Gummadi served as a jury member thrice for the 28th, 33rd and 39th National Film Awards. He served twice on the state Nandi Awards Committee. In 1977, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian honor Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian cinema. He is widely known for his roles in films such as "Maya Bazar" (1957), "Maa Inti Mahalakshmi" (1959), "Kula Daivam" (1960), "Kula Gothralu" (1962), "Jyothi" (1976), "Nelavanka" (1981), "Maro Malupu" (1982), "Ekalavya" (1982), "Ee Charitra Ye Siraatho?" (1982), "Gaaju Bommalu" (1983) and "Pelli Pustakam" (1991). In 2008 he starred in "Jagadguru Sree Kasi Nayana Charitra" which is his last film.