Nirmalamma passed away

Legendary Telugu actress Nirmalamma, who successfully acted in more than 800 films, passed away on Thursday at her residence in Hyderabad. She was 89. The actress, who was suffering from age-related ailments, breathed her last in her sleep, her family members said.

Nirmalamma, who has been an integral part of Telugu film for more than five decades, was born as Rajamani at Machilipatnam, Krishna district and started her career in 1950 with Telugu film Garudagarvabhangam at age 16.

Having acted in about 800 films, including some in Tamil, this gifted actress got recognition as a natural artist who immortalized hundreds of mother and grandmother characters of all the leading heroes, including Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Venkatesh. Her portrayal of grandmother in Chiranjeevi's' Gang Leader was much appreciated by audience.

She received numerous awards, including Nandi Awards, Filmfare and Sitara Awards for her performance and contribution to the industry. Her noted films are Garuda Garvabhangam, Sitarama Raju, Manushulu Maarali, Premaku Swagatham, Shankarabharam, Yamagola, Padiharella Vayassu, Shubhasankalpam, Apadbandhavudu, Swathimythyam and many more.

After acting in Chiranjeevi starrer Sneham Kosam (1999), Nirmalamma almost stopped acting in movies. However, she made a rare public appearance as part of the celebrations of 75 years of Telugu Cinema (Telugu Cinema Vajrotsavalu) in 2007. Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Nirmalamma, Chiranjeevi, who is on a road show in Kurnool district, said she was a natural actress. Several other film personalities also condoled her death.