Anjali Devi
A luminous star of mid-century Indian cinema, she captivated audiences by embodying both divine goddesses and compelling mortal heroines.
1927–2014 (age 87)·Indian actress·Birthday: August 24·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Anjali Devi entered films at a time when mythology dominated the South Indian screen, and she quickly became its most revered face. Discovered by the visionary director B. N. Reddy, her portrayal of Sita in 'Lava Kusa' was not just a performance but an event, etching her image into the popular imagination as the epitome of grace and virtue. She possessed a rare versatility, moving seamlessly from these sacred roles to title parts in social and fantasy films like 'Anarkali' and 'Suvarna Sundari,' where she displayed a different kind of power and allure. Her career spanned the transition from mythologicals to modern dramas, and she later turned producer, ensuring her influence behind the camera as well. With a career encompassing over 150 films in Telugu and Tamil, she remained a beloved figure, a symbol of an era when screen goddesses were both divine and deeply human.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Anjali was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anjali Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
Anjali's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 60
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 70
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 80
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2014Died at 87
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Gained national fame for her definitive portrayal of Goddess Sita in the epic mythological film 'Lava Kusa' (1963).
- Starred in numerous successful title-role films such as 'Chenchu Lakshmi,' 'Suvarna Sundari,' and 'Anarkali.'
- Acted in over 150 films across a career that spanned more than four decades in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
- Founded her own production company, Anjali Pictures, and produced several films.
Did You Know?
She was originally named Anjani Devi but changed her name to Anjali Devi on the advice of a filmmaker.
She was a trained classical dancer in the Kuchipudi style.
Her first film was 'Mana Desam' (1949), but her breakthrough came with 'Keelugurram' (1949).
She was known for her meticulous preparation for mythological roles, studying religious texts and adopting specific diets.
“My art was to make the divine feel present and true.”
