Shantipriya Defends Sister Bhanupriya, Slams Industry's Cold Shoulder to '80s Icons

Shantipriya has broken her silence on the troubling rumors surrounding her elder sister Bhanupriya, delivering a scathing indictment of how Telugu cinema treats its yesteryear heroes. Speaking out against social media speculation about the legendary actress's mental health, Shantipriya painted a picture of an industry that has forgotten its icons.

The veteran actress, who appeared in over 165 films across four decades, has been grappling with professional disappointments that have taken an emotional toll. Shantipriya revealed that producers routinely promise Bhanupriya significant roles only to alter them at the last minute or behave unprofessionally. After her husband's death, these setbacks have compounded her grief, leaving her feeling dejected about the industry she once dominated.

What's most damning is Shantipriya's revelation about how the industry has collectively ghosted one of its brightest stars. She pointed out the glaring absence of Bhanupriya from '80s star reunions and industry events, despite her illustrious career that included three Nandi Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and two Filmfare Awards South. The snub is particularly painful given that she was one of the top mainstream actresses for more than a decade from 1983 to 1995.

Shantipriya's frustration extends to the industry's failure to maintain basic courtesy. She noted that even when people cannot reach Bhanupriya directly, they could easily contact their well-known brother who remains connected to the industry. Yet, "nobody steps forward," she lamented, highlighting a culture that discards its senior artists once their commercial value diminishes.

The actress also confirmed that Bhanupriya has no intention of returning to films, though Shantipriya herself recently made a comeback with the Tamil film Bad Girl in February 2025. She revealed that Bhanupriya even provided dubbing for her recent project, showing that family bonds remain strong despite professional disappointments.

This controversy raises uncomfortable questions about Telugu cinema's treatment of its legends. When someone of Bhanupriya's stature, who was often called 'the other Sridevi', feels abandoned by the very industry she helped build, it reflects poorly on Tollywood's values and gratitude toward its pioneers.