P. Bhanumathi

Bhanumathi
Ramakrishna on a 2013 stamp of India
Born	(1924-09-07)7 September 1924 Doddavaram, Maddipadu Mandal, Guntur district (now Prakasam District), Madras Presidency, British India
Died	24 December 2005(2005-12-24) (aged 81) Chennai, India
Other names	Bhanumati, P. Bhanumathi
Occupations	Actress singer writer music director director producer studio owner
Spouse	P. S. Ramakrishna Rao
Parent	Father : Venkatasubbayya Mother : Ammani

P. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna (7 September 1924 – 24 December 2005) was a multilingual Indian film actress, director, music director, singer, producer, book writer and songwriter. Widely known as the first female super star of Telugu cinema and South Indian film Industry, she is also known for her works in Tamil cinema. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003 for her contribution in Indian cinema. She was honored among "women in cinema" at the 30th International Film Festival of India.

Early life

She was the third child to Saraswatamma and Bommaraju Venkata Subbaiah, in Doddavaram village of Prakasam district, near Ongole, Andhra Pradesh. She grew up watching her father perform in various stage shows. Her father, Venkata Subbiah, was a lover of classical music and trained her in music from an early age.

Career

Bhanumathi entered the film industry in 1939, and acted in over 200 films in Telugu and Tamil. She was also called as Ashtavadhani by the film industry people as she was a writer, actor, director, producer, singer, music director, editor and studio owner. She also had a good knowledge of astrology and philosophy.

Film career

She made her debut in Telugu cinema in 1939 as Kalindi (a 13 years old girl who is forced to marry an old man and ended her life by committing suicide) in Vara Vikrayam (Telugu), directed by C. Pullaiah. She had acted in Malathi Madhavam, Dharma Patni and Bhaktimala. Her first popular film was Krishna Prema. Her next popular film was Swargaseema, a milestone film in her career. In Swargaseema, she played the role of a theater artist with negative shades who is after a married person for her personal benefits. Oho Pavurama song (sung by her) in Swargaseema became a super hit and she was showered with offers. She later acted in many memorable movies like Chakrapani, Laila Majnu, Vipranarayana, Malliswari, Batasari and Anthastulu. Her first film in Tamil was Ratnakumar in the year 1949 along with the famous hero of those day P. U. Chinnappa. This film was directed by Krishnan-Panju. In 1953, she made her directorial debut with Chandirani (made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi).

Her last film was made in 1998, entitled Pelli Kanuka. C. N. Annadurai gave her a title "Nadippukku Ilakkanam" (Template:Lang-ta) (Grammar for acting) that suits her aptly. She was revered by many actors she had worked with like N.T.Rama Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, ChiranJeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Venkatesh for her bold and prolific versatility. One of her memorable movies in Tamil was Annai, in the year 1962 directed by Krishnan-Panju, where her acting was appreciated by all and also got the National Award for the film and for also performances in movies Anthasthulu and Palnati Yudham (1964) she received National Awards (Rashtrapati Award). She is the last recipient of Rashtrapati Award.

Due to her rift with Aluri Chakrapani, she left her role in Missamma movie (Initially Bhanumathi was shot for some scenes in the movie before being replaced by savitri ) but after the release of the movie she watched and commented that "she lost a wonderful role but industry gained a talented actress like savitri" which showed her sportiveness and encouragement towards new actors.

Due to clash with Aluri Chakrapani, she produced a satirical movie on him titled Chakrapani which was a huge hit and became a classic in Tollywood for this movie she also worked as Music Director.

For the movie Anthasthulu (1964), VB Rajendra Prasad had approached Bhanumathi for the role of Akkineni Nageswara Rao's sister. She liked the subject and agreed to do the film immediately. The crew booked a room in "Ritz-Carlton" in Hyderabad and she did not want to waste money, so she offered to stay at Sarathi Studios, which had an open area and snakes. The next morning she woke up with her nails bitten by rats. The director decided to cancel the shoot, VB Rajendra Prasad rushed to see Bhanumathi applying iodine casually on the nails and asking when she could start work. While continuing with the shooting, she said, "If you cancel shoot for small things how will I be a Bhanumathi (which means ‘shining like the sun’ in Sanskrit)."

India's First Vice-President Sarvepalli RadhaKrishnan was a fan of her work. Telugu cinema Veterans like Jamuna, Savitri and so many actresses cited her as an inspiration for entering into movies. she is widely recalled by her close associates as 'Epitome of Self-Respect and Versatility'. She is the only Female Film Studio owner in our country. She is called as Ashtavadhani by Tamil people. After seeing her performance in Ragoon Radha film C.N.Annadurai honoured her with title "Nadippukku llakkanam".

