Savitri Kommareddy, often called as Mahanati of Telugu cinema, was born in Chirravuru, Guntur Dist., AP on 6th December 1937 into a wealthy family. She learnt music and classical dance under Sista Purnayya Sasthri and gave some public performances as a child in Vijayawada. She worked in a theater company run by NTR, K Jaggayya et al. Later on she started her own group, the Navabharata Natya Mandali. She also acted in a play Atma Vanchana by Buchi Babu.

She made her debut in Telugu cinema with LV Prasad's Samsaram followed by KV Reddy's Pathala Bhairavi. She acted in minor films till she turned a star with Pelli Chesi Choodu. She had to wait till Ardhangi to establish her acting credentials. She played the lead role of Mary in LV Prasad's comedy film Missamma. She acted in several films by choreographer-director Raghavaiah, e.g Devadas.

She acted in memorable films like Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952), Palletooru (1952), Chandra Haram (1953), Devadasu (1953), Ardhangi (1955), Missamma(1955), Donga Ramudu (1955), Amara Deepam (1956), Mayabazaar (1957), Appu Chesi Pappu Kodu (1959), Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960), Aradhana (1962), Gundamma Katha (1962), Rakta Tilakam (1963), Mooga Manasulu (1963), Poojaphalam (1964), Pandava Vanavasam (1965), Prana Mitrulu (1967), Varakatnam (1968), Maro Prapancham (1970) and Jagan Mohini (1978).

She is also a famous actress in Tamil. She is given the rare title Nadigeyar Thilakam (Great Actress) for her finest performances. In the same way Sivaji Ganesan too earned Nadigar Thilakam (Great Actor) title for his work. She turned into director and producer with the film 'Chinnari Papalu' in 1968 without much commercial success. She was married to Gemini Ganesh. Her last screen appearance was in 1985 with the film 'Andarikante Monagadu'. She succumbed to the failed marriage and gave her life away on the fateful day of 26th December 1981. Lets salute the great actress for the great work she has contributed to Telugu cinema