Tollywood actress and director Vijaya Nirmala passed away at the age of 73. She was ill from the last few days and was undergoing treatment at Continental Hospital in Hyderabad when she passed away on Wednesday.

Nirmala, known for her acting and direction in Tollywood film industry has directed over 40 films. She had also marked her entry in the Guinness book of world records as the female director with the highest number of films in 2002.