Savithri is remembered even today for her dynamic performance. She was one of the early South Indian actresses. She acted in 318 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi languages. Per year her ten to fifteen movies used to release.
Early life of Savithri
She was born in a wealthy family. She learnt music and Indian classical dance under Sista Purnayya Sasthri and appeared in some public performances as a child in Vijayawada. She worked in a theatre company .Later on she created her own group, the Navabharata Natya Mandali. She also acted in a play Atma Vanchana by Buchi Babu. Later Savithri married Gemini Ganesan in 1956. Savithri with Gemini Ganesan made a hit on screen pair. Savithri`s appealing performances have entertained the audiences for years. Her films are considered classics by Indian cinema.
Telegu movies:
Savithri was selected for playing the main role in Samsaram but due to her nervousness she was replaced. She suffered from anxiety as she had to share the screen with the legendary actor Nageswara Rao. However she did appeared in a small role. She then appeared in Pelli Chesi Choodu by L. V. Prasad in 1952. Her memorable films are Ardhangi and Missamma.
She acted in memorable films like Palletooru (1952), Chandra Haram (1953), Devadasu (1953), 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).
These movies are testimony to her versatile action ability.
Tamil Movies:
Savithri was a beautiful and talented actress in Tamil. She has paired opposite with leading actors like Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran. Savithri worked with her husband, Gemini Ganesan, in many films, such as, Manam Pola Mangalyam (1956) and Konjum Salangai. Besides this she has also worked with MGR. Savithri gave rapturous and enthralling performance in Chivaraku Migiledi.
Bollywood Movies:
In Bollywood also she left her remarkable contribution. Films like Bahut Din Huwe, Ghar Basake Dekho, Balaram Sri Krishna and Ganga Ki Lahren is examples of it.
Kannada Movies:
She performed in few Kannada films at the end of her filmy career. She played the role of mother of Dr.Rajkumar in superhit films like Thaayige Thakka Maga and Ravichandra. It was her long-time wish to act with Rajkumar. She also acted in Chandanada Gombe.
Savithri as director and producer:
Later on she turned to direction. She directed films such as `Chinnari Papalu`, `Chiranjeevi`, `Maathru Devatha` and `Vintha Samsaram` in Telugu and `Kuzhanthai Ullam` and `Praptham` in Tamil.
Awards of Savithri
In her lifetime Savithri was felicitated with several titles, such as, Kalai Mamani by the Tamil Nadu State Government, Nadigayar Thilakam (Greatest Actress) for her superb performances in Tamil films; Nati Siromani by the Andhra Yuvathi Mandali and Mahanati. Savithri received National Award for the film Chivarakumigiledi.
Filmography:
A Filmography of Savithri includes the following feature films:
Year Movies
1985 Andarikante Monagadu
1978 Ashwathama
1971 Vichithra Dampathyam
1970 Mathru Devatha, Maro Prapancham, Nirdoshi, Thalli Thandrulu
1968 Bandhavyalu
1967 Prana Mithrulu
1966 Bhakta Potana, Manase Mandiram, Navarathri, Sri Krishna Pandaviyam
1965 Manasulu Mamathalu, Naadi Ada Janme, Sumangali, Thiruvilayadal
1964 Devatha, Doctor Chakravarthy, Ganga Ki Lahren, Kai Kodutha Deivam,
Navarathri, Poojaphalam, Velugu Needalu
1963 Nartanasala, Chaduvukunna Ammayilu, Ghar Basake Dekho, Karna
Bhanumathi, Mooga Manasulu, Raktha Tilakam
1962 Atma Bandhuvu, Raktha Sambandham, Gundamma Katha,
Aradhana, Manchi Manasulu, Manithan Maravillai, Pavithra
Prema, Siri
Sampadalu
1961 Kalasivunte Kaladu Sukham, Pandava Vanavasam, Papapariharam,
Pasamalar
1960 Abhimanam, Chivaraku Migiledi, Deepavali, Kalathur Kannamma,
Shantinivasam, Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam, Vimala
1959 Nammina Bantu
1958 Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu, Intiguttu, Mangalya Balam
1957 Maya Bazaar, Karpurakarasi, Kutumba Gauravam, M.L.A., Todi Kodallu,
Vinayaka Chaviti
1956 Amaradeepam, Bhale Ramudu, Charanadaasi
1955 Donga Ramudu, Kanyasulkam, Santanam, Ardhangi, Missamma, Vadina
1954 Parivartana, Chandraharam, Bahut Din Huye, Menarikam
1953 Bratuku Theruvu, Devadasu, Pratigna
1952 Palletooru, Pelli Chesi Choodu
1951 Patala Bhairavi (Dance number), Agni Pareeksha
1950 Samsaram
