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Vijaya Nirmala
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Vijaya Nirmala (born Nidudavolu Nirmala; 20 February 1946 – 27 June 2019) was an Indian actress, director, and producer known for her works predominantly in Telugu cinema along with a few Malayalam and Tamil films. In a career spanning over six decades, she acted in more than 200 films and directed 44 films. In 2002, she entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the female director who has directed the most number of films in the world.[2][3] In 2008, she received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for lifetime achievement in Telugu cinema.[4]

Key Information

Born as Nirmala, she ventured into acting as a child artist with films like Macha Rekai (1950) and Panduranga Mahatyam (1957). She debuted as a lead actress in the 1964 Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam which became one of the biggest hits of that year. She then acted in the Tamil film Enga Veettu Penn (1965) produced by Vijaya Productions. She added Vijaya to her name as a mark of gratitude to the production house that gave her a break as an artiste. She debuted as a leading lady in Telugu with Rangula Ratnam (1966).[3][5]

She made her directorial debut in Telugu with Meena (1973) and went on to direct over 44 films. She acted with her husband Krishna in over 40 films from Sakshi (1967) to Sri Sri (2016) and the duo was considered as a hit pair. She launched her own production house – Vijaya Krishna Movies and went on to produce 15 films under the banner. She also handled the operations of Padmalaya Studios and Padmalaya Tele Films.[3] Her son Naresh is also a noted actor in Telugu cinema.[5]

Early life

[edit]

She was born as Nidudavolu Nirmala on 20 February 1946 into a Telugu Brahmin family settled in Tamil Nadu who were originally from Narasaraopet.[6] Her father was a film producer. Her paternal uncle was scholar and literary historian Nidudavolu Venkatarao.[7] Actress Jayasudha is Venkatrao's granddaughter while singer R. Balasaraswathi Devi is her paternal aunt's daughter.[7]

Personal life

[edit]

Vijaya Nirmala was married to Krishna Murthy and had a son Naresh, who is also an actor.[5] She later married actor Krishna.[8]

Career

[edit]

Vijaya Nirmala entered cinema as a child artist with the Tamil movie Macha Rekai (1950). At age eleven, she debuted in Telugu films with Panduranga Mahatmyam (1957). In 1964, she starred opposite Prem Nazir and rose to stardom with the Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam.[9] Also, in 1967, she starred again opposite Prem Nazir in Udhyogastha, by P. Venu. She debuted in the Telugu industry in the film Rangula Ratnam (1966).[10]

Her first film in Tamil was Enga Veettu Penn (1965),[2] which was followed by Panama Pasama (1968), Uyira Maanama (1968), En Annan (1970), and Gnana Oli (1972). She met her second husband Krishna on the sets of Sakshi (1967), her second film in Telugu, and they starred together in 47 films. It was Sakshi that kindled her interest in direction. She has acted in over 200 films with 25 each in Malayalam and Tamil, and the remaining in Telugu.[citation needed]

Her small screen debut came with Balaji Telefilms' Pelli Kanuka. Soon after, she launched her own banner Vijaya Krishna Movies and produced 15 films.[11] She added Vijaya to her name as a gratitude to the production house.[5] She made her directorial debut with a Malayalam film on a budget of 3 lakhs. She made her directorial debut in Telugu with Meena and directed 40 films in Telugu and one film each in Malayalam (directorial debut film) and Tamil (Kungumachimizh).[2] The actress-director was based in Hyderabad and managed Padmalaya Studios and Padmalaya Telefilms Ltd.[12][11][13]

Selected filmography

[edit]

