The First Woman Producer in Telugu Cinema
The journey of C. Krishna Veni, the first woman producer in Telugu cinema, is inspiring for many. She was not only a producer but also a talented actress and singer. She introduced the legendary actor NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) to the silver screen by giving him his first opportunity. Born in 1924 in Pangidi village, West Godavari district, Krishna Veni acted in plays from a young age. Director C. Pullayya recognized her talent and cast her in the title role of the film “Anasūya.” After that, she acted as a child artist in several films.
During her time as a leading actress, she fell in love with the prominent producer Mirzapuram Raja, and they got married in 1940. Some of her well-known films include “Gollabhama” and “Lakshmamma,” which gained her great fame. Later, she became a producer and introduced two heroes to the screen. In the film “Mandesham,” she introduced NTR, and in “Dampatyam,” she introduced Vijay Kumar.
She also played a significant role in introducing two music directors: Ghantasala for “Lakshmamma” and Ramesh Naidu for “Dampatyam.” Krishna Veni is credited with introducing singers P. Leela and Erra Apparavu, along with actress Lakshmikant to the silver screen.
Krishna Veni’s last film as an actress was “Sahasam,” and her final production was “Dampatyam,” made in 1957. For her contributions to the film industry, the Government of Andhra Pradesh honoured her with the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2004. Additionally, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Sakshi Excellence Awards.
Krishna Veni, who lived her life for films, passed away on February 16. Her legacy continues through her daughter Aradhya, who is also a producer and currently produces films in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada industries.
This article highlights the significant contributions of Krishna Veni to Telugu cinema, showcasing her roles as an actress and producer, and her impact on the film industry.
