Hyderabad February 16,2025
Veteran Telugu actress and producer Chittajallu Krishnaveni passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Born on December 24, 1924, in Pangidi, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Krishnaveni was a pioneering figure in the Telugu film industry. Her demise has prompted an outpouring of grief, with many expressing their condolences and highlighting her invaluable contributions to cinema.
Krishnaveni began her illustrious career as a drama artist before transitioning to films. She made her cinematic debut as a child artist in the 1936 film “Sati Anasuya.” In 1939, she moved to Chennai to pursue acting opportunities in Telugu cinema and also appeared in Tamil films.
In 1939, she married the Mirzapuram zamindar and became actively involved in film production at her husband’s Sobhanachala Studios in Chennai. As a producer, Krishnaveni is best remembered for the 1949 film “Mana Desam,” which was instrumental in introducing several stalwarts to the Telugu film industry. Notably, the film marked the acting debut of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), who would later become a legendary actor and politician. Additionally, “Mana Desam” introduced Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao as a music director and P. Leela as a playback singer. The film was based on the Bengali novel “Vipradas.”
Throughout her career, Krishnaveni was associated with numerous films, both as an actress and a producer. Her acting credits include “Mohini Rukmangada” (1937), “Kacha Devayani” (1938), “Malli Pelli” (1939), and “Gollabhama” (1947), among others. As a producer, she managed production companies such as Jaya Pictures, later renamed Sobhanachala Studios, and her own company, MRA Productions, named after her daughter Meka Rajyalakshmi Anuradha. Some of the notable films she produced include “Lakshmamma,” “Dampatyam,” and “Bhakta Prahlada.”
Krishnaveni’s contributions extended beyond acting and production; she also lent her voice as a playback singer in films like “Keelu Gurram” (1949) and “Bala Mitrula Katha” (1972).
Her dedication to the arts and her role in shaping the Telugu film industry have left an indelible mark. As the community mourns her loss, many remember her as a trailblazer whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
