Mahanati Savitri

Introduction

Mahanati Savitri was a unique actress in her time, and there hasn't been another like her since. She reigned the South Indian film business for nearly three decades, collaborating with male stars such as Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, and Gemini Ganesan in Tamil cinema and NTR and Nageswar Rao in Telugu cinema. She not only ruled the industry, but she was on a competitive level with male actors at a period when acting as a career for women was frowned upon.

Savitri was adored by crowds and had a sizable fan base. It wasn't only that she was a stunning woman; it was also that she had a wonderful way of bringing characters to life. While Savitri's Telugu film 'Maya Bazaar' is a classic, her roles opposite Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan in 'Navarathri,' 'Pasamalar,' 'Karnan,' and 'Thiruvilayadal' are also well-liked by the public.

Early Life

Nissankara Savitri is Savitri's full name. She was born in Chiravuru, Guntur district, Madras Presidency, Andhra Pradesh, India, on December 6, 1936. Subhadramma is her mother, and Nissankara Guruvaiya is her father. When she was six months old, her father passed away. Her uncle Venkataramaiah Chowdary looked after Savitri and her mother during that time.

Savithri traveled to Madras (the studio) with her uncle to pursue acting parts in motion pictures. However, she was only fourteen years old, so she was never given the chance. The following day, they visited a different studio, where Gemini Ganesan took her pictures and published them in several magazines. She had an opportunity to appear in movies after a year.

Personal Life

In 1952, Mahanati Savitri married Gemini Ganesan. He was also a film actor. Both appeared in the same films. Her first encounter with Gemini Ganesan occurred in 1948, however, because Gemini Ganesan previously wed Pushpavalli and had two children, her uncle rejected their marriage.

After a few years, their disagreements arose from Gemini Ganesan's extramarital activities, for which Savitri stayed with her mother and left Gemini Ganesan. The 1960s saw a slump in her career. Tax authorities confiscate properties, including her home.

Once more, she was given limited opportunities to play Dasari Narayan Rao's supervisor in most of his films, including 'Gorintaku' (1959) and, most notably, 'Malli Puttadu' (1978). She became (completely) hooked on booze after divorcing her spouse.

Career

Savitri is a well-known Telugu film actress. She also worked as a playback singer, dancer, director, and producer in Telugu and Tamil films. She is also well-known for her contributions to Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam films. First, she was cast as a heroine in the 'Samsaram' film, but she didn't perform well, therefore she was replaced. As a result, she has tiny roles in 'Roopavati' and 'Pathala Bhairavi.' Her first film was Pelli Chesi Chudu (Telugu) in 1952, followed by 'Devadasu' (1953), 'Donga Ramudu' (1955), and 'Misamma' the following year.

At the age of twelve, she received an offer to star in the Telugu movie 'Agni Pariksha.' She simply lost out on the opportunity because the character in that movie required a much younger age than she possessed. Through producer L.V. Prasad, she appeared in a tiny role alongside actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the Telugu film 'Samsaram.' This movie recognized her natural abilities.

Savitri appeared in small-budget movies before rising to fame with 'Pelli Chesi Choodu.' She couldn't prove her acting abilities until Ardhangi. In the comedy 'Missamma' directed by LV Prasad, she portrayed the title character, Mary. She appeared in multiple movies directed and choreographed by Raghavaiah, including 'Pelli Chesi Choodu' (1952), 'Palletooru' (1952), 'Chandra Haram' (1953), 'Ardhangi' (1955Donga Ramudu (1955), 'Amara Deepam' (1956), 'Appu Chesi Pappu Kodu' (1959), 'Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam' (1960), and more notable films.

Savitri also performed in Buchi Babu's play Atma Vanchana. At the tender age of twelve, she received an offer to feature in the film "Agni Pariksha," which launched her career in the film industry. She simply lost out on the opportunity because the character in that movie required a much younger age than she possessed. Soon after, she was cast in a major role in the 1950 film "Samsaram," which was produced under the name "Sadhana Chitra."

However, she was fired from the role due to bad luck since she was too shy and nervous to work with the well-known actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Pushpalatha took her place as a result, but Savitri was allowed to have a little part in the film. The directors and producers saw her natural talent when the movie came out. She had opportunities to appear in movies like "Palleturu," "Sankranthi," and others. In the renowned 1951 movie "Pathala Bhairavi," she had a dancing scene. After Savithri appeared in the movie as a second heroine, she was never going back.

After receiving a little speaking part in the movie, she went on to play supporting roles in 'Roopavati' and 'Patala Bhairavi' the following year before landing her big break as 'Pelli Chesi Choodu's' second heroine. Savitri was well-known for her kindness, generosity, and love of purchasing jewelry and real estate, but she was not very frugal with her money. The latter part of the 1960s saw a slump in her career.

