New Delhi: Weeks after she was rescued from the streets of Hyderabad, veteran Telugu actor and comedian Pavala Shyamala died on Tuesday at the age of 75.
She was reportedly suffering from “severe health issues” and undergoing treatment at Hyderabad’s Osmania General Hospital, where doctors announced she was declared dead at 1.52 am on Tuesday after she suffered a massive heart attack.
Her death comes about two months after she was found abandoned on the streets after allegedly being denied treatment at a private hospital due to a lack of funds. The incident sparked outrage, prompting producer Dil Raju and several members of the Telugu film industry to step in and ensure she received proper medical care.
పావలా శ్యామలకు అండగా దిల్ రాజు
Producer #DilRaju stepped in to ensure she received proper care. He immediately sent his team to the hospital to assess her condition and coordinate with doctors.
#PavalaShyamala pic.twitter.com/lOJOcejaWL
— Milagro Movies (@MilagroMovies) May 16, 2026
Previously, too, the actor had been in the news for her troubled circumstances. In 2021, as she struggled with severe financial distress, filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK appealed for public support on X.
“We appeal to you to support a veteran Telugu actress, Pavala Shyamala. She’s in dire straits, going through extreme financial difficulties, & seeking help. We are doing our bit. We urge our friends and colleagues to contribute to support her. Thank you!” Raj and DK wrote.
We appeal to you to support a veteran Telugu actress, Pavala Shyamala. She's in dire straits, going through extreme financial difficulties, & seeking help. We are doing our bit.. We urge our friends and colleagues to contribute to support her. Thank you!https://t.co/r9gYJrr9A5
— Raj & DK (@rajndk) May 19, 2021
Once a stage actress, Shyamala made her silver screen debut in Jandhyala’s Babai Abbai (1985), a slapstick comedy that also starred Nandamuri Balakrishna alongside Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, Suthi Velu and Kota Srinivasa Rao. Adapted from Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon, the film revolved around two hustlers, one young and one old.
She later earned widespread praise for her performance in K Viswanath’s acclaimed dance drama Swarnakamalam (1988). She earned the name “Pavala” after her memorable character in Puri Jagannadh’s Andhrawala (2004). Her last credited film appearance was in 2019’s Mathu Vadalara.
Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Shyamala appeared in more than 200 films and many comedic clips featuring her are still circulated on social media.