VIJAYAWADA: It was often said that stars of yesteryears, especially heores in Tamil and Telugu films and even established character actors, became nervous when cast opposite the legendary actress Savitri whose natural histrionic talents were difficult to beat.
Kommareddy Savitri, who, with great difficulty, managed to get the heroine’s role in Santanam, attained stardom with Devadasu with her outstanding portrayal of Parvati. A contemporary stage artiste of NT Rama Rao, Savitri’s was not a story of instant success. After struggling hard for some time, she became, by sheer chance, the heroine of Vedantam Raghavaiah’s classic, Devadasu. After an initial hesitation Raghvaiah selected her for the role of Parvati and the rest is history.
Fortune favoured her again when she was cast as Miss Mary in the film Missamma with the reigning queen Bhanumati walking out of the film after working for a couple of scheduleds following a tiff with producer Chakrapani of the famous Nagireddy-Chakrapani duo. The film was huge success and Savitri never looked back after that, enacting memorable roles in film after film and giving a hit after a hit.
From mythological to socio-fantasy to films based on Bengali writer Saratchandra’s works like Todi Kodallu (Nishkruti), Ardhangi (Swayamsiddha), or those based on our own pulp romantic novels like Dr Chakrvarthy (Koduri Kausalya Devi’s Sanku Thirtha), Savitri brought dignity to the role she potrayed.
On her death anniversary today, rich tributes were paid to her by speakers at a function held here. Noted columnist T Kutumba Rao said Savitri would have acted in Bollywood and Hollyhood films had Providence helped her and her marriage to Gemini Ganeshan was not rocked.
Speaking at a programme organised by Mahanatimani Savitri Kalapeetham at the AP Film Chamber Hall here, he went down the memory lane and recollected the superb roles she essayed in umpteen number of films. Rao, a veteran journalist and wellknown film critic, described Savitri as a `great jewel of the Indian film industry’.
Vijayawada Mayor Ratnabindu praised Savitri’s priceless contribution to the Indian film industry, the Telugu and Tamil industry in particular, and said the legendary actress would alway live in the hearts of the Telugu people.
The Kalapeetham presented awards to classical dancer Rusha Sree, Citi Cable announcer Pagidipati Janaki, dance master Ghantasala Pavan Kumar, videogrphaer Prem Kumar and video editor Narayana.
Industrialist Koganti Satyanarayana and former mayor Thadi Shakumthala were also present.
