Nirmalamma (18 July 1920 – 19 February 2009) was an Indian actress in the

Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Cinema of India, Indian cinema dedicated to the production of Film, motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Based in Film N ...

. She appeared in more than 1000 films and was well known for her grandmother roles in several films. She won two

Nandi Awards The Nandi Awards are annual awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. The awards are named after the monolithic ...

Early life

She was born in

Machilipatnam Machilipatnam (), also known as Masulipatnam and Bandar (), is a city in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of Krishna district. It is also the Tehsil, mandal ...

Madras Presidency The Madras Presidency or Madras Province, officially called the Presidency of Fort St. George until 1937, was an administrative subdivision (province) of British India and later the Dominion of India. At its greatest extent, the presidency i ...

British India The provinces of India, earlier presidencies of British India and still earlier, presidency towns, were the administrative divisions of British governance in South Asia. Collectively, they have been called British India. In one form or another ...

Film career

Her debut film was ''Garuda Garvabhangam'' in 1943. Nirmalamma has worked along with almost all famous artists in Telugu Cinema like NTR,

ANR ANR may refer to: People * Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Indian actor and producer in Telugu cinema Places * Akkineni Nageswara Rao College, sometimes called ANR College, in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India * Antwerp International Airport (IATA code) E ...

Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...

, S. V. Ranga Rao,

Rajendra Prasad Rajendra Prasad (3 December 1884 – 28 February 1963) was an Indian politician, lawyer, journalist and scholar who served as the first president of India from 1950 to 1962. He joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian independen ...

, P. B. Srinivas,

Chiranjeevi Konidela Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad; 22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, philanthropist and former politician known for his work in Telugu cinema. Known as the "Mega Star", he is widely regarded as one of the most succe ...

Nandamuri Balakrishna Nandamuri Balakrishna (born 10 June 1960), also known as Balayya or NBK, is an Indian actor, film producer, politician and philanthropist known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative A ...

, Venkatesh,

Nagarjuna Nāgārjuna (Sanskrit: नागार्जुन, ''Nāgārjuna''; ) was an Indian monk and Mahayana, Mahāyāna Buddhist Philosophy, philosopher of the Madhyamaka (Centrism, Middle Way) school. He is widely considered one of the most importa ...

and many more. She is one of the artists who appears in almost all of the movies of S. V. Krishna Reddy and E. V. V. Satyanarayana. In a career spanning over five decades, she worked in over 700 films and bagged Nandi award for best supporting actress for her role in ‘Mayuri’. Her roles in films like ‘Sankarabharanam’, ‘Yamagola’, ‘Padaharella Vayasu’, ‘Swathi Muthyam’, ‘Maavi Chiguru’ and ‘Subha Sankalpam’ remain unforgettable. She has had memorable roles in the films ''Chinnodu Peddodu'', ''

Padaharella Vayasu ''Padaharella Vayasu'' () is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film starring Chandra Mohan, Sridevi and Mohan Babu. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, it is a remake of the Tamil film ''16 Vayathinile'' (1977), which also starred Srid ...

'', ''Kanakamahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe'', '' Gang Leader'', '' Mayalodu'', ''Egirey Paavurama'', ''Rendilla Poojari'', '' Devatha'' (Shoban babu's movie), ''Chinnarayudu'', '' Dalapathi'', ''

Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu ''Alibaba Ara Dozen Dongalu'' () is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language comedy film written and directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana starring Rajendra Prasad, Ravali, and Srikanya, with music composed by Vidyasagar. The film was released on 31 Decem ...

'', ''Sitharatnam Gaari Abbayi'', ''Mamagaaru'', '' Aa Okkati Adakku'', '' Karthavyam'', ''Chalaki Mogudu'' and ''Chadastapu Pellam''. She has established Nirmala Arts and produced ''Chalaki Mogudu Chadasthapu Pellam'', starring

, directed by Relangi Narasimha Rao. Her last movie was '' Premaku Swagatham'', directed by famous director S. V. Krishna Reddy. Her last public appearance was at the Vajrothsava celebrations of Telugu cinema where many celebrities remembered her for the fact that she has played as mother/grandmother for many generations of Telugu Cinema.

Personal life

She had no children of her own, but adopted a daughter, Kavitha.

Awards

* 1984 Best Supporting Actress - '' Mayuri'' * 1999 Best Character Actress - ''

Seetharama Raju ''Seetharama Raju'' is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Y. V. S. Chowdary. Produced by Nagarjuna, and D. Sivaprasad Reddy, it stars Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Sakshi Shivanand, and Sang ...

Selected filmography

This is partial list of her films.

Telugu films

1950s

* '' Garuda Garvabhangam'' (1956) * '' Paduka Pattabhishekam'' (1957) * ''BhagyaDevatha'' (1959)

1960s

* '' Krishna Prema'' (1960) - Rukmini * '' Bharya Bharthalu'' (1961) * '' Kula Gothralu'' (1962) * '' Devatha '' (1964) * '' Potti Pleader'' (1966) * '' Sri Krishna Tulabharam'' (1966) Devaki * ''Pedarasi Peddamma Katha'' (1968) * ''Deva kanya'' (1968) * '' Sri Rama Katha'' (1969) -

Sumitra Sumitra (, IAST: Sumitrā) is a princess of Kashi and the queen of Kosala in the Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. Sumitra is the second queen consort of Dasharatha, the king of Kosala, who ruled from Ayodhya. Regarded to be a wise and dedicated wom ...

