Veteran Actress and Classical Dancer Vijayabhanu Passes Away!!

Renowned classical dancer and yesteryear star actress Vijayabhanu, who had settled in the United States, is no more.

Though the present generation may be unfamiliar with her name, Vijayabhanu was a prominent figure in Telugu cinema during the 1970s, also appearing in Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. Her pairing with comedy legend Rajababu was extremely popular, and she acted alongside many leading heroes of her era. Within just a decade, she starred in over 100 films, earning the moniker “Vijayabhana Majaka” and establishing herself as a true pan-Indian actress.

Born in Anantapur but raised and made famous in Chennai, Vijayabhanu fell in love with an American during the peak of her career and eventually moved to Los Angeles, leaving behind both her profession and India. A trained dancer and recipient of the Natyamayuri title, she founded Sri Shakti Sharada Nritya Niketan in L.A., training thousands in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Kathakali. She gave numerous performances worldwide and was known for her warm hospitality to any visiting Telugu film personalities.

Though she became an American daughter-in-law, she never forgot her Indian roots. She contributed significantly to the development of the Shiva Narayana Panchamukha Anjaneya Temple in Anantapur, built by her mother. Known for her humanitarian nature, Vijayabhanu helped hundreds of people in need.

Last month, during a visit to Chennai to check on her house, she suffered a heatstroke and passed away suddenly. Her end came quietly and poignantly in the very city where her acting journey had begun—leaving many to wonder if she returned from the U.S. just to spend her final days in the home she loved.

Her performance in Idi Katha Kaadu (with Chiranjeevi, Kamal Haasan, and Jayasudha) earned her the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also acted in classics like Nippulanti Manishi (with NTR), Kiladi Bullodu (Shoban Babu), Oka Naari Vanda Thupakulu (Vijaya Lalitha), Chandana (Ranganath’s debut), Priyabandhavi (Sharada), Stree (Krishnam Raju), Shabash Papanna (Jaggayya), and Chinni Krishnudu (Ghatamaneni Ramesh Babu, Jandhyala).

Her sister, Kalaimamani Dr. Sindhoori Jayasinghe, also a renowned classical dancer settled in the U.S., said:

> “My sister was an angel and a true warrior. She illuminated countless lives and was a role model for many. As a tribute, we plan to publish a comprehensive book on her life. Jayaprada, a close friend of hers, attended her funeral rituals in Chennai. It was my sister’s inspiration that brought me to the U.S. as well, where I now run a dance school. We aim to involve everyone who worked with her to ensure her story is told with dignity.”

Condolences poured in from actress and former MP Jayaprada, actor Suman, director Y.V.S. Chowdary, and many others in the industry, mourning the sudden loss of this beloved artist.