Potpourri of titbits about Tamil cinema

When I asked her for some unforgettable experiences, she said, “In the year 1975, the Andhra Pradesh Government conferred doctorate title on me. In 1984, Venkateswara University honored me with the same title. I organized All India women writers meet on 27th April 1965 in Hyderabad. Vijalakshmi Pandit was the chief guest. My son was born in Bharani star. We named him Bharanivenkatasubramania Sarma. We started a studio and a production company in his name. N. T. Rama Rao appointed me along with Rajnikant and Rajkumar as a trustee of Thirupati Devasthan committee. S. S. Vasan held a felicitation function to congratulate me and Sivaji Ganesan for the award of Padmashree title to both of us. In 1985, MGR, the then chief minister appointed me as the director and principal of the Government Music College. Indira Gandhi, who was present at the award function at Delhi told me that she had listened to all my songs and also had seen a few Hindi films of mine. These are the unforgettable occasions in my life,” Bhanumathi told with humility in voice.

Bhanumathi a rare and versatile personality died on 24th December 2005 at the age of 81. Her husband Ramakrishna died at his son’s residence in America when MGR was the chief minister. MGR helped bring his body to India.

My request and wish is that either the Government of India or the Government of Tamil Nadu should institute a title “Ashtavathani Bhanumathi” and award it to the best actress of the year in honor of Bhanumathi Amma.