T. G. Kamala Devi (born Thota Govindamma; 29 December 1930 – 16 August 2012), also known as Kamala Chandra Babu, was an Indian dubbing artist, playback singer and actor who primarily contributed to Telugu cinema as well as a few Tamil films.[2] She was also a former professional level billiards player who won the Indian Women Billiards title twice.[3] She died of a brief illness at Chennai on 16 August 2012.[4]
T. G. Kamala Devi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Thota Govindamma 29 December 1930[1] |
| Died | 16 August 2012 (aged 81) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Kamala Devi, Kamala Chandra Babu, A. Kamala Chandra Babu |
| Children | 1 |
Biography edit
She was born in Karvetinagaram, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Her original birth name was Thota Govindamma and she later changed her name to T. G. Kamala Devi after entering the film industry. The initials "T. G." in her name represent her birth name.[2] She married Avula Chandra Babu in 1946 and had a son named Avula Jaychander with him.[5]
Film career edit
Acting edit
She was in a drama company and acted in some male and female roles in her early days. She received many medals for her performances. She then shifted to the cinema field and acted in about 30 films, most of them being minor supporting roles.
Singer edit
She has sung several songs In Telugu and Tamil films like the Telugu-Tamil Film Pathala Bhairavi wher in Telugu she sang 'Ithihasam Vinaara' or the tamil version Ithikasam Kaetarra
Dubbing artist edit
She also was a popular dubbing artist and has lent her voice to actors such as Padmini, B. Saroja Devi, Lalitha and many more.[2]
Cue sports edit
Kamala was one of the earliest women cue sport players in India.[1] When the then reigning snooker world champion Horace Lindrum visited Chennai at the invitation of the Andhra Maha Sabha in 1954, circumstances led Kamala to pick up the cue and provide Mrs. Lindrum a woman opponent to play against.[6] Soon enough, she made her way to state and national-level tournaments. Since then, she played in various open tournaments in Billiards & Snooker as the only woman player at that time, competing with men at Chennai, Vijayawada and Bangalore. She won the Indian National Billiards Women titles in 1991 and 1995.[7] She had the unique opportunity of playing exhibition matches at Bangalore and Mysore with the then World Billiards Champion Bob Marshall. She won both her billiards national titles at the age of 62 and 66 representing the Tamil Nadu state.[7]
Awards edit
- Nataka Kala Prapoorna was awarded to her by the Andhra Pradesh Nataka Academy.
Titles edit
- National Billiards Champion: 1991,[8] 1995
Filmography edit
| Year | Film | Language | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Dakshayagnam | Telugu | |
| 1942 | Bala Nagamma | Telugu | |
| 1946 | Mugguru Maratilu | Telugu | |
| 1947 | Kanjan | Tamil | Amaravathi |
| 1949 | Gunasundari Katha | Telugu | |
| 1951 | Malliswari | Telugu | Jalaja |
| 1951 | Patala Bhairavi | Telugu | Veera Katha Performer |
| 1951 | Patala Bhairavi | Tamil | Veera Katha Performer |
| 1952 | Palletooru | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Thodu Dongalu | Telugu | |
| 1954 | Chakrapani | Telugu | |
| 1959 | Illarikam | Telugu | |
| 1961 | Velugu Needalu | Telugu | |
| 1961 | Thoolya Ullam | Tamil | |
| 1964 | Bhakta Ramadasu | Telugu | |
| 1965 | Bangaru Panjaram | Telugu | |
| 1967 | Kanchu Kota | Telugu | |
| 1968 | Asadhyudu | Telugu | |
| 1968 | Bangaru Sankellu | Telugu | |
| 1969 | Kathanayakudu | Telugu | |
| 1969 | Bhale Abbayilu[9] | Telugu | Seetha, wife of Judge Madhava Rao |
| 1969 | Gandikota Rahasyam | Telugu | |
| 1970 | Pettandarlu | Telugu | |
| 1975 | Abhimanavathi | Telugu | |
| 1976 | Neram Nadi Kadu Akalidhi[10] | Telugu | Rukimini, Punyakoti's wife |
| 1984 | Kutumba Gowravam | Telugu | |
| 1986 | Ide Naa Samadhanam[11] | Telugu | Bhuvanagiri Bhavani Prasad's mother |
References edit
- ^ a b "Cue artist Kamala Chandra Babu dies at age 82 | GantDaily.com". Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ^ a b c "T G Kamala Devi". Gurthukostunayyi. Maa TV. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- ^ "A. Kamala Chandra Babu passed away". Cue Sports India. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ^ "Actor, singer Kamala Devi passes away". Deccan Chronicle. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ "Actress cum playback singer T G Kamala Devi dies at 83".
- ^ Ninan, Susan (12 November 2011). "A champion lost in her own world". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ^ a b "Former cue sport player Kamala Chandra Babu passes away". The Times of India. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ^ M. L. Narasimham (18 August 2012). "A woman of many talents". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- ^ "Bhale Abbailu (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "Neram Nadikadu Akalidi (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ FilmiClub. "Ide Naa Samadhanam (1986) Complete Cast & Crew". FilmiClub. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
External links edit
- T. G. Kamala Devi at IMDb
- Idhihaasam Keteera on YouTube - T. G. Kamala Devi sings and dances in Pathala Bhairavi