Maa Oori Vanta -18th Sep :America Special

Suma Kanakala’s voice has been a constant presence in Telugu households for decades—but behind that cheerful tone lies a story of resilience and reinvention. Known for her unmatched energy and quick wit, Suma once faced a major professional hurdle: vocal nodules developed from years of non-stop speaking during shoots and live shows. Doctors advised complete silence for ten days—an unthinkable task for someone whose career depends on her voice.

Though Telugu isn’t her mother tongue, Suma mastered it so fluently that she became the go-to host for some of the biggest television programs in the state. Her journey began with serials like Wayaipadagalu, and it was on the sets of Meghamala that she met actor Rajeev Kanakala, who would later become her husband. Together, they evolved into one of Telugu media’s most beloved couples.

Before her television fame, Suma had a strong foundation in theatre. Growing up in Secunderabad after her family moved from Kerala—due to her father’s job with the Railways—she got involved in stage plays and even bagged a National Award for her performances. Her passion for performance never faded, even through transitions and challenges.

Today, Suma is everywhere—from TV screens to red carpets to YouTube—but beneath the laughter and spontaneity is a story of determination, pauses, and comebacks. It’s the untold part of her journey that makes her one of the most enduring personalities in the Telugu entertainment industry.