- Full Name: Jamuna (Born as Jamuna Peddada)
- Born: August 30, 1936
- Died: January 27, 2023
- Place of Birth: Halimeda, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Occupation: Actress, Producer
- Active Years: 1950s–1980s
Early Life and Family
Jamuna was born on August 30, 1936, in a small village in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. She hailed from a modest family and was one of the seven siblings. Jamuna’s interest in acting developed at a young age, and she soon moved to the city to pursue her dream of working in films. Although she initially had no connections in the film industry, her talent quickly earned her recognition.
Entry into the Film Industry
Jamuna made her film debut as a child artist in the 1950s. She appeared in the Telugu film “Puttillu” (1953), but her breakthrough role came when she was cast as the heroine in the 1957 Telugu film “Tyagayya”. Directed by Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy, this film showcased Jamuna’s acting potential, and it led to more significant roles in Telugu cinema.
Jamuna soon gained popularity for her graceful looks, acting skills, and charming screen presence. She became one of the leading actresses in Telugu cinema, and over the next few decades, she became a household name, starring in several successful films in Telugu and other South Indian languages, including Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.
Rise to Stardom
Jamuna’s rise to stardom came during the golden age of Telugu cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. She became one of the top heroines of the time and frequently starred opposite legendary actors like N.T. Rama Rao (NTR), Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and others.
FILMOGRAPHY
1950s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Puttillu | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Maa Gopi | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Bangaru Papa | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Nirupedalu | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Vaddante Dabbu | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Iddaru Pellalu | Telugu | |
| 1955 | Donga Ramudu | Telugu | |
| 1955 | Santosham | Telugu | |
| 1955 | Missamma | Sita | Telugu |
| 1955 | Jaya Gopi | Tamil | |
| 1955 | Panam Paduthum Padu | Tamil | |
| 1956 | Tenali Ramakrishna | Telugu | |
| 1956 | Chiranjeevulu | Telugu | |
| 1956 | Ilavelpu | Sarala | Telugu |
| 1956 | Muddu Bidda | Telugu | |
| 1956 | Chintamani | Telugu | |
| 1956 | Naga Devathai | Tamil | |
| 1956 | Kudumba Villakku | Tamil | |
| 1957 | Miss Mary | Mary | Hindi |
| 1957 | Veera Kankanam | Parvathi | Telugu |
| 1957 | Bhagya Rekha | Telugu | |
| 1957 | Sati Anasuya | Telugu | |
| 1957 | Thangamalai Ragasiyam | Tamil | |
| 1957 | Pakka Thirudan | Tamil | |
| 1957 | Kula Gouravam | Tamil | |
| 1957 | Rathnagiri Rahasya | Kannada | |
| 1958 | Maa Inti Mahalakshmi | Telugu | |
| 1958 | Bhookailas | Mandodari | Telugu |
| 1958 | Pellinaati Pramanalu | Rukmini | Telugu |
| 1958 | Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu | Telugu | |
| 1958 | Kadan Vaangi Kalyaanam | Tamil | |
| 1958 | Bommai Kalyanam | Tamil | |
| 1959 | Illarikam | Telugu | |
| 1959 | Vaazhkai Oppandham | Tamil | |
| 1959 | Kanniraindha Kanavan | Tamil | |
| 1959 | Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali | Tamil | |
| 1959 | Nalla Theerpu | Tamil |
1960s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Jalsa Rayudu | Telugu | |
| 1960 | Annapurna | Annapurna | Telugu |
| 1960 | Kadavulin Kuzhandhai | Tamil | |
| 1961 | Pelli Kani Pillalu | Telugu | |
| 1961 | Marutha Nattu Veeran | Tamil | |
| 1961 | Revathi | Tamil | |
| 1962 | Gulebakavali Katha | Telugu | |
| 1962 | Gundamma Katha | Telugu | |
| 1962 | Srikakula Andhramaha Vishnu | Telugu | |
| 1962 | Nichaya Thaamboolam | Seetha | Tamil |
| 1962 | Dakshayagnam | Tamil | |
| 1962 | Manithan Maravillai | Tamil | |
| 1963 | Eedu Jodu | Santha | Telugu |
| 1963 | Thobuttuvulu | Rajani | Telugu |
| 1963 | Ek Raaz | Hindi | |
| 1963 | Hamrahi | Hindi | |