Telugu

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
1957 Panduranga Mahatyam Bala Krishnudu
1958 Bhookailas Goddess Seetha
1966 Rangula Ratnam
1967 Poola Rangadu Padma
Sakshi
1968 Manchi Kutumbam
Asadhyudu Radha
Bangaru Gaajulu Radha
1969 Aatmiyulu Saroja
Muhurtha Balam[14] Kamala
Takkari Donga Chakkani Chukka Geeta
1970 Akka Chellelu Lawyer Vijaya
Vidhi Vilasam[15] Nirmala
Thaali Bottu Nirmala
1971 Bomma Borusa
Anuradha[16] Anuradha
Mosagallaku Mosagadu Radha
1972 Tata Manavadu Rani
Kathula Rathaiah
Bhale Mosagadu[17] Rani, Agent 117
Pandanti Kapuram
1973 Devudu Chesina Manushulu
Sahasame Naa Oopiri
Pinni
Buddhimantudu
Patnavasam
Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu Saakhi
Marina Manishi
Meena Meena
1974 Alluri Seetarama Raju Seeta
Devadasu Parvathy
Dhanavanthulu Gunavanthulu Padma
Bantrotu Bharya
1975 Mallela Manasulu[18] Radha Devi
1976 Padi Pantalu[19] Radha
1977 Kurukshetram Subhadra
1978 Patnavasam[20] Geetha
1979 Moodu Puvvulu Aaru Kayalu Gowri, Uma Devi Dual Role
Hema Hemeelu Vijaya
1988 Collector Vijaya
1989 Atha Mechina Alludu[21] Parvathi
Pinni
Sahasame Naa Oopiri Lakshmi
Gandipeta Rahasyam
1990 Prajala Manishi[22] Jhansi
2005 Sravanamasam
2009 Neramu Siksha Archana
2016 Sri Sri Sumathi

Malayalam

[edit]
Year Film Role
1964 Bhargavi Nilayam[23] Bhargavi
1965 Rosie Leena
Kalyanarathriyil Karthika
1966 Poochakkanni Maheshwari
1973 Pooja Radha
Udhyogastha Sujatha
Anweshichu Kandethiyilla Radhika
1968 Karutha Pournami Janamma
1974 Nishagandhi Padmini
Vivaham Swargathil Lisy
1976 Aana Valarthiya Vanampadiyude Makan Omana
1973 Kalippava Rani
Pulliman Devika
Postmane Kananilla Nalini
Thenaruvi Sudha
Kattuvithachavan Lakshmi
Ponnapuram Kotta Kanni
Kavitha Kavitha
1974 Durga Thulasi
1978 Kenalum Collectorum Indhulekha

Tamil

[edit]
Year Film Role
1950 Macha Rekai Young Mahalingam
1965 Enga Veetu Penn
1966 Chitthi Saroja
1967 Pandhayam
1968 Neelagiri Express Geetha
Panama Pasama Kannamma aka Baby
Siritha Mugam
Sathiyam Thavaradhey
Soaappu Seeppu Kannadi Latha
Uyira Manama
1969 Anbalippu Meena
1970 En Annan Thangam
1971 Yanai Valartha Vanampadi Magan
1972 Gnana Oli
1974 Puthiya Manithan
1984 Sumangali Kolam

Director

[edit]
Year Film Notes
1973 Kavitha Malayalam
Meena Based on the novel Meena by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani which was later adapted into 2016 movie A Aa[24]
1974 Devadasu
1976 Devude Gelichadu Remake of Malayalam film Yakshagaanam
Kavitha
1977 Panchayathi
1978 Rowdy Rangamma
1979 Moodu Puvvulu Aaru Kayalu
Sanku Theertham
Hema Hemeelu
1980 Ram Robert Rahim Remake of Hindi film Amar Akbar Anthony
Kiladi Krishnudu
Sangham Chekkina Silpalu
Sirimalle Navvindi
1981 Bhogi Mantalu
Antham Kadidi Aarambam Remake of Kannada film Antha
1982 Doctor Cine Actor
1983 Bezawada Bebbuli
1984 Mukhyamantri Remake of Kannada film Chakravyuha
Mukkopi
1985 Lanke Bindelu
Surya Chandra
1988 Collector Vijaya
1989 Sahasame Naa Oopiri
Ajatha Satruvu
1990 Prajala Manishi
1991 Vadina Maata
1992 Mogudu Pellala Dongaata
1994 Yes Nenante Nene
1996 Puttinti Gowravam
Rendu Kutumbala Katha
2009 Neramu Siksha