In later years, she continued to act in pivotal roles in many hit movies like Tatamma Kala, Mangammagari Manavadu, Gadasari Atta sogasari Kodallu, Muddula Manavaralu, Bamma Maata bangaru Baata, Peddarikam and Pelli kanuka.

In Malliswari, Chakrapani, Chandirani, Vipranarayana she played romantic, fun loving and playful characters. In movies like Tatamma Kala, Batasari, Chintamani, Annai and Mangammagari Manavadu she played different type of roles and received accolades and movies like Swargaseema, Antastulu, Palnati Yuddham and Peddarikam she played strong minded lady character roles with negative shades and done justice to the role proved that she was an accomplished actress who can easily portray both positive and negative roles with equal magnitude. She is first south Indian actress to receive Padma Awards

Apart from being a fine actress, she was also a talented musician. She was adept in both Carnatic and Hindustani music. She gave voice to her songs despite it being the norm to use playback singers for actors. Some of her songs are still popular like Pilichina biguvatara, Kila Kila Navvulu, Oh Pavurama, Preme Nerama in Telugu and Azhagaana Ponn Naan, Vaarai Inbam Thaaraai, Nilaa Nilaa Odi Vaa, Thalai Vaari Poochoodi Unnai, Kannile Iruppathenna and Annai Enbadhu Neethaanaa in Tamil. She also provided music to a lot of her films.

During her later years, she served on various movie related organizations. She was a Member of State Film Awards Committee for two years. She was also a Visiting Professor at the Film Institute for one year. She was Member of Children Film Society for 5 years, from 1965 to 1970.

In India, she was the first and the only woman to have owned a film studio, first actress to act in a dual role and the first woman to have directed a movie simultaneously in three languages.

On occasion of World Women's day, Sakshi Sunday magazine listed the most successful women from every industry and she was listed in the one for those from the movie industry. It was also added that the present highly successful heroines could not reach the heights Bhanumathi reached and that it is an impossible task for anyone to reach her level of success.

Literary career

Bhanumati was also a talented writer with a number of short stories to her credit. Her autobiography Nalo Nenu was published in Telugu and later, released in English as Musings. Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy awarded her as the best short story writer for her popular short stories "Attagari Kathalu". She was a Member of Lalit Kala Academy for 5 years, and Sahitya Academy, Andhra Pradesh for 10 years. She served as Director and Principal of the Tamil Nadu Government Music College,

Philanthropy

She was an eminent social worker who was closely associated with a number of Social Service Organizations. She was the founder member and treasurer of Madras branch of Altrusa International Inc., Chicago for lifelong starting from 1963. She was a life member of the 'Red Cross Society'. She established an educational institution named as "Dr. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Matriculation School" at Saligramam, Chennai providing free education to the poor.

Personal life

During the shooting of the film Krishna Prema, she met P. S. Ramakrishna Rao, an assistant director for that film. He was a film producer, director and editor of Telugu and Tamil Films. The couple later married on 8 August 1943 and later launched a popular production company, Bharani Pictures on their son's name. She died at the age of 80 years in Chennai.

Awards

Civilian honors

• Padma Bhushan in 2001
• Padma Shri in 1966

Rashtrapati Award in acting

• Annai in 1962
• Antastulu in 1965
• Palnati Yuddham in 1966

National Film Awards

• Government National Award for Best writer for the book "Nalo Nenu" an autobiography in 1994.

Filmfare Awards South

• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South (1987)

Nandi Awards

• Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, in 1985
• Nandi Award for Best Director in 1986
• NTR National Award, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, in 2000

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

• Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award – Arignar Anna Award in 1992

State Awards

• Kalaimamani (connoisseur of arts), Government of Tamil Nadu, in 1983

Other honors

• Kalaprapoorna, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, in 1975
• Honorary Doctorate, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, in 1984
• Raja-Lakshmi Award for the year 1998 from Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation, Chennai
• Annadurai honoured her with a title "Nadippukku Ilakkanam" for her remarkable performance in "Rangoon Radha"
• She was one of the dignitaries been honored by Andhra Pradesh government at the time of state formation in 1956.

Filmography

This is partial list of her films.

