Who was director B Jaya? Journalist BA Raju's wife passes away at 54

B Jaya, one of the most noted female film directors in Tollywood, passed away on August 30, 2018. She was 54. The director had been struggling with heart ailments for the past couple of years. Jaya, who started her career as a journalist, is the wife of renowned Tollywood PRO and producer.

IB Times India brings you the journey of B Jaya from a journalist to one of the leading directors in Tollywood.

B Jaya was born on January 11, 1964. After completing her Masters in English Literature, Jaya did her diploma in journalism from the Chennai University. She also completed her Masters in psychology from Annamalai University. Upon completion of her studies, Jaya joined the Telugu daily newspaper Andhra Jyothy as a writer. During her career as a journalist, she mainly handled the Jyothi Chithra section of Andhra Jyothy, a column dedicated to Tollywood.

Working as an entertainment news writer sparked her interest in films. After overcoming many hurdles, she made her directorial debut in 2003 with the movie 'Chantigadu' which featured Baladitya and Suhasini in the lead roles. The film received critical acclaim, and Jaya proclaimed her presence in Tollywood, a male-dominated industry.

Jaya's most noted film was released in 2007. The movie, 'Gundamma Gaari Manavadu' shattered all conventional cliches surrounding filmmaking, and Jaya captured the hearts of the audiences with an uncompromising cinematic language. In 2012, she made the movie 'Lovely' with Adhi and Shanvi in the lead. Most of Jaya's movies had a strong substance, and she tried to convey valuable messages to the public.

Jaya's death has created a large void in Tollywood where there is a paucity of women directors. 

 IB Times India offers our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.