Yesteryear actress Vijaya Nirmala (73) has breathed her last.  She passed away in the wee hours of Thursday in a private hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.  A TV channel had reported that Nirmala died in the mid-night but she was still undergoing treatment at that time.

The actress of such popular movies as ‘Alluri Seetharama Raju’ and ‘Meena’, the versatile Nirmala did more than 200 films in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. A multi-talented personality, she left an indelible mark in the history of Indian cinema, having directed 44 films (this feat ensured her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records).  For a woman to do those many films in the male-dominated film industry is nothing short of splendid achievement.  The passionate filmmaker also produced 11 movies.

A recipient of the Raghupathi Venkaiah State Award, she was always a pillar of support to her husband, Superstar Krishna (with whom she acted in more than 45 films).  Her son VK Naresh is an accomplished actor and is currently the President of MAA.