Veteran actor, producer, and playback singer Chittajallu Krishnaveni, who predominantly worked in Telugu films, passed away at the age of 100 due to age-related ailments. The actor breathed her last at her residence in Hyderabad on Sunday, February 16.
Krishnaveni is known for her versatile performances and her contribution to Telugu cinema. She shaped the contours of the Telugu film industry, working in several landmark films. She also introduced talents like NT Rama Rao (in Mana Desam in 1949) and Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, who went on to become Telugu cinema legends themselves.
She also cast Akkineni Nageswara Rao in Keelugurram and produced many Telugu films. She also made Bhakta Kumbara in Kannada with Rajkumar.
She also showcased her talent as a playback singer, making a lasting impact on the industry.
For her immense contributions to Telugu cinema, Krishnaveni was honoured with the Andhra Pradesh state government’s Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2004.
Krishnaveni hailed from Pangidi, West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. She was a drama artist before she joined the film industry. She made her debut with the film Anasuya as a child artist.
Her father Krishna Rao was a doctor. She moved to Chennai in 1939, where she began to receive several offers to act in Telugu films. She also acted in other language films, including Tamil.
Her passing has left the film fraternity in deep sorrow. Many politicians and members of the film industry, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyan, former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and others.