Singer Bhanumathi Ramakrishna

P. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna was a trailblazer in Indian cinema, recognized as Telugu cinema’s first female superstar and director. Her multifaceted career included roles as an actress, singer, film producer, director, music composer, and novelist. Bhanumathi’s debut directorial effort was “Chandirani” (1953), making her Telugu cinema’s inaugural female director. Over her career, she appeared in over 100 films primarily in Telugu and Tamil. For her extensive contributions, she received the Padma Bhushan in 2001.