Mahanati Savitri was not only a trailblazing actress but also a singer and filmmaker. Known for her versatility, grace, and powerful performances, Savitri’s career spanned over three decades and more than 250 films across various languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. Savitri was hailed as the epitome of method acting in South Indian cinema, earning revered epithets like “Mahanati” in Telugu and “Nadigaiyar Thilagam” in Tamil.
Early Life
Savitri was born Nissankara Savitri on December 6, 1934, into a Telugu family in Chirravuru, Guntur district. Her parents, Nissankara Subhadramma and Guravayya, belonged to the Kapu caste. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just six months old, leaving her mother to raise Savitri and her older sibling, Maruti, alone. The family moved to live with an aunt and uncle, Kommareddy Venkataramaiah, who recognised Savitri’s talent for dance and arranged for her training in classical dance.
From a young age, Savitri showed a natural flair for the performing arts. She participated in numerous dramas and stage performances, earning accolades for her expressive eyes and emotive acting. Her uncle’s encouragement and support played a crucial role in nurturing her talent and setting her on the path to stardom.
Debut and Breakthroug
Savitri initially was rejected when she and her uncle approached the Vijaya Vauhini studio in Madras for work. However, her determination and perseverance paid off when she finally secured a role in the 1952 film “Pelli Chesi Choodu (Telugu)” and its Tamil version “Kalyanam Panni Paar,” directed by L.V. Prasad. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in Indian cinema.
Savitri’s rise to stardom was meteoric. Her breakthrough came with the 1953 film “Devadasu,” directed by Vedantam Raghavaiah. In this film, she portrayed the character of Parvathi, a role that showcased her acting prowess and established her as a leading actress in the industry. Her performance in “Devadasu” was top notch and was the major reason of its commercial success.
Following the success of “Devadasu,” Savitri went on to deliver several memorable performances in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Some of her early films include Palletooru (1952), Priyuraalu (1952), Santhi (1952), Manam Pola Mangalyam (1953), Devadasu, Devadas, Parobakaram (1953), Vanjam (1953), Pratigna (1953), Pempudu Koduku (1953), Kodarikam (1954), Sugam Enge (1954), Chandraharam (1954), Parivartana (1954), and many more. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity endeared her to audiences and critics alike.
Making of Mahanati Savitri
In 1954 she made her Hindi film debut with “Bahut Din Huwe,” with Madhubala, Rattan Kumar, Swaraj, and Agha. In 1955, came the Tamil/Telugu romantic comedy Missamma/Missimma. Savitri played the role of Mary, a young woman who pretends to be married to secure a job. Her performance was both charming and humorous, making the film a major hit. The film was later remade in Hindi as Miss Mary (1957) with Meena Kumari. Savitri played the role of Padma, a woman who marries a mentally challenged man and helps him regain his sanity, in “Ardhangi (1955).” She gets widespread praise for her emotional depth and sensitivity.
Savitri’s performances as Sasirekha in “Mayabazar (1957),” is considered one of her finest. The film is regarded as a classic in Indian cinema. It is best remembered for her beauty and charismatic screen presence, along with trailblazing special effects.
Throughout her career, Savitri delivered numerous iconic performances that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Some of her most notable films in this period include Gomathiyin Kaadhalan (1955), Donga Ramudu (1955), Santhanam, Guna Sundari (1955), Maaman Magal (1955), Amara Deepam (1956), Pennin Perumai (1956), Mathar Kula Manickam (1956), Bhale Ramudu, Charana Daasi (1956), Prema Pasam (1956), Vanangamudi (1957), Kudumba Gouravam (1957), Enga Veetu Mahalakshmi (1957), Yaar Paiyan (1957), Mahadhevi (1957), Iru Sagodharigal (1957), Todi Kodallu (1957), and Pathini Deivam (1957), among others.
The Stardom
In 1960 she starred in “Chivaraku Migiledi,” for widespread critical acclaim. One of Savitri’s other notable performances came in “Gundamma Katha (1962).” She portrayed the role of Lakshmi, a strong-willed woman who stands up to her domineering mother-in-law. The film remains a beloved classic in Telugu cinema, especially for her powerful and inspiring performance.
Savitri played the role of Draupadi in the blockbuster Nartanasala in 1963. She acted as Dr. Chakravarty’s wife in the medical drama in Doctor Chakravarty (1964). One of her most memorable role came as a devoted wife and mother in Sumangali (1965). She palyed a woman who sacrifices everything for her family in Devata (1965).
Savitri directed and starred in “Chinnari Papalu (1968),” which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. Her work as a director and actress in this film showcased her multifaceted talent and creativity.
Some of her later films include Kalathur Kannamma (1959), Pasamalar (1961), Pava Mannippu (1961), Paarthal Pasi Theerum (1962), Karpagam (1963), Karnan (1963), Kai Koduttha Dheivam (1964), Navarathri (1964), and Thiruvilaiyadal (1965), Thiruvarutchelvar (1966), Nirdoshi (1967), Seetha (1967), Kanchu Kota (1967), Prana Mithrulu (1967), Bandhavyalu (1968), Kuzhanthai Ullam (1969), Varakatnam (1969), Maro Prapancham (1970), Praptham (1971), and many more.
Personal Life
Savitri’s marriage to Tamil superstar Gemini Ganesan in 1952 was a significant turning point in her life. The couple first met in 1948, and their relationship blossomed over the years. However, their marriage was fraught with challenges from the beginning. Ganesan, already a married man was famous for his many relationships. He had four daughters with his first wife Alamelu. He also had an affair with actress Pushpavalli, and had two daughters with her. Hindi film legend Rekha was his daughter that realationship.
The secrecy surrounding their marriage eventually came to light when Savitri signed a photograph as Savitri Ganesh. This revelation led to a permanent rift with her uncle, who had been a significant influence in her life and career. Despite the initial happiness, their marriage faced numerous problems. Ganesan’s continued philandering and multiple affairs left Savitri heartbroken.
The Tragedy of Being Mahanati Savitri
Savitri’s personal struggles were compounded by her battle with alcoholism. She began drinking heavily in 1969, which led to health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Her drinking habit, coupled with the emotional turmoil from a troubled marriage, took a toll on her health and career. Savitri spent her later years in great dificuties. Emotionally a wreck, she faced financial difficulties and a rapidly declining health.
Her generosity and philanthropic nature often left her vulnerable to exploitation by those around her. She was famous for her hospitality and generosity in the industry. She was also famous for her love of buying property and jewellery. Throughout her life she had little control over her spending. This lack of financial management, combined with her personal struggles, led to a steep decline in her fortunes.
Savitri’s life came to a tragic end when she passed away on December 26, 1981, at the age of 47, after being in a coma for 19 months.
Legacy
Despite the challenges and struggles she faced, Savitri’s legacy as one of the greatest actresses in Indian cinema remains undiminished. Her life story continues to inspire and captivate audiences, highlighting the complexities and resilience of a true artist.
In recognition of her contributions to Indian cinema, Savitri received several awards and honors. She gets “A Moon Among Stars” honour at the 30th International Film Festival of India in 1999. In 2018, Nag Aswin made a film Mahanati (2018) on her life. Keerthy Suresh portrayed the role of Savitri while Dulquer Salman played Ganeshan . The biographical film won the “Equality in Cinema Award” at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
