PREYASI MANOHARI- Tribute toTelugu Film Heroines

PREYASI MANOHARI

As Indian Films celebrate complete 100 years here is a salutation to the '27 Star heroines' of Telugu films, who with their charisma and brilliant romantic outlooks mesmarized many hearts. In this blog a brief biographic sketch and YouTube links to the meorable romantic songs are presented.

Anjali Devi: She was born on October 24, 1928. She acted in over 500 films in roles such as a damsel, angel, dancer, Goddess and Mother. Mention must be made of her films 'Suvarnasundari', 'Anarkali', 'Bhatti Vikramarka', 'Jayasimha 'and 'Balanagamma'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Preyasi Manohari'-Film-Varasatvam:http://youtu.be/ETxI2dzJgio

'O Nela Raja'-Film-Bhatti Vikramarka:http://youtu.be/fcjLckpX9yY

'Virisindi Vinta Hayi'-Film-balanagamma:http://youtu.be/fYowzXgaGlE

'Hayi Hayiga'-Film-Suvarnasundai:http://youtu.be/O5ajXn9j1bM

'Eenati Eehayi'-Film-Jayasimha:http://youtu.be/fGpN_AGvAog

Bhanumati: She was born on September 7, 1925. she made her debut in Telugu Films in 1939 in the film 'Varavikrayam'. Her memorable films include 'Swargaseema', 'Chakrapani', 'Chandirani' 'Laila Majnu', 'Vipranarayana' and 'Malliswari'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are

'Manasuna Mallela'-Film-Malliswari:http://youtu.be/CF1v6M6m86U

' Mella Mellaga'-Film-Chkrapani:http://youtu.be/9CCm5m-ZSQ0

'O Taraka'-Film-Chandirani:http://youtu.be/NcCanl78qsU

Bharathi: She was born on January 15, 1951 in a Marathi Family in Karnataka. She made her debut in Telugu films with the film 'Aggidora'. She played memorable role in the film 'Jaijawan'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Yendonnavo'-Film-Aggidora:http://youtu.be/fxR4g_mmmYI

'Vinnavinchukona'-Film-Bangarugajulu:http://youtu.be/YUXXqsI2tF8

'Madhura Bhavala':Film-Jaijawan:http://youtu.be/2XO4jdm4hNI

B Saroja Devi:she was born on January 7, 1938. She is known as 'Parrot' in Film Industry. Her memorable films include 'Pellikanuka', 'Seetharamakalyanam', 'Jagadekaveerunikatha', 'Srikrishnarjuna Yuddham' and 'atmabalam'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Vaduka Marachedavela'-Film-Pellikanuka:http://youtu.be/NjA2aqO4IOk

'Padave Ragamayi'-Film-Seetharamakalyanam:http://youtu.be/wrtj0xQoC6c

'Ayinademo'-Film-Jagadekaveeruni Katha:http://youtu.be/wrtj0xQoC6c

'Manasu Parimalinchenu'-Film-Srikrishnarjuna Yuddham:http://youtu.be/HCZg88s_uCE

'Chitapata Chinukulu'-Film-Atmabalam:http://youtu.be/ipA1k0z_RkE

Devika: She was born as Prameela Devi. She was the grand daughter of Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, the doyen of Telugu Films. She was known for her natural beauty in films such as 'Sabhash Ramudu', 'Dakshayagnam', 'Galimedalu', 'Mahamantri Timmarasu' and 'Rajakotarahasyam' and 'Chinnanati Snehitulu'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Kamaneeyam'-Film-Dakshayagnam:http://youtu.be/wBnrHDyiOvA

'Jagame Marinidi'-Film-Desadrohulu:http://youtu.be/Q_1AC-xEs8s

'Mohana Raga Maha'-Film-Mahamantri Thimmarasu:http://youtu.be/eK-FwH5wCHk

'Ee Mooga Chupela-Film-Galimedalu:http://youtu.be/Hm0tBy7OZCQ

'Nelavanka Tongi Choosindi'-Film-Rajakota rahasyam:http://youtu.be/4qTt-VmKDM4

Jamuna: Jumuna was born on August30,1936 in Hampi, Karnataka. She acted in nearly 200 films and she is best remembered as 'Satyabhama' in the film 'Srikrishna Thulabharam' and 'Gowri' in the film 'Moogamanasulu'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Nedu Srivariki'-Film-Illarikam:http://youtu.be/wCf-Ec7ubB4

