Veteran Telugu actor Jamuna dies in Hyderabad; Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and Mahesh Babu pay tributes

Veteran Telugu actor Jamuna, who had also worked in Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films, died on Friday at her Hyderbad home. She was 86. Many celebs as well as politicians paid her a tribute in heartfelt social media posts.

Veteran Telugu actor Jamuna, who began acting over seven decades ago, died on Friday morning at her residence in Hyderabad due to age-related ailments. She was 86. Jamuna’s sudden death has sent shockwaves across the Telugu film fraternity, with actor Mahesh Babu and filmmakers such as Bobby Kolli and Sreenu Vaitla as well as politicians paying their tributes in heartfelt social media posts.

Telugu actor Jamuna dies at 86.

The Twitter page of Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy shared a condolence message, which read, “CM Sri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed grief over the demise of Jamuna garu, the film star of yesteryears and former MP. Jamuna's death brings an end to the golden era artistes of Telugu cinema, the CM said and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members,” read the tweet.

Several Telugu celebrities took to Twitter to pay their tributes. Mahesh Babu tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the demise of Jamuna garu. Will fondly remember her for all her iconic roles and her immense contribution to the industry. My condolences to her family and loved ones." Producer Neelima Guna tweeted, “Rest in peace legendary actress Jamuna garu, your portrayal of ‘Satyabhama’ will forever be etched in our hearts. A woman of grace and substance, you shall remain iconic (sic).”

Jamuna began acting at the 16 in Dr Garikapati Rajarao's Puttillu in 1953. However, it was LV Prasad’s Missamma, which released two years later that turned out to be her breakthrough performance. She went on to work in 198 films over an active career spanning decades. Having predominantly worked in Telugu films where she worked with all the leading male stars – from NT Rama Rao to Akkineni Nageswara Rao; she had also worked in Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films.

In the 1960’s, Jamuna was one of the biggest stars of Telugu cinema, along with Savitri and Bhanumathi. Some of her best films include Gundamma Katha, Appu Chesi Pappu Kudu, Donga Ramudu and Mooga Manusulu among others. Jamuna, who is survived by her son and daughter, had a brief stint in politics. She was elected as an MP from Rajahmundry Lok Sabha seat in 1989.