P. Bhanumathi: Child Bride, Superstar, Director, Ruled Cinema 6 Decades, Charged Half Film Budget

• P. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna debuted at 13, already married, and became the first female superstar of Telugu cinema.
• Her fee was reportedly half the budget of a film, and she ensured profits for makers with her versatile talent.
• A multi-talented artist, she was an actress, singer, director, producer, and music composer, working in 97 films over 60 years.
• Bhanumathi directed 'Chandirani' in 1953, becoming India's first female director, and her studio produced National Award-winning films.
• Known for her strong personality, she received Padma Shri (1966) and Padma Bhushan (2003), leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Why It Matters: P. Bhanumathi was a trailblazing superstar who redefined Indian cinema with her multifaceted talent and strong will.