| 1964 | Pooja Phalam | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Bobbili Yuddham | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Manchi Manishi | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Mooga Manasulu | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Muralikrishna | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Ramudu Bheemudu | Telugu | |
| 1964 | Beti Bete | Hindi | |
| 1965 | Dorikithe Dongalu | Telugu | |
| 1965 | Mangamma Sapatham | Mangamma | Telugu |
| 1965 | Keelu Bommalu | Telugu | |
| 1965 | Thodu Needa | Telugu | |
| 1965 | Naadi Aada Janme | Malathi | Telugu |
| 1965 | Sri Krishna Tulabharam | Satyabhama | Telugu |
| 1965 | Rishte Naate | Hindi | |
| 1966 | Leta Manasulu | Telugu | |
| 1966 | Srikakula Andhra Maha Vishnu Katha | Sujatha | Telugu |
1970s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Sakshatkara | Uma | Kannada |
| 1972 | Bharya Biddalu | Telugu | |
| 1973 | Anbu Sagodharargal | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Yashoda Krishna | Telugu | |
| 1975 | Dulhan | Hindi | |
| 1977 | Kurukshetramu | Telugu | |
| 1979 | Bangaru Bommalu | Telugu | |
| 1979 | Naan Nandri Solven | Tamil |
1980s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mayeya Musuku | Kannada | |
| 1980 | Guru Sarwabhowma Sri Raghavendra Karune | Kannada | |
| 1983 | Naukar Biwi Ka | Hindi | |
| 1983 | Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Raaj Tilak | Hindi | |
| 1984 | Yaadgaar | Hindi |
1990s
| Year | Film Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Police Matthu Dada | Kannada |
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award/Honor | Awarding Body / Government | For / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | NTR National Award | Government of Andhra Pradesh | Lifetime contribution to Telugu cinema |
| — | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress | Filmfare Awards (Hindi) | For the Hindi film Milan (1967) |
| — | Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (Unconfirmed) | Government of Andhra Pradesh (rumored) | Often listed as recipient in public articles |
| — | Kalaimamani (Unconfirmed) | Tamil Nadu Government (unverified) | Possible recognition for Tamil contributions |
| — | Member of Parliament | Indian National Congress | Elected from Rajahmundry, 1989–1991 |
Political Career
| Year(s) | Position | Party | Constituency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–1991 | Member of Parliament (MP) | Indian National Congress | Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh | Elected to the 9th Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament). |
| 1990s | Party Activities | Indian National Congress (initially) & later attempted with BJP | — | Initially with INC, but later distanced herself; briefly associated with BJP, unsuccessfully contested an election. |
Later Years and Recognition
Jamuna received various awards and honors for her contributions to Telugu cinema. She was awarded the Nandi Award for her outstanding performances in Telugu films and was recognized for her invaluable contribution to the South Indian film industry.
Even after her retirement, Jamuna remained an important figure in the Telugu film industry. She was involved in some production work, and her legacy continued to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
In 2016, Jamuna was honored with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for her lifetime achievement in Telugu cinema, a testament to her long-lasting impact on the industry.
Death and Legacy
Jamuna passed away on January 27, 2023, at the age of 86. Her death marked the end of an era in Telugu cinema, as she was one of the last living legends from the golden age of South Indian cinema. Tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and the film industry, acknowledging her immense contribution to cinema.
Her legacy is not only in the countless films she starred in but also in the roles she portrayed — strong, dignified, and memorable characters who became iconic figures in Indian cinema. Jamuna’s impact on Telugu cinema remains timeless, and she will be remembered as one of the most graceful and talented actresses of her time.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaEiFWNa250&pp=ygUQamFtdW5hIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
