Marking the 90th birth anniversary of the legendary actress Savitri, the English edition of Savitri Classics, authored by Sanjay Kishore, was launched on Friday evening in Hyderabad. Jaya Prada formally unveiled the book and presented the first copy to Raghurama Krishnam Raju, marking a memorable tribute to the iconic actress and her enduring legacy.
Speaking on the occasion, author Sanjay Kishore commented that Savitri remains "immortal". Her greatness is evidenced by the fact that she is "uniquely honored with statues across countless towns as the definitive symbol of the Telugu woman". He further said, "This journey was deeply supported by Bollineni Krishnayya, while Megastar Chiranjeevi generously sponsored the Telugu edition's launch. I am thrilled that Jaya Prada is launching this English edition, and honored to present the first copy to Raghurama Krishnam Raju, whose knowledge of cinema I deeply respect."
AP Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju said that Savitri is an artist so dear to him that he named his home theater 'Savitri Cinema'. He further said, "Her flawless, emotive expressions in every scene and song are legendary; I have watched her films thousands of times just to admire them. She is an emotion to me, and this book ensures her legacy endures for generations."
Jaya Prasad said, "Standing on a stage like this is a privilege that feels like the blessing of many lifetimes. I am deeply honored to release the English edition of Savitri Classics, following the Telugu edition released by my favorite hero, Megastar Chiranjeevi. Though I wasn't born during her acting era, I grew up admiring her films. Moving from a screen admirer to standing on a stage honoring her feels like the result of past blessings. Savitri and excellence in acting are synonymous. She was a miracle who could convey countless emotions with just a single glance. Standing shoulder to shoulder with legends like NTR and ANR, she rightfully earned the title Mahanati. I have always aspired to play her iconic roles from Missamma and Narthanasala. Chamundeswari and Govinda Rao are beautifully keeping her legacy alive. This English edition is a wonderful way to introduce Savitri Amma. Without such dedication, future generations would never learn about our legends. Artists like Savitri are born only once and remain a source of immense pride for the Telugu film industry."
Brahmanandam said, "Savitri garu will be remembered forever. She was a 'Karana Janmuralu', a soul born with a purpose, and we are fortunate she belonged to this land. A celestial being who gifted us countless emotions, people like her never truly die; they simply move on to another realm once their earthly duty is complete. There is no Telugu person who does not remember Savitri. She was a wonder among wonders, capable of delivering three different expressions within a single second, and she effortlessly lived every character she portrayed. Watching her and SV Ranga Rao in Narthanasala is enough to make anyone bow in reverence. Chamundeswari garu is also beautifully fulfilling a daughter's duty by preserving her mother's legacy."
Vijaya Chamundeswari said, "I am deeply moved by the enduring admiration for my mother, Savitri. I partnered with Sanjay Kishore to preserve her memories. Following the success of the Telugu edition, we are launching this English translation to reach a broader audience. I am incredibly grateful to Akkineni Mamayya’s daughter, Sushila, Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Jaya Prada, and Brahmanandam for their warmth and presence."
Govinda Rao said, "I have long been a profound admirer of Jaya Prada’s performances, particularly in Megha Sandesam. It is a rare honor to see Naga Sushila and Chamundeswari sharing the stage today."
KI Varaprasad Reddy shared, "While historians traditionally chronicled royalty, artists are the true architects of a culture's prosperity and deserve to have their legacies documented."
Bollineni Krishnayya said, "I attended this event simply to share in the joy of celebrating the legendary Savitri, who reached the absolute pinnacle of acting. I am deeply grateful to Chamundeswari and Sanjay for creating books that keep her memory alive."