Main article: Bhanumathi Ramakrishna filmography

Year	Film	Language	Role	Co-Star	Song	Composer	Banner
1939	Vara Vikrayam	Telugu	Kalindi	Chittor V. Nagaiah		Prabhala Satyanarayana	East India Film Company
1939	Santhana Devan	Tamil		G. M. Basheer	* Maarudhale Yaavum * Dayaa Nithiye	G. Rajagopal Naidu	Modern Theatres
1940	Malathi Madhavam	Telugu					East India Film Company
1941	Bhaktimala	Telugu	Radha				Bhaskar Films
1941	Dharmapatni	Tamil
1941	Dharmapatni	Telugu			* Anuraagam Leka Anandamunda * Nilu Niluma Neelavarnaa		Famous Films
1943	Garuda Garvabhangam	Telugu					Pratiba
1943	Krishna Prema	Telugu	Chandravali		* Ekkadunnaave Pillaa ekkadunnaave (with Addanki) * Oogave Oogave Uyyaalaa	Galipenchala Narasimha Rao	Famous Films & Star Combines
1944	Tahsildar	Telugu	Kamala
1945	Swarga Seema	Telugu	Subbi/Sujatha Devi	Chittor V. Nagaiah	* Oho Ho Pavurama * Oho Tapodhana * Madhura Vennelareyi (with Ghantasala) * Manchidinamu Nede	Chittor V. Nagaiah	Vijaya Studios
1946	Gruhapravesam	Telugu	Janaki				Sarati Films
1947	Ratnamala	Telugu	Ratnamala	C. S. R. Anjaneyulu	* Anandadayini * Madana	C. R. Subburaman	Bharani Pictures
1948	Raja Mukthi	Tamil	Kannika	M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar	* Sarasa Sallabam Seiyya Arugil Vaarumaiyya * Swami Arunkanigal Ivaiye Paareer (with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar) * Sandhoshamaai Anbar Varuvaaradi (with M. L. Vasanthakumari)	C. R. Subburaman	Narendra Pictures
1949	Laila Majnu	Telugu	Laila	A. Nageswara Rao	* Neevene Naa Chaduvu (with Ghantasala) & P. Leela) * Aaha Pahliyanchega * Viri Tavula Lona (with Ghantasala) * Chera Raavo (with Ghantasala) * Raavo Naanu Marachitivo (with Ghantasala) * Ninu Basi Povudana * Preme Neramounaa * Chelunigani Nijamidani Telupuma O Jaabili (with Ghantasala) * Taanedano	C. R. Subburaman	Bharani Pictures
1949	Laila Majnu	Tamil	Laila	A. Nageswara Rao	* Nee Thaane Ennasai (with Ghantasala & P. Leela) * Aaha Palan Vandhadhe * Iga Vaazhvinil Kaadhal Mahajothiye Maarumaa (with Ghantasala) * Jothi Minnum (with Ghantasala) * Vaaraayo Enai Marandhanaiyo (with Ghantasala) * Unnai Paarkka Pogirenaa Oru Maasilladha Kaif * Premaithaan Polladhaa * Enadhu Uyir Urugum Nilai Solluvaai Nee Vaanmathi (with Ghantasala)	C. R. Subburaman	Bharani Pictures
1949	Nallathambi	Tamil	Pushpa	N. S. Krishnan	* Enadhu Uyir Egypttu * Malarthanil Oru Azhagu Mayil (with Ghantasala) * Varuvaare Dear Varuvaare * Naan Vanangum Deivam	C. R. Subburaman	NSK Films & Uma Pictures
1949	Raksha Rekha	Telugu	Princess Kalavathi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Oho Rajasukumara * Abhayammu Neevegaa * Jeevana Doli (with Ghantasala)	Ogirala Ramachandra Rao & H. R. Padmanabha Sastri	R. Padmanabhan Productions
1949	Devamanohari	Tamil	Devamanohari	C. Honnappa Bhagavathar		G. Ramanathan	Arkays Pictures
1949	Apoorva Sagodharargal	Tamil	Kanchana	M. K. Radha	* Aaha Aaduvene Geetham Paaduvene (with T. A. Mothi) * Laddu Laddu Mittai Venumaa * Maanum Mayilum Aadum Solai * Manamohaname Vana Vaasame	S. Rajeswara Rao	Gemini Studios
1949	Apoorva Sahodaralu	Telugu	Ranjana	M. K. Radha	* Aaha Sukhadayi (with T. A. Mothi)	S. Rajeswara Rao	Gemini Studios
1949	Nishaan	Hindi	Kanchana	M. K. Radha		S. Rajeswara Rao	Gemini Studios
