Suryakantham
Suryakantham, born on 28 October 1924 near Kakinada, was the 14th child in her family, surviving early hardships that shaped her resilience. Trained in dance and singing from age six, she debuted in Narada Naradi (1946). Known for her one-take performances, she mastered comedic antagonism, immortalized in films like Missamma (1955), Mayabazar (1957), and Gundamma Katha (1962). Rejecting heroine roles, she chose character artistry, famously saying, “I can’t live on the unhappiness of other artists.” Married to High Court Judge Peddibhotla Chalapathi Rao, she adopted her sister’s son. Honored with the Mahanati Savitri Memorial Award and an honorary doctorate, she died in 1994, aged 70.
Mother‑in‑law dominance: Lines like “Pellam ante paalu, kodalu ante poison!” mocked the favoritism toward sons and wives.