Main Image Via Twitter

Vetran actress turned director, Vijaya Nirmala, has passed away. Admitted at the Continental Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, the 73-year-old died of a cardiac arrest.

Tamil Nadu born Nirmala entered the world of filming at the tender age of 7. With her father working in film production, she made her debut in Tamil cinema in Machcha Rekhai (1950). She then debuted in Telugu cinema with Rangula Ratnam in 1964. However, stardom only knocked on her door with her Malyalam hit Bhargavi Nilayam.

Starting off as an actress, she wore the hats of producer and director interchangeably throughout her career in Indian cinema. Having set a feat of directing 44 Telugu films, Nirmala was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the female director with most number of films.

NIrmala was also awarded the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for her contributions to Telugu cinema and was credited alongside actress Savitri as the only female directors to have directed the legendary Sivaji Ganesan.
Vijaya Nirmala left behind her son Naresh and husband, Ghattamaneni Krishna. Nirmala’s death shocked the film fraternity and tributes dedicated to her has been taking over celebrity social medias since morning.  Among them were Samantha and Kajal Agrawal who very much looked up to the icon.

Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vijaya Nirmala garu an iconic force in TFI who laid the path for women technicians in the industry . As an actor /producer /director she will remain a true inspiration . Strength to the family. RIP

— Baby Akkineni (@Samanthaprabhu2) June 27, 2019

Sad to hear about the sudden demise of Vijaya Nirmala garu. Strength and condolences to the family. #RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru

— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) June 27, 2019

May her soul rest in peace. 

To keep yourself updated with the latest happenings, stay tuned to RAAGA.

Source: Behindwoods