B Jayamma (1915-88)

First star of Kannada cinema and singer with classical training. Born in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Started aged 7 on the Company Natak stage in Gubbi Veeranna’s theatre troupe, where she worked with her niece, B. Sundaramma, the group’s star actress. Became lead actress in 1928 and played Draupadi on stage in their big-budget spectacular, Kurukshetra (1934). Entered films in Veerannaproduced films directed by Belgian Raphael Algoet, Y.V. Rao, S. Soundararajan? and H.L.N. Simha?, mostly in adaptations of the Gubbi Co. stage mythologicals. Also played major roles in 40s Vauhini films in Telugu. Made a late 60s comeback, playing e.g. the haughty queen mother of hero Rajkumar in Immadi Pulakesi.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1931: His Love Affair; 1932: Hari Maya (both St); 1935: Sadarame; 1938: Gul-e-Bakavali; 1941: Subhadra; 1942: Jeevana Nataka; 1944: Bhartrahari (Ta); 1945: Hemareddy Mallamma; Swargaseema; 1946: Lavangi; Thyagayya; 1947: Brahma Ratham; 1949: Natya Rani; Mangayar Karasi; 1950: Raja Vikrama; 1951: Mantradandam; 1953: Gunasagari/Sathya? Shodhanai; Gumasta; Jaladurga/Karkottai?; 1958: Anna Thangi; 1965: Mavana Magalu; 1966: Prema Mayi; 1967: Immadi Pulakesi; 1968: Anna Thamma; Bedi Bandhavalu; 1970: Mukti; 1971: Sakshatkara.

Actor

Music