The playful diva, who acted in several Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films in her career before retirement, passed away at home due to age-related issues. Born Jana Bai in Hampi in August 1936, the actress’s family moved to Duggirala in Guntur, where she grew up. She was only 15 or 16 when she made her debut in 1953 with Garikapati Rajarao’s Puttillu. But he got his breakthrough when in 1955, L.V. Acted in Prasad’s Missamma.
When she ventured into Hindi cinema and reprized her role from 1964’s Mooga Manasulu in the 1967 remake Milan, she also won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jamuna joined politics in the 1980s. Jamuna’s legacy will live forever with films like Gundamma Katha, Dorikithe Dongalu, Srimanthudu and others. While she is known for her illustrious career, she was also known for the equation she shared with the late Savitri.
When Savitri was doing theater in Duggirala, she stayed at Jamuna’s house. Later, he invited Jamuna to act in films after Jamuna showed interest in acting. But Jamuna gave it all up when she married Juluri Ramana Rao, a professor of zoology, in 1965. He led a happy and full life till his demise in 2014 due to cardiac arrest. Jamuna’s family now has a son, Vamsi, and a daughter, Sravanti.
Tollywood celebs and film lovers took to social media to condole his demise.
Maharani remained in the Telugu film industry for almost 30 years. Story of Gundamma, Missamma like many memorable… https://t.co/33yI5LhuBB
— Junior NTR (@ tarak9999) 1674792666000
Jamuna Guru. One of the most beautiful women with the heart of a child, a legend of Telugu cinema. Will miss him greatly.… https://t.co/YoRUrYh0xG
— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) 1674791146000