Krishnaveni, who gave NTR 1st film, dies at 102

Vijayawada: Veteran Telugu actress and producer C Krishnaveni, who introduced legendary actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) in the 1949 film ‘Mana Desam', passed away at her residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, on Sunday. She was 102. She died due to age-related illness.
Chittajallu Krishnaveni, widely known as C Krishnaveni, was born in Pangidi of West Godavari district in the erstwhile Madras Presidency, present-day Andhra Pradesh, on December 24, 1924.
Along with NTR in ‘Mana Desam', Krishnaveni also launched ace musician Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao and singer P Leela in the same film produced by Sobhanachala Pictures and presented by Krishnaveni, who also acted as the female lead.
The yesteryear actress, regarded as the first female producer in Telugu cinema, made her acting debut as a child artiste in the film ‘Anasuya', released in 1936.
Later, Krishnaveni married Meka Venkatramaiah Appa Rao Bahadur, the zamindar of Mirzapuram in Krishna district, in 1939 and moved to Chennai (then Madras) in the same year to further pursue her acting career. She continued to make rapid strides as an actress and film producer.
Krishnaveni acted in over two dozen films, including ‘Bhakta Prahlada', ‘Golla Bhama' and ‘Mana Desam', in her acting career spanning nearly two decades. She produced films under the banner Sobhanachala Studios, founded by her husband. Reportedly, she holds the distinction of being the first to sing ‘Jo Achytananda JoJo Mukunda' Annamayya Keerthana on the Telugu screen.
Acknowledging her services to Telugu cinema, the AP govt honoured Krishnaveni with the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah award.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over her death and extended his condolences to her family. Naidu said Krishnaveni made Telugu cinema famous and received the Raghupathi Venkaiah award for her contributions to the film industry.
Deputy chief minister K Pawan Kalyan hailed her as a multifaceted woman, who donned multiple roles such as film producer, actress, playback singer and studio head.
Minister Lokesh said Krishnaveni left an indelible mark as the first female producer in Telugu cinema and rendered invaluable services as Sobhanachala Studio head.