* '' Ekaveera'' (1969)

1970s

* ''

Thirumalai Thenkumari ''Thirumalai Thenkumari'' () is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. Inspired by the 1969 film ''If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium'', it features an ensemble cast consisting of Sivakumar, Kumari Padmin ...

'' (1970) * '' Vidhi Vilasam'' (1970) as Krishna's mother * ''Naa Tammudu'' (1971) * '' Atthalu Kodallu'' (1971) as Bangaramma * '' Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu'' (1973) * '' Devudu Chesina Manushulu'' (1973) * ''Devudamma'' (1973) * ''Nindu Kutumbam'' (1973) * ''Samsara Saagaram'' (1973) * ''

Meena Meena () is a tribe from northern and western India which is sometimes considered a sub-group of the Bhil community. It used to be claimed they speak Mina language, a Spurious languages, spurious language. Its name is also transliterated as ' ...

'' (1973) as Kamala * '' Jeevana Jyothi'' (1975) * '' Siri Siri Muvva'' (1976) * '' Padi Pantalu'' (1976) as Guravayya's mother * ''

Yamagola ''Yamagola'' ( Havoc in Hell or The Great Havoc) is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language fantasy comedy film directed by T. Rama Rao who co-wrote the film with D. V. Narasa Raju. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jaya Prada, with music composed by Cha ...

'' (1977) * ''Chillarakottu Chittamma'' (1977) * '' Vayasu Pilichindi'' (1978) * ''

'' (1978) as Gangamma * ''

Love Marriage A love marriage is one which is driven solely by the couple, with or without consent of their parents, as opposed to arranged marriage. While there is no clear definition of love marriage, the term was in common use globally during the Victorian ...

'' (1978) as Parvathi * '' Sivaranjani'' (1978) * '' Kothala Raayudu'' (1979) as Parvati, Satyam's mother * ''

Sankarabharanam Sankarabharanam may refer to: * ''Sankarabharanam'' (1980 film), an Indian Telugu-language musical drama film * ''Sankarabharanam'' (2015 film), an Indian Telugu-language crime comedy film * Sankarabharanam (raga), a rāga in Carnatic music ...

'' (1979)

1980s

* ''Mosagadu'' (1980) * '' Agni Poolu'' (1981) * '' Amavasya Chandrudu (1981) * ''Illantaa Sandadi'' (1982) * '' Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu'' (1982) * ''Kalavari Samsaram'' (1982) * '' Jagannatha Rathachakralu'' (1982) as Ramu and Krishna's mother * '' Kayyala Ammayi Kalavari Abbayi'' (1982) as Hari's mother * '' Subhalekha'' (1982) * '' Kaliyuga Ramudu'' (1982) * '' Chattaniki Veyyi Kallu'' (1983) as Prathap Kumar & Anandh's mother * '' Sangharshana'' (1983) * '' Prema Pichollu'' (1983) * ''Kalyana Veena'' (1983) * ''

Manthri Gari Viyyankudu ''Mantri Gari Viyyankudu'' is a 1983 Telugu-language film released directed by Bapu and stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role and Poornima Jayaram, Nirmalamma and Allu Ramalingaiah in important roles. This was actress Poornima’s first and o ...

'' (1983) as Annapoornamma * '' Maga Maharaju'' (1983) * ''Mugguru Monagallu'' (1983) * '' Rustum'' (1984) * '' Mayuri'' (1984) * '' Mahanagaramlo Mayagadu'' (1984) * ''

Jagan Jagan is an Indian actor and comedian A comedian (feminine comedienne) or comic is a person who seeks to entertainment, entertain an audience by making them laughter, laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting foo ...

'' (1984) * '' Kanchu Kagada'' (1984) as Janakamma * ''Danavudu'' (1984) * '' Anubandham'' (1984) * ''

Hero A hero (feminine: heroine) is a real person or fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or Physical strength, strength. The original hero type of classical epics did such thin ...

'' (1984) * ''Babai Abbai'' (1985) as Godaramma * '' Kongumudi'' (1985) as Susheela's grandmother * '' Ooriki Soggadu'' (1985) as Rajamma * ''Samsaram O Sangeetam'' (1985) * ''Sravanthi'' (1985) * ''Muchchataga Mugguru'' (1985) * '' Swathi Muthyam'' (1985) * ''

Nireekshana ''Nireekshana'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film co-written, directed, filmed, and edited by Balu Mahendra. Produced by Linga Raju, the film stars Bhanu Chander and Archana. Allu Ramalingaiah, P. L. Narayana and Rall ...

