PremiumSumalatha Ambareesh remembers late actress Jamuna as the diva who crowned her beauty queen'
Sumalatha Ambareesh, who has acted in several Telugu films, took to social media earlier today to mourn the loss
Last Updated: 03.57 PM, Jan 27, 2023
Veteran Telugu actress Jamuna's passing has cast a shadow of grief over the film fraternity. Many noted actors from the Telugu Film Industry, including current superstars Jr. NTR, Mahesh Babu, and Chiranjeevi Konidela, among others, have come forward to condole with Jamuna's family and also share their thoughts on her impeccable legacy.
Jamuna passed away on Friday, January 27th, due to age-related health complications. She was 87 years old.
Sumalatha Ambareesh, who has acted in several Telugu films, took to social media earlier today to mourn the loss and also pen an endearing note regarding her first encounter with the late diva. Sumalatha's post referred to the day she won the beauty contest as a 15-year-old (in 1979) with Jamuna, the guest of honour, crowning her with the newly-earned title.
"The news of yesteryear star Jamuna's passing saddens me. She had wished me the best for my first film and even blessed me with the kind words, "you have a bright future". And she was also the proud actress who had crowned me with the beauty queen title 43 years ago. I pray that her soul rests in peace," wrote Sumalatha Ambareesh, who began her career in cinema soon after the beauty pageant she refers to.
Born Jana Bai in the Karnataka town of Hampi on August 30th, 1936, Jamuna began her acting career in the Telugu film industry at the age of 16 with Garikapati Rajarao's 1952 film Puttillu. Having found prominence in Telugu cinema within a short span of time, she would venture into other languages soon after, making her Tamil debut in 1954, Kannada debut in '55 and Hindi in '57. In Kannada, she has acted alongside Dr. Rajkumar in films like Bhookailasa (1956) and Sakshatkara (1971) and alongside Udaykumar in the 1957 film Rathnagiri Rahasya. Her last credited role in a Kannada film is the 1991 film Police Matthu Dada, starring Vishnuvardhan.
She began her Hindi cinema journey with Miss Mary (1957), the remake of the '55 cult classic Telugu film Missamma in which she starred in a prominent role.