Savitri's breakthrough performance was in Pelli Chesi Choodu in 1958, where she portrayed the major character. Her acting career began with the movie 'Ardhangi.' She portrayed an unachievable star in Devadas alongside Akkineni Nageswara Rao. In the Tollywood film industry, her adaptable acting earned her the title of 'Mahanati'(Great Actress).

Savithri made notable performances in Telugu films 'Palletooru,' 'Chandra Haaram,' 'Devadasu,' 'Donga Ramudu,' 'Maaya Baazar,' 'Appu Chesi Pappu Kodu,' 'Sri Venkateswara Mahanatyam,' and 'Jagan Mohini.' 'Missiamma,' starring Gemini Ganesan, was the movie that catapulted her to stardom.

Savitri performed in a Theru Koothu song called "OeRajathe Rajan Vandaen" in Navarathri alongside actor Shivaji Ganesan, showcasing her varied dancing skills. She appeared in the movies 'Parisu and Vettaikaran' with M.G.R. Her memorable role in 'Paava Mannipu' continues to linger in the audience's thoughts. Together with actor Gemini Ganesan, she produced Konjum Salangai, her 100th movie. She starred in the Tamil film 'Alauddinum Arputha Vilakkum' alongside superstars Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan.

Awards and Recognition

Savitri featured in timeless masterpieces like 'Devadasu' (1953), which won particular recognition at the India International Film Festival, and 'Pathala Bhairavi' (1951). At the Afro-Asian film festival in Jakarta, 'Donga Ramudu' (1955), 'Mayabazar' (1957), and 'Nartanasala' (1963) were the featured films.

In 1999, Savitri was awarded "A Moon Among Stars" at the "Woman in Cinema" segment of the 30th International Film Festival of India. The 2018 Melbourne Indian Film Festival's "Equality in Cinema Award" went to the biographical film 'Mahanati,' which is based on the life of Savitri.

Savitri nearly acted alongside every major hero in Tamil and Telugu movies. Regardless of the actor she was performing with, Savithri tended to steal the show. She also prevailed over the Tamil and Telugu film industries. People saw her as the ultimate heroine since around 20 Savithri-starring films were released annually during the period.

Savitri was a recurring symbol in every movie she played. She was well-liked by both the reviewers and the audience. Savitri's lively and fascinating performance would captivate the female audience. Throughout her career, she solely gave acting her full attention. She could not find time to consider anything but performing. She put a lot of effort into her work. She even went through drastic dieting to fit her role in several of her acting roles because she was overweight.

Biography

The biographical film 'Mahanati' pays a moving tribute to Savitri's amazing life. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, vividly portrays the many stages of her career and life. Keerthy Suresh's portrayal of Savitri gained her critical acclaim and a slew of prizes, demonstrating the effort that went into capturing the renowned actress's personality.

Adapting a legend's narrative for the cinema is a difficult task, but Nag Ashwin has succeeded with 'Mahanati.'

Savitri's entire life is depicted in the movie, from her early years to her untimely death. It is evident from viewing the movie that Nag has studied Savitri extensively. He's done a fantastic job of making the film lively and engaging while remaining faithful to her story. The decision to convey the story of the movie from the perspective of a journalist was brilliant.

Some Unknown Facts

At the age of 18, she wed Gemini Ganesan and carried on with her acting career. Furthermore, her union with Gemini Ganesan was not formally recognized at first. As Savitri Ganesan, she agreed to sign an endorsement deal, arguably sparking the decade's biggest controversy. It should be mentioned that at this point Ganesan was already married.

Despite the ups and downs in her life, she never backed down from the limelight. Her life was, to put it mildly, a public document. Similar to her marriage, her later-life alcoholism was widely recognized among her supporters in addition to the fraternity. She spent 19 months in a coma before passing away at the age of 45. This was also the time that she was having financial issues. She put on the director's hat, started directing movies (although bad ones), and performed playback singing.

Savitri's expressions helped people recognize her ability for on-screen acting, and at first, people thought she was one of the best dancers in the business. The actor was bestowed with the titles of 'Mahanati' by the Andhra Mahila Sabha and Nadigaiyar Thilagam by the Tamil Nadu government. Despite her modest upbringing, she went on to do amazing things in her life.

Even though her brilliance and the impact of her fame were well-known to her followers, many people were unaware of a few of Savitri's eccentricities. For example, Savitri had a passion for racing and classic cars. She was the talk of the town with her collection of classic cars. Only her closest friends and family knew about her eccentricities.

Conclusion

Savitri, known as the "Mahanati" of Indian cinema, was more than just an actor; she was a symbol, a trailblazer, and an inspiration. Her journey, which was defined by both successes and hardships, demonstrates her tenacity and talent. The film "Mahanati," a tribute to her life, reintroduced her to a new generation of filmgoers, ensuring that her legacy lives on. We remember Savitri not only for her acting abilities but also for her lasting impact on the realm of Indian cinema, where she will always be an immortal star.