Veteran actor Jamuna dies at 86

Veteran actor Jamuna, who has acted in over 200 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi, died after a brief illness, at her residence on Friday. She was 86.

Born in Hampi, Karnataka on August 30, 1936 as Jana Bai, to Nippani Srinivasa Rao and Kowsalya Devi, Jamuna moved to Andhra Pradesh and did her primary education in Guntur. She was also a stage artist during school.

She made her acting debut at 16 with the 1953 film Puttillu, helmed by filmmaker Garikapari Rajarao. Subsequently, she shot to fame with the 1955 film Missamma where she played a supporting role in the film starring NT Rama Rao, Savitri and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Jamuna also acted in a handful of Hindi films and earned Filmfare Award for best supporting actress for Milan (1967), a remake of Telugu film Mooga Manasulu.

Reacting to the news of her demise, actor Mahesh Babu wrote on Twitter, “Saddened to hear about the demise of Jamuna garu. Will fondly remember her for all her iconic roles and her immense contribution to the industry. My condolences to her family and loved ones." 

Expressing his condolences, Chiranjeevi penned, “Though her mother tongue is Kannada, she has left an indelible mark in the hearts of Telugu people with many successful films”.

Reflecting on the versatile career of the erstwhile star, Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “Be it the role of a naughty child, a haughty ladylove or a homely daughter-in-law, Jamuna has excelled in all kinds of roles. Hailing from a theatre background, she has truly risen to the ranks as the jewel of acting. To quote my father, actors never die, they continue to live on through their work.” 

Pawan Kalyan has also released a statement expressing his grief, and wrote, “I pray to god that her soul rests in peace. Shrimati Jamuna, who has played various roles in her career, has left a mark on the Telugu audience as Satyabhama. She has excelled equally, in roles that exude both innocence as well as toughness.”

The late actor also tried her hand in politics after she joined the Congress party in 1980. Jamuna was elected to Lok Sabha from the Rajahmundry constituency. However, she quit the party after her career did not flourish. She later joined BJP and campaigned for the party in late 1990s.

Jamuna is survived by her son and daughter.