'Nannu Dochukunduvate'-Film-Gulebakavali Katha:http://youtu.be/2jFBttCqWlE

'Andala O Chilaka'-Film-Lethamanasulu:http://youtu.be/-xABIn89YGo

'Meerajalagalada'-Film-Srikrishnathulabharam:http://youtu.be/8FhCidIeXlc

'Mounamuga Nee Manasu'-Film-Gundamma Katha:http://youtu.be/RVx-R9ZM_Uo

Jayalalitha: She was born on Febraury 24, 1948 in Melkote, Karnataka. Though she is a Tamilian and brought up in Bangalore, she endeared herself to Telgu audience. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Padileche Keratam'-Film-Goodachari 116:http://youtu.be/-sLu56tNWyY

'Mokkajonnathotalo'-Film-Adrushtavanthulu:http://youtu.be/-4mbVWmvPR4

'Siggestondha'-Film-Manashulu Mamathalu:http://youtu.be/YrWsFN0CGTY

'Choodaku'-Film-Gopaladu Bhoopaludu:http://youtu.be/3l2dQN_sd6Q

'Virise Kannulalo'-Film-Doctor Babu:http://youtu.be/fwCP0_Mr9wc

Jayaprada: She was born on April 3, 1962 as Lalitharani in Rajahmundry. She attained actress status with films such as 'Anthulenikatha', 'Sagarasangamam' and 'Meghasandesam'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Jhummandi Nadam'-Film-Sirisiri Muvva:http://youtu.be/6ZKt-oZ_hgI

'Kokilamma Pelliki'-Film-Adavi Ramudu:http://youtu.be/scjSip8rzgU

'Palikinadi'-Film-Seetharamulu:http://youtu.be/XtAYXBd1nsk

'Mounamelanoyi'-Film-Sagarasangamam:http://youtu.be/oas_0icRhnc

'Ninnatidaka'-Film-Meghasandesam:http://youtu.be/8nEJzR8WWOM

Jayasudha: She was born on December 17, 1958 in Chennai as Sujatha. She got recognition as natural actress. Her noted films are 'Gopalaraogari Ammayi. 'Premabhishekham' and 'Meghasandesam'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Idi theeyani'-Film-Premalekhalu:http://youtu.be/e5ESruk32N0

'Rayini aadadi'-Film-Trishulam:http://youtu.be/YFp1erZY5NE

'Akulo Akunai'-Film-Meghasandesam:http://youtu.be/xBh2z9CWhkM

Kajal Agarwal: She was born on June 19, 1985 in Mumbai. 'Chandamama' was her first successful film in Telugu'. Her other memorable films include 'Magadheera', 'Mr Perfect' and 'Darling'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Chali Chaliga'-Film-Mr. Perfect:http://youtu.be/U38aP6Dj25k

'Panchadara Bomma'-Film-Magadheera:http://youtu.be/qTE453yc1rc

Kamalinee Mukherji: She was born on March 4, 1980 in Kolkata. She endeared to Telugu audience with memorable performances in films 'Anand' and 'Godavari'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Yamuna Theeram'-Film-Anand:http://youtu.be/375j2vlMbxM

'Andamga Lena'-Film-Godavari:http://youtu.be/9WEcHmovF9o

Kanchana: She was born on August 14, 1939 in Chennai. Her memorable roles include 'Atma Gouravam', 'Veerabhimanu', 'Natakalarayudu', 'Premichichoodu' and 'Manchikutumbam'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Andenu Nede'-Film-Atmagoravam:http://youtu.be/eMfCd5ggVKY

'Adigo Navalokam'-Film-Veerabhimanyu:http://youtu.be/bl66t46DPlM

'Vela Chooda'-Film-Natakalarayudu:http://youtu.be/rvrlOzaR1vU

Krishnakumari: She was born in 1933 in West Bengal, though her parents belong to Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. Her memorable films include 'Bharyabhathalu', 'Kulagothralu', 'Dr Chakravarthy', 'Anthasthulu' and 'Uyyala Jampala'.Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Pulakincahni Madi'-Film-Pellikanuka:http://youtu.be/vThrTWa5kSc

