Jamuna, the 'Satyabhama' of silver screen, passes away in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The 'Satyabhama' of silver screen is no more. Veteran actress Jamuna , who was heroic in her life standing up against powerful people in Telugu film industry, passed away in Hyderabad on Friday.

Jamuna, who died in her house due to age-related health issues, was 86. In a film career spanning over 50 years, the stalwart played the female lead to thespian NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, Sobhan Babu and other leading stars of yesteryear.

Jamuna, who immortalised the character of 'Satyabhama' in 'Sri Krishna Tulabharam' and other mythological films, began acting in stage plays at a young age and went on to act in over 200 films. Impressed with her acting skills, producer Garikapati Raja Rao cast her in 'Puttillu' in 1952. She was just 16 then.

Some of her successful films include ' Missamma ', 'Gundamma Katha', 'Sri Krishna Tulabharam', 'Mooga Manasulu', 'Gulebakavali Katha', 'Ramudu Bheemudu' and 'Poola Rangadu'.

Though she acted mainly in Telugu films, Jamuna also worked in Tamil , Kannada and Hindi films. She won Filmfare award for best supporting actress for Milan (1967) starring Sunil Dutt and Nutan. She also won Filmfare award for 'Pandanti Kapuram' in 1972.

Jamuna was born in Karnataka's Hampi and grew up in AP's Duggirala. Fearless and outspoken, the actress even fell out with Akkineni. Though she had acted alongside Akkineni and NTR in several films, both chose to stay away in any film in which Jamuna had a role.

However, the differences were ironed out with the intervention of veteran film personalities Nagi Reddy and Chakrapani. After having essayed various roles for four decades, Jamuna continued to keep herself busy with bit roles in films for another 10 years.

She also acted in several television shows. Former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu, Union tourism and culture minister G Kishan Reddy, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his AP counterpart Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, actor Chiranjeevi and several other film personalities condoled the demise of Jamuna.

"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," actor Mahesh Babu said in a tweet. Jamuna is survived by daughter Sravanthi and son Vamsi Juluri . Her last rites were performed at Mahaprasthanam in Jubilee Hills in the evening.