1949	Rathnakumar	Tamil		P. U. Chinnappa Bhagavathar	* Ganavaangale Vaango (with P. U. Chinnappa) * Andhi Nerame Inbame (with P. U. Chinnappa) * Sollarum Anandam Enadhu Vaazhvil Indre Duraiye (with P. U. Chinnappa) * Ananda Vellam (with P. U. Chinnappa) * Varattum, Vandhaal Vazhi Solven * Nin Paadham Varave Thaaye Nee Dhayai Purivaaiye * Vizhudhu Vittu Thazhaithongi * Muzhuthunnai Nambinen * Aadavar Kaadhal Idhudhaano	G. Ramanathan & C. R. Subburaman	Murugan Talkies
1950	Maya Rambha	Telugu
1951	Malleeswari	Telugu	Malleeswari	N. T. Rama Rao	* Manasuna Mallera Maalaloogene * Parugulu Teeyali O Gittalu Urakalu Veyali (with Ghantasala) * Pilachina Biguvatara Auraura * Eda Thanunnado Baava (with Ghantasala)	Adepalli Rama Rao & S. Rajeswara Rao	Vijaya Studios
1951	Mangala	Telugu	Mangala	Ranjan		M. D. Parthasarathy	Gemini Studios
1951	Mangla	Hindi	Mangala	Ranjan		M. D. Parthasarathy	Gemini Studios
1952	Prema	Telugu	Mothi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Divya Premaku Satiaune (with Ghantasala) * Aagavoyi Maraja * Oh Hayiga * Pelliyanta Pelliyanta * Priyuni Baase * Rojuku Roju (with Ghantasala* Ee Lokamantha * Neeti Leni Lokamaa* Hayi Jeevithame	C. R. Subburaman	Bharani Pictures
1952	Kaadhal	Tamil	Mothi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Inba Kaaviyam Aagum Vaazhve (with Ghantasala) * Jeevidhamellaam (with Ghantasala) * Aahaa Inbame Aahaa Engume Aahaa Pongudhe * Kanavu Thaano Ninaivu Yaavum Kaanal Neeraamo	C. R. Subburaman	Bharani Pictures
1952	Rani	Tamil	Rani/Ranjani	S. Balachander	* Naane Gnaaniyar * Madhi Mayangum Malar Vanam * Karugi Pugaiyum Pugaiye * Unmaiyillaadha Ulagile * Samayam Vaachchadhu * Cheeppu Chunukkani Chimini * Samarasam Nilaiperum (with C. R. Subburaman	C. R. Subburaman	Jupiter Pictures
1952	Rani	Hindi	Rani/Ranjani	Anoop Kumar		C. R. Subburaman	Jupiter Pictures
1953	Chandirani	Tamil	Champa & Chandi	N. T. Rama Rao	* En Vaazhvinile Naan Magizhum Naal Iidhuve Thaan * Innadhendru Ariyaamal * En Vaazhvellaam Siraivaasamo * Nilaa Nilaa Odi Vaa Nillaamal Odi Vaa * Vaan Meedhile Inba Then Maari Peyuthe (with Ghantasala) * Meow Meow	C. R. Subburaman, Assistants: M. S. Viswanathan & T. K. Ramamoorthy	Bharani Pictures
1953	Chandirani	Telugu	Champa & Chandi	N. T. Rama Rao	* Eeroju Bhale Roju Ide Prema Idena * Enduko Teliyani Ennadu Anukoni Ee Sambaraalemiti * Evaraalakinturu Naamora Enaleni Vedana * Kilaa Kilaa Navvulaa Kurisene Vennelaa * O Taraka (with Ghantasala) * Meow Meow	C. R. Subburaman, Assistants: M. S. Viswanathan & T. K. Ramamoorthy	Bharani Pictures
1953	Chandirani	Hindi	Champa & Chandi	Dilip Kumar		C. R. Subburaman, Assistants: M. S. Viswanathan & T. K. Ramamoorthy	Bharani Pictures
1954	Aggi Ramudu	Telugu	Saradha	N. T. Rama Rao		S. M. Subbaiah Naidu	Pakshiraja Studios
1954	Malaikkallan	Tamil	Poonkothai	M. G. Ramachandran	* Unnai Azhaithathu Yaaro * Pengale Ulangalile * Nalla Sagunam Nokki * Naane Inba Roja * Naalai	S. M. Subbaiah Naidu	Pakshiraja Studios
1954	Chakrapani	Telugu	Malati	A. Nageswara Rao	* Pakkala Nilabadi Kolichemu * Uyyala Jampalaloogaravaya * O Malathi Lata * Mella Mellaga	P. Bhanumathi	Bharani Pictures
1955	Vipranarayana	Telugu	Devadevi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Anuraagalu Dhooramu (with A. M. Rajah) * Endhukoyi Thotamali * Evvade Athadevvade * Madhura Madhuramee (with A. M. Rajah) * Nanu Vidanaadakura * Raa Raa Naa Swamy * Ranga Rangayani * Saavirahe Thava Dheena * Thillana * Yela Naapai Dhaya Choopavu * Slokams	S. Rajeswara Rao	Bharani Pictures
