Sun Feb 16 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Tollywood Actress and Producer Krishnaveni Passes Away at 102
**Hyderabad, India (Feb 16, 2025)** – Veteran Telugu film actress and producer Krishnaveni passed away today at the age of 102. She had been suffering from age-related ailments for several days. Krishnaveni’s contributions to the Telugu film industry are immeasurable; she is credited with launching the careers of several iconic figures.
Most notably, she gave legendary actor N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) his cinematic debut in the film *Mana Desam* (1949), a role that propelled him to superstardom. She also introduced renowned music director Ghantasala to the industry. Krishnaveni collaborated extensively with Akkineni Nageswara Rao, another Tollywood legend, on numerous films. Beyond her acting and producing roles, she also established herself as a respected playback singer.
Born on December 24, 1926, in Pangidi, West Godavari district, Krishnaveni began her career as a child artist in the 1936 film *Anasuya*. Before entering the film industry, she was a drama artist. She moved to Chennai in 1939 after receiving acting offers and appeared in several Telugu and Tamil films. She married the Mirzapuram Zamindar in 1939; they owned Shobhanachala Studios, later renamed Venus Studios.
Krishnaveni’s legacy extends beyond her own performances. Her production of *Mana Desam* marked a turning point for several prominent figures in Tollywood, including NTR, Ghantasala, and playback singer P. Leela.
The Tollywood community is mourning the loss of this remarkable woman, whose contributions spanned decades and helped shape the Telugu film industry into what it is today. Tributes are pouring in from across the industry.
First Piper 