'Chelikadu Ninne'-Film-Kulagothralu:http://youtu.be/y9nCYdrMfb0

'Thella Cheera'-Film-Anthasthulu:http://youtu.be/gLrJWTj8FaQ

'Emo Emo Idi'-Film-Aggi Pidugu':http://youtu.be/PbuuA4GFG7U

'Kondagali Tirigindi'-Film-Uyyala Jampala:http://youtu.be/g-B5nAbSzQ4

KR Vijaya: She was born on November 30, 1938 in Palani. Her memorable films include 'Ekaveera', 'ParamanandaSishyula Katha' and 'Sridevi'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Naaloni Ragameeve'-Film-Paramananda Sishyulu Katha:http://youtu.be/aGR8yNxdkNo

'Nee Peru Talachina'-Film-Ekaveera:http://youtu.be/Jd0iIcjJSvM

'Rasanu Premalekhalu'-Film-Sridevi:http://youtu.be/gAVdU1eiMUg

Lakshmi: She was born on December 13, 1952 in Chennai. Her memorable films include 'Bangaru Kalalu' and 'Malle Puvvu'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Nee Kannulalo'-Film-Bangaru Kalalu:http://youtu.be/jFv85BsvnyE

'Sirimalle Neeve'-Film-Pantulamma:http://youtu.be/RxF-jon6LNg

Meena: She was born on September 16, 1973. Though she was a malayali Actress she endeared herself to Telugu audience with her charm and innocent outlook. Her memorable films include 'Seetharamaiahgari Manavaralu', 'Abbayigaru' and 'Suryavansam'. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Poosindi Poosindi'-Film-Seetharamaiahgari Manavaralu:http://youtu.be/VRuGmuuBwEc

' Koosindi Koyilamma'-Film-Abbaigaru:http://youtu.be/X7XKbgcFUSI

' Chukkalanni'-Film-Suryavamsam:http://youtu.be/iYLPWG8b4dk

Radhika:She was born on August 21, 1962 in Chennai. Though she is a Tamil actress she endeared herself to Telugu audience with her simple outlook and charisma. Her memorable films include 'Abhilasha', 'Swathimutyam' and 'Swathikiranam. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Sandepoddulakada'-Film-Abhilasha:http://youtu.be/jUFALesrELQ

'Letha Chaligalulu'-Film-Moodu Mullu:http://youtu.be/Rbijkr1YjbQ

Rajasri: She was born as Kusuma Kumari in Eluru and changed her screen name to Rajasri. She endeared herself in Folklore films as Pricess. Her memorable films include 'Preminchi Choodu', 'Atmagouravam', 'Aggibarata', 'Devidichhina Bhartha' and 'Ranabheri'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Adi Oka Idile'-Film-Preminchi Choodu:http://youtu.be/t2BeIBE191I

'Chirunavvuloni Hayi'-Film-Aggibarata:http://youtu.be/Qg0y0O5N6lo

'Rammannavani Raledu'-Film-Vijayasimha:http://youtu.be/JqQdm9YaYfc

Ramya Krishna: She was born on September 15, 1967 in Chennai. Though she is a Tamilian she is well admired by Telugu Audience for her natural beauty and elegance. Some of her memorable films include 'Allari Priyudu', 'Brindavana' and 'Ooyala'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Muddabanti Navvulo'-Film-Alludugaru:http://youtu.be/b-yG-XlungI

'Madhurame Sudhaganam'-Film-Brindavanam:http://youtu.be/3wa8VJveRs0

Roja: She was born on November 17, 1972 as Sree Latha in Tirupati. She changed her name as Roja for films. She is admired by Telugu audience for her smile. Her memorable films include 'Annamayya' and 'Bhairava Dweepam'. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Asmadeeya'-Film-Annamayya:http://youtu.be/4YRwSezPqmE

'Virisinadee'-Film-Bhairava Dweepam:http://youtu.be/ROjCj3BKm1M

'Jabilamma Kulikindi'-Film-Mee Ayana Jagratha:http://youtu.be/CskbTuOhbVg

Sharada: She was born on June 25, 1945 in Tenali as Saraswathi Devi. She changed her name as Sharada in films. She endeared herself to Telugu audience with her brilliant acting. Somememorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Sarada'-Film-Sarada:http://youtu.be/rHYAFUJIimQ;