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vijaya Nirmala

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Vijaya Nirmala (20 February 1946 – 27 June 2019) was an Indian , , and who worked primarily in , with appearances in Tamil and films, and is recognized as a pioneering figure for women in the industry, holding the for directing the most films by a female filmmaker. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala began her career as a child artist at the age of four in the Tamil film Machcha Rekhai (1950), followed by her Telugu debut in Panduranga Mahatyam (1957) and her first major heroine role in Rangula Ratnam (1966). Over a career spanning nearly seven decades, she acted in more than 200 films, often portraying bold and independent characters in hits such as Bhookailas, Manchi Kutumbam, Poola Rangadu, Sakshi (1967), and Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974), while collaborating frequently with her second husband, actor Krishna, in over 40 projects including Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971). Transitioning to direction in 1973 with the film Kavitha—which she later remade in Telugu—Nirmala helmed 44 films across languages, earning entry into the Book of World Records in 2002 as the only woman to direct that many feature films, with notable directorial works including (1973), Rowdy Rangamma, Devadasu, , Bezawada Bebbuli (1983), and Collector Vijaya. She also produced around 15 films under her Vijaya Krishna Movies banner and received the prestigious in 2008 for her lifetime contributions to . In her , she was first married to Krishna Murthy, with whom she had actor son Naresh, and later wed actor Krishna in 1966, becoming stepmother to actors and ; she passed away from a in Hyderabad at age 73.

Personal Background

Early Life

Vijaya Nirmala, born Nidudavolu Nirmala, entered the world on February 20, 1946, in , , , as part of at the time, into a Telugu-speaking family originally from . Her father, R. Rammohan Rao, was a sound engineer at the renowned , immersing the family in the film industry, while her mother, Shakuntala, was a homemaker from in . As the eldest of four siblings—including three brothers—she grew up in a nurturing yet cinema-centric environment that fostered her early fascination with . Nirmala's childhood was marked by frequent visits to film sets alongside her father, providing her with firsthand exposure to the bustling world of production and sparking a natural affinity for the medium. She pursued her initial schooling at NKT National Girls High School in , Madras, where she honed interests in and stage plays under the guidance of tutor Tiruvenkata Mudaliar. The family's deep ties to the industry, particularly through her father's professional network, profoundly influenced her aspiration to act, with a close family friend playing a pivotal in encouraging her initial foray into performances. By around age seven, she began taking tentative steps toward a screen career through minor appearances as a child artist in , laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Family and Marriages

Vijaya Nirmala's first marriage was to Krishna Murthy, with whom she had a son, Naresh, born on January 20, 1960; the marriage later ended in divorce. In 1969, she married Telugu actor Krishna (Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy), becoming his second wife after his separation from Indira Devi; this union blended their families, as Nirmala became stepmother to Krishna's five children from his first marriage, including the prominent actor . Throughout their marriage, which lasted until her death, Nirmala provided strong personal support to Krishna's career while nurturing their blended family; she maintained amicable relations with his first wife and extended care to her three brothers and other relatives, often demonstrating her hospitality through home-cooked meals for Krishna and his industry associates. Together, they raised Naresh, who became an actor in , and Nirmala served as a maternal figure to her stepchildren, fostering family unity amid their high-profile lives in the film world; the couple also co-founded Vijaya Krishna Movies, a production banner that reflected their shared family commitments. In her later years, Nirmala faced personal health challenges within the family context, including undergoing knee surgery.

Professional Career

Acting Roles

Vijaya Nirmala entered the film industry as a child artist in the Tamil film Machcha Rekhai in 1950, marking her initial foray into at the age of four. She transitioned to with a child artist role as Lord Krishna in in 1957, before securing her first lead as a heroine in the Telugu film Rangula Ratnam in 1966. Her family connections, particularly her marriage to actor Krishna in 1969, often shaped her role selections, resulting in frequent on-screen collaborations with him. Nirmala achieved prominence in Malayalam cinema with her debut lead role in Bhargavi Nilayam (1964), where she portrayed the ethereal yakshi Bhargavikutty opposite , contributing to the film's status as a major commercial success and horror classic. Throughout the and , she expanded into Tamil films like Enga Veetu Penn (1965), showcasing her ability to adapt across languages while maintaining a strong presence in Telugu productions. From the to the 1980s, Nirmala's acting career peaked with over 200 films, predominantly in Telugu but including notable multilingual works that highlighted her versatility in romantic leads, dramatic characters, and action-oriented roles. Examples include her compelling portrayal of a resilient woman in the Telugu film Meena (1973) and supporting turns in films like Saakshi (1967), where she shared the screen with Krishna in one of their many joint ventures—totaling over 40 such pairings. In the 1990s, Nirmala shifted toward character roles, appearing in supporting capacities that leveraged her experience while allowing flexibility amid her other professional pursuits. She acted in more than 200 films overall before gradually reducing acting roles in the 2000s, with her final appearance in Neramu Siksha (2009), having navigated challenges such as balancing demanding schedules with personal and professional transitions in a male-dominated industry.

