Veteran Telugu actor Pavala Syamala passed away shortly after midnight on Monday. She was 75. The actor had been suffering from age-related ailments for the past few days and was also facing financial hardships. Doctors at Osmania General Hospital confirmed that she died following a massive cardiac arrest. In the past, several film personalities, including Pawan Kalyan, Sai Durgha Tej, Dil Raju and others, had extended financial assistance to help with her medical treatment and hospital expenses.

Pavala Syamala was born in 1951 in Amaravathi, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Her original name was Nethi Syamala. She lost her mother at a young age and began her career as a stage artiste before entering the Telugu film industry.

She made her acting debut with Babai Abbai (1985), directed by Jandhyala and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Suthi Veerabhadra Rao. She went on to play several supporting roles and gained recognition with Swarnakamalam (1988), directed by K Viswanath and starring Venkatesh and Bhanupriya.

Over the years, Pavala Syamala appeared in numerous Telugu films. She became widely known as "Pavala" after portraying a character with that name in Puri Jagannadh's Andhrawala (2004), and the name stayed with her throughout her career. She also delivered a memorable performance in Krishna Vamsi's Khadgam (2002).

In recent weeks, Pavala Syamala had been in the news due to her deteriorating health and financial distress. Nearly two months ago, producer Dil Raju came forward to support her by clearing her hospital bills and extending financial help. Several members of the Telugu film industry also assisted her whenever they learned about her condition.

Pavala Syamala is survived by her daughter. Her passing marks the end of a career that spanned nearly four decades, during which she became a familiar and respected face in Telugu cinema.