ANJALI DEVI

  1. Early Life and Background:
  • Birth Name: Anjani Kumari (also known as Anjanamma)
  • Born: August 24, 1927, in Peddapuram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India (then part of Madras Presidency)
  • Early Career: Anjali Devi’s journey into the world of entertainment began at a young age. She was a talented dancer and stage artist before venturing into films.

Film Career:

  • Debut: Her first film appearance was as a child artist in the 1936 film “Raja Harishchandra.”
  • Breakthrough Role: In 1947, she played the lead role of Mohini in the film “Gollabhama,” which brought her widespread recognition and established her as a prominent actress.
  • Iconic Roles: Anjali Devi became known for her versatile portrayals, excelling in mythological, historical, and social dramas. Some of her most memorable roles include:
    • Sita in “Lava Kusa” (1963): This film was a milestone in Telugu cinema as the first full-length color film.
    • “Suvarna Sundari” (1957): A fantasy film where she played the titular role.
    • “Anarkali” (1955): Where she portrayed the tragic Mughal courtesan.
  • Versatility: She showcased her acting prowess by playing a wide range of characters, from goddesses and damsels to strong, independent women.
  • Filmography: Anjali Devi acted in over 350 films, predominantly in Telugu, but also in Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.

Filmography

YearMovie TitleLanguage
1947GollabhamaTelugu
1948BalarajuTelugu
1949Keelu GurramTelugu
1950Palletoori PillaTelugu
1950Swapna SundariTelugu
1951ParadesiTelugu
1953AnarkaliTelugu
1954RechukkaTelugu
1955Suvarna SundariTelugu
1956IlavelpuTelugu
1957Panduranga MahatyamTelugu
1958Chenchu LakshmiTelugu
1959JayabheriTelugu
1960Bhatti VikramarkaTelugu
1962BhishmaTelugu
1963Lava KusaTelugu
1966Rangula RatnamTelugu
1966Chilaka GorinkaTelugu
1966Palnati YudhamTelugu
1967Bhakta PrahladaTelugu
1968Sati ArundhatiTelugu
1970AmmakosamTelugu
1972Badi PantuluTelugu
1972Tata ManavaduTelugu
1973Bhakta TukaramTelugu
1973Jeevana TarangaluTelugu
1975Picchi MarajuTelugu
1976Mahakavi KshetrayyaTelugu
1979JoodagaduTelugu
1981PulibiddaTelugu
1982SwayamvaramTelugu
1983Lanke BindeluTelugu
1986Sri Shirdi Saibaba MahathyamTelugu
1987SruthilayaluTelugu
1993BrundavanamTelugu
1994Police AlluduTelugu

Other Contributions:

  • Production: Along with her husband, P. Adinarayana Rao (a music director), she established Anjali Pictures production company, which produced several successful films.
  • Legacy: Anjali Devi’s contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized. Her captivating performances and on-screen presence earned her a special place in the hearts of audiences.

awards:​

YearAwardCategoryWork / Recognition
1955Filmfare AwardBest Actress – TeluguAnarkali
1957Filmfare AwardBest Actress – TeluguSuvarna Sundari
1958Filmfare AwardBest Actress – TeluguChenchu Lakshmi
1959Filmfare AwardBest Actress – TeluguJayabheri
1963Rashtrapati AwardSpecial RecognitionLava Kusa
2005Raghupathi Venkaiah AwardLifetime AchievementContribution to Telugu Cinema
2006Ramineni AwardFine Arts CategoryLifetime Contribution
2008ANR National AwardLifetime AchievementExcellence in Indian Cinema
2009Arignar Anna AwardSpecial RecognitionContributions to Arts and Culture
2010Padmabhushan Dr. B. Saroja Devi AwardLifetime AchievementExcellence in Indian Cinema

Personal Life:

  • Marriage: She married P. Adinarayana Rao in 1940.
  • Death: Anjali Devi passed away on January 13, 2014, in Chennai, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of Indian cinema.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub7Q_dntX5c&pp=ygUVYW5qYWxpIGRldmkgaW50ZXJ2aWV3