Unique facts about Savitri you probably didn't know about

With Nag Ashwin's ambitious film '

Mahanati

' - biopic on cine icon Savitri - hitting theatres tomorrow, the buzz surrounding the film is palpable. For those of you who aren't unaware of the unique and dramatic life that Savitri led, here's a bit of trivia. Savitri started acting at the age of 13, she got married at 16, rose to superstardom in her 20s, turned alcoholic in her 30s and died in her 40s. It was truly one of the most dramatic and extreme lives led by an actor in Indian cinema.
Savitri's marriage to actor Gemini Ganesan at the age of 16 was highly controversial and led to a permanent rift with her uncle. This was due to Ganesan's philandering nature as the actor was also involved in an affair with Pushpavalli and had two children with her. As Savitri's career went downhill, she took to alcohol and soon started facing health issues. She died at the young age of 45 after being in coma for 19 months.
Actress Keerthy Suresh will be essaying the role of Savitri in 'Mahanati'. Also featuring Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha and

Dulquer Salman

in important roles, the film is slated to hit screens on May 9.