Savitri biopic– Mahanati, helmed by Nag Ashwin, has finally hit the theaters on 9th May. Keerthy Suresh played the titular role whereas Dulquer Salmaan essayed Gemini Ganesan, the husband of Savitri in Mahanati.
Savitri’s personal life wasn’t happy and secure. She had no support system. Savitri was born in a small village Chirravuru in December 1933. Very soon Savitri lost her father and was raised by her mother in their uncle’s home in nearby Vijayawada. The mother and uncle of Savitri took her to Chennapatnam (Chennai) in the late 40’s and looked for roles by visiting studios. The studios thought Savitri was too young but when Savitri gave a dance performance in Kakinada, she was called for a role in Samsaram.
Savitri and Gemini Ganesan secretly married in a temple in 1952 but Savitri announced about her marriage in 1956 when she signed for a fan as Savitri Ganesan. Savitri had Rs. 750 in her bank account when she and her husband Gemini Ganesan started a life together in a rental. Savitri was a traditional wife and Gemini Ganesan was like a god to her. The couple had two children. In 1964, Savitri was given the title “Mahanati” in a public function in Hyderabad, in which Savitri and Gemini Ganesan were felicitated by Andhra Yuvathi Mandali with an elephant ride. The state of Tamil Nadu gave her the title “Nadigaiyar Thilagam”.
But by late 60’s their relationship (Savitri and Gemini Ganesan) started falling apart. In Gemini Ganesan’s company, Savitri had been drinking alcohol in social settings. This slowly became an addiction aided by her sorrow in personal life. Savitri’s husband Gemini Ganesan had become aloof, and she was hearing from others of affairs.
Later, one of her directorial ventures sunk her money due to scheduling issues and Savitri also ignored some notices from income tax. She sold more of her assets and her staff also cheated her during the sales and pocketed large portions of money.
Savitri was died on 26th December 1981. She was 48.
Savitri’s Alcoholism has become the talk of town. Everyone is curious to know how legendary actress Savitri’s family members agreed for such type of scenes. Recently Megastar Chiranjeevi also asked Mahanti’s director Nag Ashwin, “Did Savitri’s daughter Vijaya Chamundeshwari not object to show Savitri’s alcoholism scene in Mahanati? Nag Ashiwn replied, “Vijaya Chamundeshwari and the other family member of Savitri know well that the drinking alcohol became the part of Savitri’s life and they did not object.
Currently Chiranjeevi is busy in his upcoming periodic drama ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’, directed by Surender Reddy and produced by Ram Charan. It is heard that Chiranjeevi and Nag Ashiwn have teamed up for an upcoming venture, which will go on the floor after the release of Sye Raa.