Veteran Telugu actress C Krishnaveni dies at 102 in Hyderabad

Krishnaveni passed away due to age-related issues, Madala Ravi told PTI. She is survived by her daughter.

Veteran Telugu actress and producer C Krishnaveni died here on Sunday, Movie Artistes Association (MAA) Vice-President Madala Ravi said.

She was 102 years old. Krishnaveni passed away due to age-related issues, Madala Ravi told PTI. She is survived by her daughter. Born in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, Krishnaveni debuted as an actress in Kacha Devayani in 1938 and went on to act in over 40 movies. She introduced former Chief Minister and versatile actor N T Rama Rao to the film industry through her film Mana Desam, in which she also acted.

Krishnaveni was born on December 24, 1924, in Pangidi, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. She began her journey as a drama artist before transitioning to films, making her debut as a child artist in Sati Anasuya (1936). After relocating to Chennai with her family, she received numerous acting opportunities in both Telugu and Tamil cinema.

In 1939, at the age of 15, she married Mirzapuram Raja, the Zamindar of Mirzapuram. She later took charge of her husband’s production house, Sobhanachala Studios in Chennai, where she played a pivotal role in introducing several legendary actors to the film industry.

She produced about a dozen movies including Bhisma and Daksha Yagnam, through her family-owned studio. In recognition of her contributions to the film industry, she was honored with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2004.

Also read: Sudheer Babu starrer Jatadhara officially begins filming after Muhurat ceremony, Shilpa Shirodkar joins the cast

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condoled Krishnaveni’s death. Naidu in a post on X said, "The death of the actress and film producer Krishnaveni saddens me. I pray to God to grant peace to the soul of Krishnaveni. Her service to the art world by introducing NTR to the film industry with the film ’Mana Desam’ is unforgettable. I express my deepest condolences to her family members."

She showcased her talent in several notable films, including Malli Pelli (1939), Bhakta Prahlada (1942), Bhishma (1944), Brahma Ratham (1947), and Gollabhama (1947).