Veteran actress and recipient of several national and state awards, Bhanumathi passed away on Saturday in Chennai. She is survived by her son, Dr.Dharani.

An actress blessed with excellent histrionic skills and a sweet voice has acted with legendary Sivajji Ganesan, M G Ramachandran and N.T. Rama Rao. She made her screen debut in the year 1938. Nadodi Mannan, Malai Kallan and Ali baba 40 thirudargal were some of her evergreen hit movies. Chembaruthi, starring Prashanth was her last major movie.

She was honored the ‘Padmashri’ by the Indian government and was also conferred the Kalai Maamani award.She was cremated at the Besant Nagar crematorium on Sunday evening. Minister D Jayakumar, former minister R.M.Veerappan, Nadigar Sangam general secretary Sharath Kumar, Napoleon, music director M S Viswanathan, Prabhu, Distribtuors Council president Arulpathi, actors Sarada and Manorama paid their respects.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in her condolence message described Bhanumathi as “ .. a person of rare courage and forthrightness, who always stood up for the highest values and principles, believed in herself and lived life on her own terms. She was a living example of women’s empowerment,’’ she said.