Dr.Bhanumathi is a born artist who inherited music from her parents. She was trained under her father. Producer Director Sri C.Pullaiah, a pioneer of Telugu film industry and a friend of Mr.Venkata Subbaiah introduced her to the telugu films at an early age of 13 years. She made her debut through "VARA VIKRAYAM" a film based on the theme of anti-dowry, which was a great success. The film produced by Sri Chamaria, of East India Studio in Calcutta, thus exposed her to a pioneering film making company in her very first film. Since then she has worked in over 100 pictures in almost all the languages of South India and also in Hindi. Dr.Bhanumathi proved that even girls belonging to respectable families can act in films when such thing was frowned upon.

    She is the only woman in India, may be even in the whole world, who is a studio owner, producer, director, actor, writer, music director, and singer all rolled into one. She married Shri P.S.Ramakrishna Rao, a film producer, director and editor of Telugu and Tamil films on 8th August 1943. Later she started Bharani pictures named after her only son. Many Telugu, Tamil
and Hindi pictures were made under this banner.

    In 1950 the Bhanumathi-Ramakrishna couple launched their own studio, Bharani studios. The first film to roll out from the studio "CHANDI RANI" was written and directed by Dr.Bhanumathi. She played a dual role in the movie which was released in three languages viz. Tamil, Telugu and Hindi in the year 1953 all over India. The movie bagged many awards. Her first Hindi picture Gemini's "NISHAN" was released in 1950 and was a jubilee picture.

    Dr.Bhanumathi was the first lady recipient of State Honours in 1956, when Andhra Pradesh State was formed. She received the National Award as Best Actress for her performance in "ANNAI" (Tamil), "ANTHASTULU" (Telugu), and "PALANATI YUDDHAM" (Telugu).

    Later Sri Annadurai honoured her with a title "NADIPPUKKU ILAKKANAM" (Grammer for acting) for her remarkable performance in "RANGOON RADHA" reiterating her superb and memorable action in several pictures. She is fondly called by her Tamil Admirers as "Ashtavadhani" (A poet who can answer eight questions at a time).

    In 1966 she was conferred the national honour of "PADMASHRI" by the Government of India. The AP Sahitya Academy awarded her with the best short story writer award for her popular stories "ATTAGARI KATHALU". She is the only popular lady humorous short story writer who has continued the tradition of Gurajada Apparao and Muni Manikyam Narasimha Rao.

    The Andhra university conferred her a honorary Doctorate degree during the International Women's Year 1975. In 1984 the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram conferred "KALAIMAMANI" title on her. The Lions Club International conferred her the title of "BHAKUKALA DHEERATI SREEMATHI". A honorary doctorate degree was conferred on her by Sri Venkateswara university in March 1984. In the year 1986, she received the AP Government's Raghupathi Venkayya Memorial award as well as an award for best lady director.

    She has directed 16 films. Her Telugu movie " Antha Mana Manchike" was adjudged the best film for the year 1972. The Tamil straight version "IPPADIYUM ORU PENN" was applauded as the best musical film and social sattire in the International Women's year.

    She produced a children's feature colour film titled "BHAKTHA DHRUVA MARKANDEYA" in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayam with artists under 16 years age. This is an educative and entertaining film inspiring the tender hearts of children and portraying the greatness of devotion to elders. Dr.Bhanumathi Ramakrishna is a versatile genius. Her songs range from Carnatic and Hindusthani classical music to English pop music song sung by her in the Tamil picture "PATHU MATHA BHANDAM".

    Dr. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna is a great social worker. She is associated with many social service organisations like Chldren Film Society (1965-1970), Member of Lalitha Kala Academy for five years and Sahitya Academy for AP for ten years. She was a founder member and treasurer of Madras branch of `ALTRAUSA INTERNATIONAL INC.CHICAGO" for 30 years since 1963.

    She is also a life member of Red Cross Society for nearly 40 years. She was also a member of State film Awards Committee for two years and a visiting professor to the film institute for one year. She is also running an Educational Institution named as "DR.BHANUMATHI RAMAKRISHNA MATRICULATION SCHOOL" at Saligramam, Madras-93 giving free education to the poor.

    The Tamil Nadu government appointed her as Director and Principal for Tamilnadu Government Music College, Madras from 1985-88. She is the only lady musician to be appointed to the post. 1994 : Government National Award for Best writer for the book "NALO NENU" an autobiography. 1996 : "MANGIAR RATNA" award by K.K.Nagar Lion's Club.