The Telugu Film Producers Council has expressed deep condolences on the passing of veteran actress, producer, singer, and studio owner, Smt. C. Krishna Veni, who passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 102 in Hyderabad. A pioneering figure in Telugu cinema, she was the mother of producer Smt. N.R. Anuradha Devi and one of the last remaining legends of her era.
Born in 1924, Krishnaveni began her career as a child actress in Dhruva Vijayam (1930) and made her debut as a heroine in Kacha Devayani (1938). She later married Mirzapuram Raju and took over the management of Shobhanachala Studios, playing a key role in the growth of the Telugu film industry. She is widely credited with introducing Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) to cinema through Manadesam (1949).
Krishnaveni’s contribution extended beyond acting, as she produced several influential films, including Bhakta Kumbara in Kannada and other Tamil-language productions. Bheeshma, Brahma Rathnam, Gollabhama and others are some notable films. She also played a crucial role in launching legendary artists like S.V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi, Ghantasala, Ramesh Naidu, P. Leela, and Jikki, significantly shaping their careers.
For her invaluable service to Telugu cinema, Krishnaveni was honored with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu Award by the undivided Andhra Pradesh government. She was also recognized by TANA in America and felicitated at the NTR Centenary Celebrations by leaders such as Bandaru Dattatreya and Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
At the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Manadesam in Vijayawada, she was honored by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
The Telugu Film Producers Council, along with the entire film industry, mourns her loss and prays for her soul to rest in peace.
