Out of the public eye and without any fanfare, a legendary writer’s wife passed away quietly today. She is none other than Mrs. Padmavathi, wife of ‘Manasu Kavi’ Athreya. Behind Athreya’s eminent works, his wife’s strong influence was a constant factor, according to senior journalists who knew them.

Apparently, Mrs. Padmavathi was the first critic for Acharya Athreya’s works. Only if she gave her approval would the work be presented to directors and producers.

Mrs. Padmavathi was 90 when she passed away and she has been staying with her sister’s family near the little town of Tadepalligudem since 1990. She moved to the town after Acharya Athreya passed away in 1989.

Athreya had no children and his extended family has consistently avoided interaction with the Telugu Film Industry.