Savitri, considered as beautiful as Madhubala, had Rs 100 cr assets; dies penniless and alcoholic, Gemini Ganesan’s infidelity broke her

Savitri eventually found her way into show business during the early 1950s, and her performance in the NT Rama Rao (NTR)-starrer Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952) received acclaim. By then, Ramasamy Ganesan (who took on the name Gemini as a sobriquet) had also entered cinema as an actor, and they joined forces in Manampol Mangalyam. The duo fell in love quite soon, and Savitri eventually tied the knot with Ganesan, who was already married and had children. Besides being married to a woman named Alamelu, he was also in a relationship with actor Pushpavalli. Together, they had two daughters, including actorb Rekha. Thus, Savitri and Ganesan kept their marriage a secret for some time.

Savitri with then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after her movie Nammina Bantu was named Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 7th National Film Awards. (Express archive photo)

The news broke when Savitri appeared in a branded hair oil advertisement and signed it as “Savitri Ganesh,” and it became a viral sensation of that era. However, it garnered attention primarily due to Ganesan’s multiple relationships rather than because they exuded “couple goals.” Despite this, they continued their relationship, and Savitri eventually became a mother to their two children: Vijaya Chamundeswari and Sathish.

During their time together, they shared the screen in notable movies such as Mayabazar, Missiamma, Pasamalar, Kappalottiya Thamizhan, and Kalathur Kannamma. According to India Today, Savitri was also a philanthropist who did not hesitate to contribute money to good causes. “After Mayabazar, Savitri’s fame soared, and producers lined up for her. At her peak, her assets in the 1960s were reportedly worth ₹100 crore, much of it held under benami names. By the time she realised the truth, it was all gone,” author Pallavi, who wrote Mahanati Savitri: Vendi Tera Samragni, told The Hindu.

‘Amma did not know how to handle her troubles’

However, her career began to decline as some of her films, particularly those she directed and produced, flopped. The heartbreak from these failures was exacerbated when she learned about Gemini Ganesan’s infidelity. Shattered, she eventually sought solace in alcohol, leading to addiction. “Amma did not know how to handle her troubles. She wasn’t clever to deal with the situation. She was innocent and it affected her very badly. Also, she never had any proper guidance, that’s why she became an alcoholic,” her daughter Vijaya Chamundeswari told Deccan Chronicle in a 2017 interview.

Journalist Pasupuleti Rama Rao once said, “If Madhubala and Meena Kumari were known for their beauty in Bollywood, it was Savitri here. Her drinking habit ruined her and all those who surrounded her came with vested interest. Her uncle siphoned off her remuneration and she rebelled. From a bungalow in T Nagar (in then Madras) to a tiny house in Anna Nagar, her fall was steep.”

Everything took a toll on her, and she eventually fell into a coma. She reportedly suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure as well. “Once she slipped into coma, that lasted 19 months, there was no talking to her. We were certain she will come back, but it was a long wait and it ended only with her death. It was so terrible to watch her on the hospital bed,” Vijaya stated. Savitri passed away in 1981, at the age of 47.

Despite their issues, Vijaya remarked that her father was also devastated by Savitri’s condition and eventual demise. “My dad, of course, was there throughout. He, too, went through a lot of emotional drain. Despite all the differences, he found it very difficult to see his wife going through that phase. Even after she passed away, we were not in any financial trouble. She had earned so much that in spite of whatever she had lost, there was much more for us to enjoy, contrary to what people think. We still had a great life after she passed away, all thanks to her.”

Actor Savitri with her husband Gemini Ganesan. (Express archive photo)

Years later, veteran actor Rajesh, a close aide of Gemini Ganesan, opened up about the legendary actress’ life and revealed what he felt was the biggest mistake she ever made. “Savitri was in love and she knew that Gemini Ganesan was already married. She shouldn’t have loved or married him. That’s a grave mistake on her part as Gemini Ganesan’s principles in life were different,” he once reportedly said.

Director Nag Ashwin’s Mahanati was based on the life of Savitri, with Keerthy Suresh playing the titular role and Dulquer Salmaan essaying Gemini Ganesan. Her performance earned Keerthy her first National Film Award for Best Actress.