Savitri Kommareddy (born 6 December 1937 – 26 December 1981), known as Mahanati (Great Actress) of Telugu Cinima, was born in Chirravuru, Guntur-District., Andhra Pradesh into a wealthy family. She learnt music and classical dance under Sista Purnayya Sasthri and gave some public performances as a child in Vijayawada. She worked in a theater company run by Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao, K Jaggayya et al. Later on she started her own group, the Navabharata Natya Mandali. She also acted in a play Atma Vanchana by Buchi Babu.

She made her debut in Telugu Cinema with LV Prasad's Samsaram followed by KV Reddy's Pathala Bhairavi. She acted in minor films till she turned a star with Pelli Chesi Choodu. She had to wait till Ardhangi to establish her acting credentials. She played the lead role of Mary in LV Prasad's comedy film Missamma. She acted in several films by choreographer-director Raghavaiah, e.g Devadas.

She was also a famous actress in Tamil. She was given the rare title Nadigeyar Thilakam (Great Actress) for her fine performances. She turned into director and producer with the film 'Chinnari Papalu' in 1968 without much commercial success.