1955	Vipranarayana	Tamil	Devadevi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Malaril Madhuvellaam (with A. M. Rajah) * Ini Aagatha Sogam (with A. M. Rajah) * Naayagane Jaya Geeta Radha	S. Rajeswara Rao	Bharani Pictures
1955	Kalvanin Kadhali	Tamil	Kalyani	Sivaji Ganesan	* Manadhil Urudhi Vendum (with T. M. Soundararajan) * Nallathor Veenai Seidhe * Alli Malar Solai Inba Valli Ival Thaane * Veyilukketha Nizhalundu (with Ghantasala)	G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Ghantasala	Revathi Productions
1956	Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum	Tamil	Marziyana	M. G. Ramachandran	* Maasila Unmai Kaadhale (with A. M. Rajah) * Azhagaana Ponnu Naan * Unnaivida Maatten * Anbinaale Aalavandha * En Aattamellaam	S. Dakshinamurthy	Modern Theatres
1956	Alibaba 40 Dongalu	Telugu	Marziyana	M. G. Ramachandran		S. Dakshinamurthy	Modern Theatres
1956	Chintamani	Telugu	Chintamani
1956	Madurai Veeran	Tamil	Princess Bommi	M. G. Ramachandran	* Avarkkum Enakkum	G. Ramanathan	Krishna Pictures
1956	Rangoon Radha	Tamil	Rangam	Sivaji Ganesan	* Thalai Vaari Poochoodi Unnai * Kaatril Aadum Mullaikkodiye * Thamizhe Thene Kanne Thaalelo * Kaiyil Pirambedutthu (with N. S. Krishnan)	T. R. Papa	Mekala Pictures
1956	Tenali Ramakrishna	Telugu	Rangasaani	N. T. Rama Rao & A. Nageswara Rao	* Kannulu Ninde Kannela Vinna Mannanaleera Raja * Teerani Naa Korikale Teerenu Ee Roju	Viswanathan Ramamoorthy	Vikram Productions
1956	Tenali Raman	Tamil	Krishnasani	N. T. Rama Rao & Sivaji Ganesan	* Kangalil Adidum Penmaiyin Nadagam * Kannamirandum Minnidum Annam * Pirandha Nal Mannan Pirandha Nal * Vinnulagil Minni Varum Tharagaiye Po Po	Viswanathan Ramamoorthy	Vikram Productions
1956	Sadhaaram	Tamil	Sadharam	Gemini Ganesan & K. R. Ramaswamy	* Ponggi Varum Pudhu Nilave (with T. M. Soundararajan) * Enggum Oli Veesudhe Ennai Thedi (with A. P. Komala & A. G. Rathnamala) * Thaaye Ezhai Mugam	G. Ramanathan	Kasturi Films
1956	Thaaikkuppin Thaaram	Tamil	Sivakami	M. G. Ramachandran	* Aaha Nam Aaasai Niraiveruma (with T. M. Soundararajan) * Asaindhaadum Thendrale * En Kaadhal Inbam (with A. M. Rajah)	K. V. Mahadevan	Devar Films
1956	Rambaiyin Kaadhal	Tamil	Ramba	K. A. Thangavelu	* Kannaala Vaazhvile Kaadhal Poithaana * Kannaala Vaazhvile Kaadhal Poithaana (with P. Suseela) * Aadavaareer Indre Aadavaareer	T. R. Papa	Kalpana Pictures
1957	Makkalai Petra Magarasi	Tamil	Rangamma	Sivaji Ganesan	* Sonna Pechcha Ketkanum * Vandhadhu Yaar Endru Theriyuma * Poravale Poravale (with T. M. Soundararajan)	K. V. Mahadevan	Sri Lakshmi Pictures
1957	Manamagan Thevai	Tamil	Banumathi	Sivaji Ganesan	* Nenjinile Pugundhu * Yengo Kulukku Thalukku Thevalaiya * Velavare Ummai Thedi * Vennila Jothiyai Veesuthe (with Ghantasala & Pithapuram Nageswara Rao) * Naanthaan Un Kaadhalan (with Seerkazhi Govindarajan) * Krishna Nee Begane Vaarai	G. Ramanathan	Bharani Pictures
1957	Varudu Kavali	Telugu	Banumathi	K. Jaggaiah	* Andachandaala O Taarakaa (with Ghantasala & Pithapuram Nageswara Rao)	G. Ramanathan	Bharani Pictures
1957	Rani Lalithangi	Tamil	Lalithangi	Sivaji Ganesan	* Inbam Perinbam * Madhunilai Maaradha Manadhodu * Ennai Ariyaamal Thulludhu Manam	G. Ramanathan	TNR Productions
