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Mahanati Savitri: The Life and Legacy of a Legendary Actress
Mahanati Savitri was one of the most celebrated and influential actresses of Indian cinema. She starred in more than 250 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam languages, and earned the epithets Mahanati (The great actress) and Nadigaiyar Thilagam (The pride of actresses). She was known for her versatility, liveliness and captivating performance, and is still considered as a benchmark for acting in South Indian films.
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Born on December 6, 1935 in Chirravuru, Andhra Pradesh, Savitri showed a talent for dance and drama from a young age. She participated in many stage plays and won the admiration of famous actor Prithviraj Kapoor. She moved to Chennai with her uncle to pursue a career in films, and made her debut in the 1950 Telugu film Samsaram. Her first significant role was in the 1952 film Pelli Chesi Choodu, which was also her first film with Gemini Ganesan, whom she later married secretly.
Savitri rose to fame with films like Devadasu (1953), Missamma (1955), Mayabazar (1957), Aradhana (1962) and Gundamma Katha (1962), where she showcased her acting prowess and screen presence. She worked with some of the most prominent actors and directors of her time, such as N.T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, K. Balachander and B.N. Reddy. She also ventured into playback singing, dancing, directing and producing films. She was one of the highest-paid and most popular actresses of her era, and received many awards and honors for her work.
However, Savitri's personal life was not as smooth as her professional one. Her marriage with Gemini Ganesan was troubled by his affairs and financial issues. She also developed a drinking habit and became addicted to sleeping pills. She faced a decline in her career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as she lost many roles to younger actresses. She also suffered from health problems and depression. She died on December 26, 1981 at the age of 46, after spending a year in a coma.
Savitri's life story has inspired many books, documentaries and films over the years. The most recent one is Mahanati (2018), a biographical film directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Keerthy Suresh as Savitri. The film received critical acclaim and commercial success, and won several national and international awards. It also revived the interest and admiration for Savitri among the new generation of film lovers.
Mahanati Savitri was a legend who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her legacy lives on through her films, songs and memories. She was a mahanati in every sense of the word.
Some of Savitri's films are considered as classics and landmarks of Indian cinema. Here are five films of the late actress that are a must watch for any film lover:
- Mayabazar (1957): This film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made in India. It is based on a sub-plot of the epic Mahabharata, and features Savitri as Sasirekha, the daughter of Balarama and the love interest of Abhimanyu. Savitri's performance as the innocent and charming princess is delightful and memorable. The film also stars N.T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and S.V. Ranga Rao in pivotal roles.
- Missamma (1955): This film is a comedy-drama that revolves around two unemployed graduates who pretend to be a married couple to get a job as teachers in a school run by a strict Christian. Savitri plays Mary, a Christian woman who falls in love with M.T. Rao (N.T. Rama Rao), a Hindu man who poses as her husband. Savitri's comic timing and chemistry with N.T. Rama Rao are the highlights of the film.
- Devadasu (1953): This film is based on the novel Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and tells the tragic story of Devadasu (Akkineni Nageswara Rao), a wealthy man who becomes an alcoholic after being separated from his childhood love Parvathi (Savitri). Savitri's portrayal of Parvathi, who suffers silently for her love, is heart-wrenching and soulful. The film was a huge success and received special mentions at India International Film Festival.
- Gundamma Katha (1962): This film is a comedy-drama that deals with the theme of gender equality and social justice. It features Savitri as Lakshmi, a kind-hearted and educated woman who marries Anji (N.T. Rama Rao), the son of Gundamma (Suryakantham), a rich and arrogant widow who ill-treats her daughter-in-law Saroja (Jamuna). Savitri's role as Lakshmi, who teaches Gundamma a lesson with her intelligence and dignity, is inspiring and empowering.
- Aradhana (1962): This film is a musical romance that showcases Savitri's singing talent. She plays Radha, a singer who falls in love with Gopi (Akkineni Nageswara Rao), a harmonium player. The film has some of the most melodious songs composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao and sung by Ghantasala and P. Susheela. Savitri's voice modulation and expression as Radha are mesmerizing and enchanting.
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