'' (1986) * '' Jailu Pakshi'' (1986) * '' Krishna Garadi'' (1986) * '' Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu'' (1986) * '' Kondaveeti Raja'' (1986) * '' Aakrandana'' (1986) * '' Naa Pilupe Prabhanjanam'' (1986) as Manikyamma * ''Naaku Pellam Kavali'' (1987) * '' Sri Kanaka Mahalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe'' (1987) as Padi Sundaramma * '' Bharatamlo Arjunudu'' (1987) * '' Viswanatha Nayakudu'' (1987) as Soudamini, Kalavati's grandmother * '' Gundammagari Krishnulu (1987) * '' Khaidi No.786'' (1988) * '' Manchi Donga'' (1988) * ''Mr Hero'' (1988) * '' Aakhari Poratam'' (1988) * ''Maa Inti Maharaju'' (1988) * ''Chinnodu Peddodu'' (1988) * '' Ooregimpu'' (1988) * '' Varasudochhadu'' (1988) * ''Adavilo Ardharathri'' (1989) * '' Siva'' (1989) * '' Vijay'' (1989) * '' Vintha Dongalu'' (1989) as Vishnumurthy's ( Rao Gopal Rao) mother * '' Ajatha Satruvu'' (1989) as Kasulamma * '' Sarvabhoumudu'' (1989) as Janaki, Sarvabhowma's mother * '' Chalaki Mogudu Chadastapu Pellam'' (1989)

1990s

* '' Kondaveeti Donga'' (1990) * '' Mahajananiki Maradalu Pilla'' (1990) * '' Karthavyam'' (1990) as Mahalakshmi * '' Neti Dowrjanyam'' (1990) as Bharathamma * '' Gang Leader'' (1991) * ''

Mamagaru Mamagaru () is a 1991 Telugu-language drama film directed by Muthyala Subbaiah. It stars Dasari Narayana Rao, Vinod Kumar Alva, Aishwarya and Yamuna in the main roles. The film is a remake of the Tamil film ''Naan Pudicha Mappillai''. The be ...

'' (1991) * '' People's Encounter'' (1991) * '' Killer'' (1992) as Subba Lakshmi * '' Aapathbandhavudu'' (1992) * ''Srimaan Brahmachari'' (1992) * ''Karuninchina Kanaka Durga'' (1992) * ''Collector Gari Alludu'' (1992) * ''Seethapathi Chalo Tirupathi'' (1992) * '' Raatri'' (1992) * '' Prema Sikharam'' (1992) * '' Sundarakanda'' (1992) * ''Seetharatnam Gari Abbayi'' (1992) * '' Aa Okkati Adakku'' (1992) * '' Chinarayudu'' (1992) * '' Bava Bavamaridi'' (1993) * '' Rakshana'' (1993) * ''Sh... Gup Chup'' (1993) * '' Mayalodu'' (1993) * '' Matru Devo Bhava'' (1993) * '' Pekata Papa Rao'' (1993) * ''

'' (1993) * '' Allari Premikudu'' (1994) as Lakshmi Devi * ''Raithu Bharatam'' (1994) * '' Chinnabbulu'' (1995) * '' Big Boss'' (1995) * ''

Subha Sankalpam ''Subha Sankalpam'' () is a 1995 Indian Telugu-language film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The film features Kamal Haasan, Aamani and Priya Raman in lead roles, with Viswanath playing a significant suppor ...

'' (1995) as Lakshmamma * ''Soggadi Pellam'' (1996) * ''Sampradayam'' (1996) as Kumar Raja's grandmother * '' Maavichiguru'' (1996) * '' Egire Paavurama'' (1997) * '' Aahvaanam'' (1997) * '' Aaro Pranam'' (1997) * '' Raayudu'' (1998) * '' Pandaga'' (1998) * ''

'' (1999) * ''

Sneham Kosam ''Sneham Kosam'' () is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by A. M. Ratnam under the Sri Surya Movies banner. Directed by K. S. Ravikumar, the film stars Chiranjeevi in a dual role of father and son, along with Vijayakumar, ...

'' (1999)

2000s

* '' Kodanda Ramudu'' (2000) * '' Premaku Swagatham'' (2002) * '' Prema Donga'' (2002)

Tamil films

* '' Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu'' (1978) * '' Raja Paarvai'' (1981) * '' Thalapathi'' (1991) * ''

Kalaignan ''Kalaignan'' () is a 1993 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language thriller film written and directed by G. B. Vijay and produced by Ramkumar Ganesan. It stars Kamal Haasan and Farheen while Ooha, Sivaranjani, Sindhuja, Nirmalamma and Chi. Guru D ...

'' (1993) *'' Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari'' (1995) *''

Coimbatore Mappillai () is a 1996 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by C. Ranganathan. It stars Vijay (actor), Vijay and Sanghavi. The film's score and music was composed by Vidyasagar (composer), Vidyasagar. It was re ...

'' (1996)

Hindi films

* '' Raat'' (1992)

References

External links

* {{authority control 1920 births 2009 deaths Actresses in Telugu cinema Indian film actresses Actresses from Andhra Pradesh 20th-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian actresses Nandi Award winners People from Machilipatnam Actors from Krishna district