P. Bhanumathi

P. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna was an Indian actress, singer, film producer, director, music composer, writer, editor, studio owner and novelist. She is regarded as the first female superstar of Telugu cinema, and the first female director of Telugu cinema with her debut directorial Chandirani (1953). Bhanumathi appeared in over 100 films, predominantly in Telugu and Tamil languages. She also acted in a few Hindi and Kannada films. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001 for her contribution to the Indian cinema. She was honored among "Women in Cinema" at the 30th International Film Festival of India.