1957	Ambikapathy	Tamil	Princess Amaravati	Sivaji Ganesan	* Kannile Iruppathenna Kanni * Maasila Nilave Nam (with T. M. Soundararajan) * Vaadaa Malare (with T. M. Soundararajan)	G. Ramanathan	ALS Productions
1957	Nala Dhamayanthi	Telugu	Dhamayanthi	Kemparaj Urs	*	B. Gopalam	Kemparaj Productions
1957	Sarangadhara	Telugu	Chitrangi Devi	N. T. Rama Rao	* Adugadugo Alladugo * Manasemo Maatalo Dinusemo * Raja Naaraja * Allana Gaadhiraajasutudarmili (with Ghantasala)	G. Ramanathan	Minerva Pictures
1958	Sarangadhara	Tamil	Chitrangi Devi	Sivaji Ganesan	* Arpudha Kaatchi Ondru Kanden * Kannaal Nalla Paaru (with A. P. Komala & K. Rani) * Vandhiduvaar Avar En Manam Pole	G. Ramanathan	Minerva Pictures
1958	Nadodi Mannan	Tamil	Madhana	M. G. Ramachandran	* Sammadhamaa Naan Ungal * Summaakkidandha Nilathai Koththi (with T. M. Soundararajan)	S. M. Subbaiah Naidu	Emgeeyar Pictures
1959	Manimekalai	Tamil	Manimekalai	T. R. Mahalingam	* Kangalin Vennilave (with T. R. Mahalingam) * Inbam Inbam Inbam Indha Ulaginile * Ulagame Oru Sirachchaalai * Aadhaaram Unnai Allaaal	G. Ramanathan	Shekhar Art Film Enterprise
1959	Nala Dhamayanthi	Tamil	Dhamayanthi	Kemparaj Urs	* Sarasam Seiyadhe Maname * Jai Bavani Dhayaarpari * Nan kanda Koyil Endha	B. Gopalam	Kemparaj Productions
1960	Raja Bakthi	Tamil	Madharasai	Sivaji Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala	None	G. Govindarajulu Naidu	Revathi Productions
1960	Raja Desingu	Tamil	Ranibhai	M. G. Ramachandran	* Sarasaraani Kalyani (with C. S. Jayaraman) * Iyalodu Isai Pole (with C. S. Jayaraman)	G. Ramanathan	Krishna Pictures
1961	Batasari	Telugu	Madhavi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Kanulakudoche Chetikandani Endamavulunnai (with Jikki) * Lokamerugani Baala Deeni Pokada Chitramu Chaala * O Batasari Nanu Maruvakoyi * Kanera Kamandhulai Manera Unmadulai	Master Venu	Bharani Pictures
1961	Kaanal Neer	Tamil	Madhavi	A. Nageswara Rao	* Kannil Therindhum Kaikku Varaatha (with Jikki) * Ulagam Theriyaa Payire * Anbaana Enname Paavama * Vazhi Thedi Vandhaai	Master Venu	Bharani Pictures
1962	Annai	Tamil	Savithri	S. V. Ranga Rao	* Annai Embadhu Neethaana * Poovaagi Kaayaagi	R. Sudharsanam	AVM Productions
1963	Kalai Arasi	Tamil	Vani & Valli	M. G. Ramachandran	* Singara Vaa Vaa * Kalaiye Un Ezhil Meni (with Seerkazhi Govindarajan) * Aasai Vaikkiara Idam (with Jikki) * Ninaikkum Podhu Nenjum Kannum	K. V. Mahadevan	Sarodi Brothers
1963	Anuragam				* Sannajaji Teeveloi Sampenga Poovuloi	Pendyala Nageswara Rao
1963	Arivaali	Tamil	Manorama	Sivaji Ganesan	* Koovatha Inbakkuyil * Venkata Ramana * En Kobam Pollathadhu (with T. M. Soundararajan)	S. V. Venkatraman	A. T. K. Productions
1963	Penchina Prema	Telugu	Savithri	S. V. Ranga Rao	* Annai Embadhu Neethaana * Poovaagi Kaayaagi	R. Sudharsanam	AVM Productions
1963	Kaanchi Thalaivan	Tamil	Chola Kumari	M. G. Ramachandran	* Mayangatha Manamyaavum Mayangum	K. V. Mahadevan	Mekala Pictures
1964	Bobbili Yudham	Telugu	Mallamma	N. T. Rama Rao	* Srikara Karunalavala Venugopala * Ooyalalooginadoyi	S. Rajeswara Rao	Republic Productions
1964	Vivaha Bandham	Telugu	Bharati	N. T. Rama Rao	* Vinnava Vinnava Manasulona Dagivunna Madhurageeti * ""Neetilona Ningilona (with P. B. Srinivas) * Nagumomu Ganaleni * Alumagalu Vidipoyenanthane * ""Neetilona Ningilona (pathos) (with P. B. Srinivas)	M. B. Sreenivasan & P. Bhanumathi	Navayuga Films
