Rani' (made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi).Her last film was made in 1998, entitled Pelli kanuka.

Apart from being an exceptional actress, she was also a very talented musician. Her father Mr. Bommaraju Venkatasubbiah was a staunch lover of classical music and gave her early training in music. She was adept in both Carnatic and Hindustani music. She gave voice to her songs long after it became the norm to use playback singers for actors. Some of her songs are still popular like "Pilichina biguvatara" ,"kila kila navvula","preme nerama". She also provided music to a lot of her films.

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

She also called an Ashtavadhani by the film industry people as she was a writer, actor, director, producer, singer, music director, editor and studio owner. She also had good knowledge in Astrology and philosophy.

Literary career

Bhanumati was also a talented writer with a number of short stories to her credit. Her autobiography Nalo Nenu was published in Telugu and later, released in English as Musings. Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy awarded her as the best short story writer for her popular short stories "Attagari Kathalu". She was a Member of Lalith Kala Academy for 5 years, and Sahitya Academy, Andhra Pradesh for 10 years. She served as Director and Principal of the Tamil Nadu Government Music College, Chennai, for three years.

Philanthropy

She was an eminent social worker who was closely associated with a number of Social Service Organizations. She was the founder member and treasurer of Madras branch of "Altrusa International Inc.", Chicago for life long starting from 1963. She was a life time member of the 'Red Cross Society'. She established an educational institution named as "Dr. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Matriculation School" at Saligramam, Chennai providing free education to the poor.

Accolades and Recognition

Bhanumati was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian recognition by the Government of India. She won the best actress awards multiple times. She also won the Best Director award at the state level. For a full listing of all the awards conferred on her, please refer to the Awards section.