Directorial Ventures

Vijaya Nirmala transitioned to direction with her debut Telugu film Meena in 1973, an adaptation of a novel by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani that explored themes of love and societal constraints on women. This marked her entry as one of the earliest female directors in South Indian cinema, following her initial foray with the Malayalam film Kavitha the same year. Over the next three decades, she helmed a total of 44 films, the majority in Telugu, establishing herself as a pioneering figure in a male-dominated field. Her directorial works frequently centered on women-oriented narratives and family dramas that addressed social issues, such as marital dynamics and gender roles, often drawing from literary sources to infuse depth into character portrayals. Nirmala was the first woman in to direct multiple commercially successful films, breaking barriers and inspiring subsequent generations of female filmmakers. She often cast family members, including her husband Krishna and stepson Naresh, in key roles, blending personal and professional spheres to foster collaborative storytelling. She often acted in lead or key roles in her directed films, such as starring as the titular character in (1973). In her approach to direction, Nirmala emphasized hands-on script development, conducting lengthy discussions on plots and characters to ensure nuanced representations, while also providing opportunities to emerging talent in an industry rife with challenges for women during the and . These obstacles included navigating skepticism and limited resources in a patriarchal setup, yet her persistence led to recognition in the in 2002 as the most prolific female director with 42 feature films to her credit at the time. Her later works included (2005) and her final directorial effort (2009), underscoring her enduring commitment to family-centric tales. Through her extensive output, Nirmala elevated Telugu cinema's standards by prioritizing female perspectives and , paving the way for greater inclusivity behind the camera. She occasionally appeared in acting roles within her own projects, leveraging her performance expertise to guide productions.

Production Contributions

Vijaya Nirmala entered film production in the 1970s by co-founding Vijaya Krishna Movies with her husband Krishna Ghattamaneni, establishing it as a key banner for projects. The production house, launched around , focused on family-oriented dramas and action films, often featuring Krishna in lead roles and incorporating elements of . Under this banner, she produced approximately 15 films, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing talent within the industry while leveraging familial collaborations. Key productions included Meena (1973), an adaptation of a novel that marked her directorial debut and highlighted themes of personal freedom, and Hema Hemeelu (1979), an action drama starring Krishna and that achieved commercial success. Another notable project was Antham Kadhidi Arambham, a family drama that underscored the banner's emphasis on relatable narratives. These films often involved family members in acting roles, such as Krishna, which helped control costs and ensure creative alignment. In addition to her own banner, Nirmala managed operations at Padmalaya Studios, Krishna's established production and distribution entity founded in 1970, where she oversaw logistics for multiple Telugu projects in the 1970s and beyond. Her business acumen was evident in efficient budget management and distribution strategies targeted at Telugu markets, contributing to the studio's role in industry infrastructure by facilitating film processing and release networks. Joint productions with Krishna mitigated financial risks through shared resources, enabling bolder creative choices and yielding successes like superhit action films that boosted the banner's reputation. By the 2000s, Nirmala's production efforts evolved to support emerging family talent, as seen in Neramu Siksha (2009), which she produced under Vijaya Krishna Movies and featured Krishna alongside newer actors. This shift reflected her focus on intergenerational continuity, providing platforms for the next generation while maintaining the banner's legacy in Telugu cinema.