1965	Antastulu	Telugu	Rani	A. Nageswara Rao	* Dulapara Bulloda Dummu Dulapara Bulloda * Vinara Vissanna Ne Vedam Cheputa Vinaranna	K. V. Mahadevan	Jagapathi Art Productions
1965	Thodu Needa	Telugu	Lakshmi	N. T. Rama Rao	* Enno Ratrulu Vastayi Kaani Idiye Toli Reyi * When I was just a little girl — I asked my mother what will I be	K. V. Mahadevan	Vijayabhatt Movies
1966	Palnati Yuddham	Telugu	Nagamma	N. T. Rama Rao	* Jaya Sambho	S. Rajeswara Rao	Sri Anuroopa Films
1967	Grihalakshmi	Telugu	Laxmi		* Laali Laali Gopala Bala Laali Laali * Melukovayya Kaveti Ranga Sriranga
1967	Pattathu Rani	Tamil		Gemini Ganesan	* Munnale Oru Ponnu * Sitthan Pokku Sivan Pooku	T. K. Ramamoorthy
1967	Nai Roshni	Hindi	Padma Kumar	Ashok Kumar	None	Ravi	Vasu Films
1967	Punyavathi	Telugu	Padmavathi	S. V. Ranga Rao	None	Ghantasala	Vasu Films
1968	Poovum Pottum	Tamil	Padmavathi	S. V. Ranga Rao	None	R. Govardhanam	Vasu Films
1971	Mattilo Manikyam	Telugu	Lalitha	Chalam	* Saranam Nee Divya Charanam	Satyam
1972	Anta Mana Manchike	Telugu	Savitri
1973	Kattila Thottila	Tamil	Dr. Meenakshi	Gemini Ganesan		V. Kumar	Arul Films
1973	Vichitra Vivaham	Telugu			* Ammayilu Abbayilu Naa Matalo Nijam Vintara Meeru
1974	Ammayi Pelli	Telugu	Dr. Meenakshi	N. T. Rama Rao	* Vandanamu Raghunandana * Naa Kanula Mundara Nuvvunte * Ee Jeevitam Intenaa * Radhika Krishna	P. Bhanumathi & Satyam	Bharani Pictures
1974	Tatamma Kala	Telugu	Ravamma	N. T. Rama Rao	* Evaranukunnaru * Ayyalali Muddulayyalali * Korameesam Kurroda (with Ghantasala)	S. Rajeswara Rao	Ramakrishna Cine Studios
1974	Pathu Madha Bandham	Tamil		S. A. Asokan,B. Sarojadevi, Nirmala, A.V.M Rajan , Muthuraman,R avichandran		Shankar-Ganesh	Sri Navaneetha Films
1975	Ippadiyum Oru Penn	Tamil		Sivakumar, Devika	* Sarigamapa Paattu Paadunga * Agapatta Varayil (with Manorama)	P. Bhanumathi	Bharani Pictures
1977	Manavadi Kosam	Telugu
1984	Bhakta Dhruva Markandeya	Tamil
1984	Mangamma Gari Manavadu	Telugu	Mangamma	Nandamuri Balakrishna, Suhasini	* Sree Suryanarayana Meluko (with Vani Jayaram)	K. V. Mahadevan	Bhargav Art Productions
1986	Muddula Manavaraalu	Telugu
1986	Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu	Tamil		Sujatha, Sarath Babu	* Vaadaa Malliye Naan Sooda Mullaiye	Ilaiyaraaja	Blue Moon Movies
1987	Attagaru Zindabad	Telugu	Rajeshwari	Kalyan Chakravarthy Nandamuri			Bharani Pictures
1988	Attagaru Swagatham	Telugu
1990	Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata	Telugu	Rajyalakshmamma	Rajendra Prasad, Gautami	* Dilli Ki Raja Aina Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata * Maa Palle Gopaluda (with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam & P. Suseela	Chandrabose	AVM Productions
1992	Peddarikam	Telugu	Adusumilli Basavapunnamma	Jagapati Babu, Sukanya	None	Raj-Koti	Sri Surya Movies
1992	Perivayar	Tamil		Jagapati Babu, Sukanya	None	Raj-Koti	Sri Surya Movies
1992	Samrat Ashok	Telugu
1992	Chembaruthi	Tamil	Bhuvaneswari	Prashanth, Roja	* Sembaruthi Poovu (with S. Janaki & Mano)	Ilaiyaraaja	Motherland Movies
1992	Chamanthi	Telugu	Bhuvaneswari	Prashanth, Roja		Ilaiyaraaja	Motherland Movies
1998	Pelli Kanuka	Telugu	Savithramma	Jagapati Babu	* Bangaru Bommaki (with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam)	M. M. Keeravani	N. V. S. Creations

