Tollywood: Yesteryear heroine Jamuna, 86, passes away in Hyderabad; film industry condoles

In her time, Jamuna donned dynamic, memorable roles opposite stalwarts like NT Rama Rao aka NTR and Akkineni Nageswara Rao aka ANR. She was well known for her bold roles and won acclaim for her portrayal of 'Satyabhama' legendary character. Inspired by Indira Gandhi, she joined Congress and became an MP from Rajahmundry in 1989. Later, she shifted loyalty to the BJP.

Hyderabad: Veteran actress Jamuna, 86, breathed her last on Friday morning at her residence in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness. She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. Her filmography in Hindi included movies like Miss Mary, Ek Raaz, Rishte Nate, Milan and Dulhan. Born as Jana Bai, the actress shared screen space with acting legends Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao aka NTR and Akkineni Nageswara Rao aka ANR.

A legend of the South film industry, Jamuna acted in 198 films in Telugu and other languages mostly in the south including 11 films in Hindi. Jamuna was born at Hampi in Karnataka on August 30, 1936. Her parents Nippani Srinivasa Rao and Kowsalya Devi later moved to Andhra Pradesh. She is survived by a son and a daughter. She received her primary education at Duggirala in Guntur district and was a stage artist in her school days.

Showing her talent early, Jamuna learnt singing and harmonium from her mother. Actor Jaggayya first gave her a role in drama 'Khiljiraju Pathanam'. Later, she got her first chance in films after director Garikapati Raja Rao saw her performance in 'Maa Bhoomi' drama. Jamuna won Filmfare award for best supporting actress for 'Milan' (1967), a remake of Telugu movie Mooga Manasulu which featured Nageswara Rao and Savitri along with Jamuna.

Jamuna became well known for her dynamic, bold heroine roles. She won acclaim for her portrayal of legendary character 'Satyabhama'. Attracted to the leadership of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, she joined the Congress party and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, in 1989. She quit politics after suffering defeat in 1991. She later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was active in late 1990s.

Jamuna's acting career spanned over four decades and starred opposite legendary actors. She made her acting debut at the age of 16. Her first film was Puttillu (1953). She won acclaim for her supporting role in Telugu film Missamma (1955).