Veteran film actor, producer and director Vijaya Nirmala known for her works predominantly in Telugu cinema has passed away. Her son, Naresh announced the news on Twitter.

He wrote, “I regret to inform you that my mother, senior artiste, prominent producer and director Dr.A G Vijaya Nirmala passed away during early hours today, that is, 27.6.2019, at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, due to sickness. She was 75, her body will be kept at our residence from 11 a.m. Final rites will be held tomorrow (Friday).”

Vijaya Nirmala began her career as a child artist and made her debut with the 1950 Tamil film Machcha Rekkai and four years after that moved on to Telugu cinema.

The veteran was not just an accomplished actor but also a prolific director. In 2002, she entered the Guinness Book of Records as the female director of most films.

In 2008, she also received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for her contributions to Telugu cinema apart from many other accolades.

The internet is flooded with fans and members of the Southern film industry paying heartfelt tributes to the legend who began her career 70 years ago in the film industry and inspired several women to follow suit.

Anil Ravipudi, Kalyanram Nandamuri, Vishnu Manchu, S. Radha Krishna, Kajal Aggarwal and Sudheer Babu among others wrote  messages for the legend.

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Vijaya Nirmala garu. She is a trendsetter who never stepped away from any challenge. My condolences to the family #RIPvijayanirmalaGaru pic.twitter.com/ofg74fCE5d

— Anil Ravipudi (@AnilRavipudi) June 27, 2019

An inspiration, legend, a person who thought ahead of time and was one among the first to challenge and dominate the male centric era of films; will live as long as films live. #RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru pic.twitter.com/bCyzLCxZxv

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) June 27, 2019

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Vijaya Nirmala Garu. It is a huge loss for the Industry. Extending my heartfelt condolences to her family #RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru

— Kalyanram Nandamuri (@NANDAMURIKALYAN) June 27, 2019

A talented technician and one of the brilliant actresses in Telugu Cinema. Her legacy will inspire many women in coming years. Rest in Peace Vijayanirmala garu#RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru pic.twitter.com/nav0j6sJp4

— Haarika & Hassine Creations (@haarikahassine) June 27, 2019

Sad to hear about the sudden demise of Vijaya Nirmala garu. Strength and condolences to the family. #RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru

— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) June 27, 2019

In a typical largely male occupied movie world, she paved a way for women. She will remain an inspiration and a symbol of women empowerment. If a Guinness record could only explain the beacon she is for women in TFI. #RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru

— Sudheer Babu (@isudheerbabu) June 27, 2019

A talented technician and one of the brilliant actresses in Telugu Cinema. Her legacy will inspire many women in coming years. Rest in Peace Vijayanirmala garu#RIPVijayaNirmalaGaru pic.twitter.com/nav0j6sJp4

— Haarika & Hassine Creations (@haarikahassine) June 27, 2019

Vijaya Nirmala Garu was a out standing filmmaker whose life is an inspiration for many directors & females.She holds many records on her name & it will remain same.Very hard to hear that she is no https://t.co/QjeFuRgimp deepest condolences to her family. #RIPvijayanirmalaGaru pic.twitter.com/8MoIqBE48h

— kaushal manda (@kaushalmanda) June 27, 2019