Filmography and Achievements

Telugu Cinema

Vijaya Nirmala's career in spanned over five decades, encompassing more than 150 films out of her total 200-plus acting credits, making it the predominant focus of her professional output. She began as a in the , transitioned to leading roles in romantic dramas during the , took on family-oriented characters in the and while venturing into directing and producing, and later appeared in supporting roles in the and beyond, often collaborating with her husband Krishna. Her multifaceted involvement—acting in key narratives, helming directorial projects, and producing under Vijaya Krishna Movies—highlighted her versatility and enduring influence in the industry. In the , Nirmala established herself as a romantic lead, debuting as a in Panduranga Mahatyam (1957) before her breakthrough as an adult actress in Rangula Ratnam (1966), a social satire directed by B. N. Reddy that critiqued urban corruption and family dynamics. In the film, she portrayed the sister in a rural family relocating to the city, where tragedy and moral dilemmas test familial bonds; the movie's sharp commentary on politics earned it the National Film Award for Best in Telugu, boosting her prominence. Another early highlight was Saakshi (1967), Bapu's directorial debut, where she played the love interest to Krishna's naive boatman, a character hardened by societal exploitation; the film's poignant exploration of innocence lost resonated widely, marking a commercial and critical success. The 1970s and 1980s saw Nirmala evolve into family-centric roles while pioneering as a director, with Meena (1973) serving as her Telugu directorial debut and a starring vehicle opposite Krishna. Adapted from Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani's novel, it follows the titular character, played by Nirmala, who rebels against her overbearing mother's control and finds love in a rural setting; the romantic drama's strong box-office performance underscored her skill in blending acting and direction. She also directed and starred in Devadasu (1974), a reimagining of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic tale, where her portrayal of the devoted Parvati alongside Krishna's tragic Devadasu emphasized themes of unrequited love and social constraints, achieving notable commercial appeal despite her preference for its artistic depth. As a producer-director, she helmed Bezawada Bebbuli (1983), starring Krishna and Raadhika, which depicted a vigilante's fight against in a coastal town; the action-drama's emphasis on and her hands-on production contributed to its regional popularity. By the 1990s, Nirmala shifted to character parts that added emotional layers to ensemble casts, as seen in Puttinti Gauravam (1996), where she played a navigating and reconciliation; this later phase reflected her adaptability while maintaining ties to Telugu storytelling traditions.

Malayalam and Tamil Cinema

Vijaya Nirmala entered as a lead actress with the 1964 Bhargavi Nilayam, marking her breakthrough in the industry after early child roles in Telugu and Tamil films. She went on to act in approximately 20 films, showcasing her versatility in genres ranging from horror and social dramas to family-oriented stories, often collaborating with leading stars like and . Her performances emphasized strong female characters, contributing to the evolving portrayal of women in South Indian cinema beyond her primary Telugu base. In , she appeared in around 10-15 films, starting with a lead role in Enga Veettu Penn (1965), where she adopted the prefix "Vijaya" in gratitude to the production house. These roles highlighted her adaptability across linguistic boundaries, though her involvement tapered off by the 1980s as she prioritized Telugu projects. In (1964), directed by , Nirmala portrayed Bhargavi, the tragic spirit of a murdered haunting a desolate , who befriends a novelist (played by ) and reveals her backstory of love and betrayal through old letters from her lover (). This debut lead role established her as a compelling presence in psychological thrillers, making the film a landmark as Malayalam's first horror movie and earning acclaim for its atmospheric . She reunited with in Udhyogastha (1967), directed by , where she played Sujatha, a dedicated government officer from a impoverished family who sacrifices personal happiness—including enduring hardships to support her ailing father and siblings—amid societal pressures. The film underscored themes of familial duty and resilience, with Nirmala's portrayal of quiet strength resonating in social dramas of the era. Another notable performance came in Postmane Kananilla (1972), directed by , as Nalini, a navigating rural life and emotional turmoil in a tale of unfulfilled promises and community bonds. Her role added emotional depth to the narrative's exploration of human relationships. In Kavitha (1973), she took on the titular role of a talented girl overcoming adversity through art and determination, blending her acting prowess with emerging directorial interests. These selections illustrate her range in portraying empowered yet vulnerable women, influencing cross-regional . Nirmala's Tamil contributions began prominently with Enga Veettu Penn (1965), a family drama directed by and produced by Vijaya Productions, where she played the lead Nirmala, a young woman entangled in household conflicts and romantic entanglements in a remake of the Telugu . Her performance helped cement her transition to mature leads, emphasizing themes of domestic harmony and youthful idealism. In Panama Paasama (1968), directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan, she supported the central conflict between and , portraying a character caught in the moral dilemma of prioritizing wealth over love in a society-driven plot. The film critiqued materialism, with Nirmala's role contributing to its layered interpersonal dynamics. She appeared in En Annan (1970), a thriller directed by P. Neelakantan starring , as Thangam, the devoted sister of the protagonist who faces family expulsion after false accusations against their father, highlighting loyalty and justice in a high-stakes . Further roles included (1972), where she played a key figure in a story of knowledge and redemption, and Uyiramma (1968), a drama exploring life's struggles. These films demonstrated her ability to integrate into Tamil ensembles, often in supportive yet pivotal parts that amplified ensemble-driven plots. Her forays into and facilitated cross-industry collaborations, such as repeated pairings with in Malayalam social films that echoed Telugu dramatic styles, broadening her appeal across and introducing multilingual production techniques like dual-language shoots. By the , however, her focus shifted predominantly to Telugu, where she directed and produced extensively, limiting new ventures in these languages to occasional appearances while leveraging earlier successes for pan-regional recognition.