Playback singer

Bhanumati gave her voice for herself and many actors to sing many songs.

Year	Film	Songs
1939	Vara Vikrayam
1941	Dharma Patni	Anuraagam Leka Anandamunda Nilu Niluma Neelavarnaa
1943	Krishna Prema
1945	Swarga Seema	Oho Ho Pavurama, Oho Tapodhana
1949	Laila Majnu	Preme Neramouna Maapai Ee Pagela
1951	Malliswari	Manasuna Mallera Maalaloogene Parugulu Teeyali O Gittalu Urakalu Veyali (with Ghantasala) Pilachina Biguvatara Auraura Eda Thanunnado Baava (with Ghantasala)
1952	Prema	Divya Premaku Satiaune (with Ghantasala)
1953	Chandirani	Eeroju Bhale Roju Ide Prema Idena Enduko Teliyani Ennadu Anukoni Ee Sambaraalemiti Evaraalakinturu Naamora Enaleni Vedana Kilaa Kilaa Navvulaa Kurisene Vennelaa O Taraka (with Ghantasala)
1954	Chakrapani	Pakkala Nilabadi Kolichemu Uyyala Jampalaloogaravaya O Malathi Lata Mella Mellaga
1954	Vipra Narayana	Raa Raa Naa Swamy
1956	Chintamani
1956	Tenali Ramakrishna	Kannulu Ninde Kannela Vinna Mannanaleera Raja Teerani Naa Korikale Teerenu Ee Roju	1956	Tenali Raman	Kangalil Adidum Penmaiyin Naadagam Kannamirandum Minnidum Annam Pirandha Naal Mannan Pirandha Naal Vinnulagil Minni Varum Thaaragaiye Po Po
1961	Batasari	Oh Baatasaari Nanu Maruvakoyi
1963	Anuragam	Sannajaji Teeveloi Sampenga Poovuloi
1964	Bobbili Yuddham	Srikara Karunalavala Venugopala
1964	Vivaha Bandham	Vinnava Vinnava Manasulona Dagivunna Madhurageeti
1965	Antastulu	Dulapara Bulloda Dummu Dulapara Bulloda Vinara Vissanna Ne Vedam Cheputa Vinaranna
1965	Todu Needa	Enno Ratrulu Vastayi Kaani Idiye Toli Reyi When I was just a little girl — I asked my mother what will I be
1967	Grihalakshmi	Laali Laali Gopala Bala Laali Laali Melukovayya Kaveti Ranga Sriranga
1971	Mattilo Manikyam	Saranam Nee Divya Charanam
1973	Vichitra Vivaham	Ammayilu Abbayilu Naa Matalo Nijam Vintara Meeru
1974	Ammayi Pelli	Vandanamu Raghunandana Sethu Bandhana Bhakta Chandana
1984	Mangamma Gari Manavadu	Sree Suryanarayana Meluko (with Vani Jayaram)
1986	Muddula Manavaralu
1986	Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu	Vaadaa Malliye Naan Sooda Mullaiye
1990	Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata	Dilli Ki Raja Aina Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata
1998	Pelli Kanuka

Producer

• Ratnamala
• Prema
• Chakrapani (1954)
• Laila Majnu
• Batasari
• Vipra Narayana

Music director

• Chakrapani (1954)
• Ippadiyum Oru Penn (1975)

Supervisor of music direction

• Vichitra Vivaham (1973)

See also

• Raghupathi Venkaiah Award

External links

• P. Bhanumathi at IMDb