Awards and Records

Vijaya Nirmala's contributions to Indian cinema were recognized through several prestigious awards and records, particularly highlighting her pioneering role as a director and her enduring impact on Telugu films. In 2002, she entered the as the most prolific female director, having helmed 42 feature films since her directorial debut in 1972. Throughout her career, Nirmala received honors from state and industry bodies for her multifaceted work in acting, directing, and production. In 2008, the government conferred upon her the , a lifetime achievement honor for outstanding contributions to . This award, presented alongside the annual , underscored her trailblazing status as one of the first women directors in South Indian cinema. Later in her career, Nirmala was honored with the (South) in 2017, acknowledging her over six decades in the industry, including more than 200 acting roles and her extensive directorial portfolio. These accolades, spanning from the early to the late , reflect the progressive phases of her career—from her breakthrough as an actress in the to her directorial achievements in the and beyond.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

Vijaya Nirmala's pioneering role as one of the first female directors in South Indian cinema, particularly in Telugu and industries, significantly influenced the trajectory of women in during a male-dominated era. She made her directorial debut with the film Kavitha in 1973, becoming the first woman to helm a feature in that language, and soon transitioned to Telugu with Meena, adapting acclaimed novels that centered women's experiences. This breakthrough shattered glass ceilings, earning her a in 2002 for directing 44 films, the most by any female director at the time, and inspiring subsequent generations of women filmmakers to pursue multifaceted careers in production and direction. Her contributions extended to promoting family-based productions and advocating for stronger roles for actresses, fostering a more inclusive environment in . Through her banner, Vijaya Krishna Films, she produced 15 features, often collaborating with family members like her husband Krishna and son Naresh, which normalized collaborative family units in the industry and provided platforms for emerging talent. Nirmala's advocacy was evident in her support for women technicians and performers, as highlighted in tributes from contemporaries like director Nandini Reddy and actress , who credited her with paving the way for better opportunities and empowerment in a traditionally patriarchal field. Her films from the 1970s to 1990s, such as adaptations of Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani's works, frequently explored social themes including women's resilience and societal constraints, subtly influencing narrative styles in by emphasizing female perspectives and emotional depth over conventional tropes. In terms of mentorship, Nirmala played a guiding role in nurturing next-generation filmmakers and actors within her family, including stepson and son Naresh, by involving them in productions and imparting industry knowledge through hands-on collaboration. This familial guidance extended her impact beyond her own career, contributing to the success of prominent figures in contemporary . Media recognition, including profiles in outlets like and Times of India, has consistently portrayed her as a multitasker who balanced acting in over 200 films with directing and producing, serving as a benchmark for versatility and resilience in a challenging landscape. Her legacy continues to be studied in discussions of gender dynamics in South Indian cinema, underscoring her role in advancing women's agency on and off screen.

Death and Tributes

Vijaya Nirmala passed away on June 27, 2019, at the age of 73 in Hyderabad, , after suffering a at Continental Hospital in . She had been admitted to the hospital due to a prolonged illness, which had necessitated multiple hospitalizations in her final years. Her son, actor Naresh, announced the news of her death early that morning, stating that she had been under treatment for an extended period. The family arranged for her body to be placed at their residence in for public viewing starting at 11 a.m. on June 27, with the final rites scheduled for the following day, June 28, at a farmhouse near Chilkur. The funeral proceedings received state-level attention, with Chief Minister Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy and former Union Minister among those paying floral tributes. Prominent figures from the Telugu film industry, including stepson , , Krishna, and others, attended the last rites, reflecting her deep ties to the fraternity. Tributes poured in from across the Telugu film industry and beyond, highlighting her pioneering contributions as an actress, director, and producer. Actors like Jr. NTR described her as a "legend" and expressed personal loss, while Pawan Kalyan mourned the end of an era in Telugu cinema. Ram Charan, Keerthy Suresh, and composer Devi Sri Prasad shared condolences on social media, emphasizing her influence on generations of filmmakers. Namrata Shirodkar, married to Mahesh Babu, posted an emotional note calling Nirmala "truly ahead of her time" and a guiding figure in their family. Media outlets extensively covered her legacy, with reports focusing on her record as the most prolific female director in Indian cinema and her role in over 200 films. Fans gathered outside her residence to pay respects, and events like the promotional function for Mahesh Babu's film Maharshi were canceled as a mark of respect. In the years following her death, Nirmala's memory has been honored through annual remembrances in the Telugu film community, including tributes on her birth anniversary and the establishment of the Vijaya Nirmala Award, first presented in 2025 to director . Her contributions continue to be celebrated in industry retrospectives and discussions on women's roles in South Indian cinema.

References

  1. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/270619/veteran-telugu-actress-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away-at-73.html
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rip-vijaya-nirmala-lesser-known-facts-about-the-trailblazer-of-telugu-cinema/articleshow/69972393.cms
  3. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijaya-nirmala-a-full-life-in-retrospect/article28166938.ece
  4. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/veteran-actor-director-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away/article28163758.ece
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/the-heroine-who-blazed-a-trail-and-shattered-the-glass-ceiling-in-tollywood/articleshow/69975555.cms
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/indian-film-actress-cum-director-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away/articleshow/69967823.cms
  7. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/vijaya-nirmala-completes-65-years-in-the-film-industry/article7534046.ece
  8. https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/vijaya-nirmalas-legacy-lives-on-in-her-movies-1.64938354
  9. https://english.tupaki.com/entertainment/article/vijaya-nirmala-on-about-her-marriage-with-superstar-krishna/74593
  10. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/290619/vijaya-nirmala-led-her-life-with-dignity.html
  11. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2018/Mar/08/at-the-helm-of-a-mans-world-a-new-generation-of-women-telugu-directors-1783664.html
  12. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/71453-most-prolific-female-director
  13. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/vijaya_nirmala
  14. https://www.rspnetwork.in/2020/10/vijaya-krishna-green-studios-pvtltd.html
  15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/telugu-actress-director-to-enter-guinness-book/articleshow/8599556.cms
  16. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/movies/neramu-siksha/cast-crew.html
  17. https://www.ragalahari.com/movies/info/881/neramu-siksha.aspx
  18. https://www.facebook.com/livegujrat.in/posts/vijaya-nirmala-was-a-legendary-actress-and-director-in-indian-cinema-particularl/818369050705267/
  19. https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/a-power-house-of-talent--541697
  20. https://indiancine.ma/PUB
  21. https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/remembering-vijaya-nirmala-first-woman-director-malayalam-cinema-104534
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0213512/
  23. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/filmfare-awards-south-2017-complete-list-of-winners-1713702
  24. https://www.news18.com/movies/meet-vijaya-nirmala-the-woman-with-record-film-directions-to-her-credit-8533882.html
  25. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/vijaya-nirmala-veteran-director-actor-passes-away-743100.html
  26. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/veteran-telugu-actor-filmmaker-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away-at-73-after-suffering-cardiac-arrest-6889111.html
  27. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/actress-director-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away/articleshow/69968682.cms
  28. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/actress-director-vijaya-nirmala-dies-at-73-2059943
  29. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/rip-vijaya-nirmala-mahesh-babu-to-chiranjeevi-south-celebs-pay-last-respects-1557794-2019-06-28
  30. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/mahesh-babu-chiranjeevi-south-stars-pay-last-respect-vijaya-nirmala-sad-demise-see-photos/
  31. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/vijaya-nirmala-dies-at-75-celebrities-pay-tribute-5802135/
  32. https://www.koimoi.com/south-indian-cinema/veteran-telugu-actor-filmmaker-vijaya-nirmala-passes-away-jr-ntr-sudheer-babu-others-pay-tribute/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AgQG12cVr8
  34. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vijaya-nirmala-was-truly-ahead-of-her-time-namrata-shirodkar-posts-moving-tribute-2060354
  35. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/tollywood-pays-final-respects-to-veteran-actress-vijaya-nirmala/articleshow/69991107.cms
  36. https://mobi.greatandhra.com/article/rip-vijaya-nirmala-maharshi-event-cancelled-97830/97830
  37. https://twitter.com/Kkdtalkies/status/1892995968183791675
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