'Kusalama'-Film-Balipeetham:http://youtu.be/pQL8eE_28zw

'Mundarunna'-Film-Kalam Marindi:http://youtu.be/gidKFoXxl1Y

Savitri: She was born on December 6, 1935 in Tenali. Her memorable performances in 'Devadas', 'Thodikodallu', 'Gundammakatha', 'Manchimanasulu', 'Moogamanasulu' and 'Mayabazar' are remarkable. Some of the memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Lahiri Lahiri'-Film-Mayabazar:http://youtu.be/e84yoAVS2hg

'Aduthu Paduthu'-Film-Thodikodallu:http://youtu.be/VSTgTHwxAQQ

'Aligina Velane'-Film-Gundammakatha:http://youtu.be/V9RpJRnwvqM

'Nannu Vadali'-Film-Manchi Manasulu:http://youtu.be/bN6nRqVORy8

'Eenati Eebandham-Mooga Manasulu:http://youtu.be/1rTuFzmfhH8

Soundarya: Soundarya was born on July 18, 1972 in Kolar and brought up in Bangalore. Though she is not a Telugu speaking, she endeared herself to Telugu audience with her innocent outlook and pleasant personality. Her memorable performances in films 'Pavitrabandham', 'Raja', 'Ninne Prmistha' are remarkable. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Kokila Kokila'-Film-Pelli Chesukundam:http://youtu.be/yxMy5_IsGqg

'Kavvunchake Prema'-Film-Raja:http://youtu.be/pR6DX4TT230

'Oka Devatha'-Film-Ninne Premistha:http://youtu.be/QrGSjCHO3oA

'Himasemallo'-Film-Annayya:http://youtu.be/a4YHOuKTfbc

'Neeli Vennala'-Film-Rajendrudu Gajendrudu:http://youtu.be/vRRsqHWLPp8

Sridevi: She was born on August 13, 1963 in Sivakasi, Tamilnadu. Though She is a Tamilian She endeared herself to Telugu audience with her sweet outlook. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Andama Anduma'-Film-Govinda Govinda:http://youtu.be/lbP580hPqmw

'Tella Cheera'-Film-Aakhari Poratam:http://youtu.be/B2P5iXIwNOM

'Jamurathiri'-Film-Kshanam Kshanam:http://youtu.be/TTbzFlfVk4o

'Sirimalle Poova'-Film-Padaharella Vayasu:http://youtu.be/0v2C8m1lM1Y

'Vellu Vachchi'-Film-Devata:http://youtu.be/SUxGZaoMDVY

Vanisri: She was born on August 3, 1948 in Nellore as Ratna Kumari. Her memorable films include 'Marapurani Katha', 'Prem Nagar', 'Jeevana Jyothi' and 'Jeevithachakram'. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Egire Pavurama'-Film-Jagatkiladilu:http://youtu.be/z6x_4WEJ1uI

'Teta Teta Telugula'-Film-Premnagar:http://youtu.be/F0S5XhyS4v8

' Adave Mayuri'-Film-Chelleli Kapuram:http://youtu.be/O1eLpAho95o

'Akasham Dinchala'-Film-Bhaktha Kannappa:http://youtu.be/KGIsvAar678

'Madhurathi Madhuram'-Film-Jeevithachakram:http://youtu.be/TXoI3VLX9AM

Vijayanirmala: She was born on Febraury 20, 1946. Her memorable films include 'Rangula Ratnam', 'Sakshi', and 'Alluri Seetharama Raju'. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Kannulu Dagina'-Film-Rangula Ratnam:http://youtu.be/oON1mm6hVUM

'Chigurulu Vesina'-Film-Poola Rangadu:http://youtu.be/s_glrwqogx8

'Vasthadu Naa Raju'-Film-Alluri Seetharama Raju:http://youtu.be/M8Z-3F3QNjk

Vijayasanthi: She was born on June 24, 1964. Her memorable films include 'Challenge' and 'Neti Bharatham'. Some of her memorable songs with YouTube links are:

'Laloo Darwaja'-Film-'Penki Pellam Mondi Mogadu:http://youtu.be/KsKBGsX8m9U

'Indu Vadana'-Film-Challenge:http://youtu.be/T763ElkYvc8

'Dora Muddu'-Film-Kathanayakudu:http://youtu.be/LdXhd7yjhOA

'

Romancing with Amicable Numbers

                                               ROMANCING WITH AMICABLE NUMBERS

                                                                                                                                V Phaneendrudu

Amicable numbers are two different numbers so related that the sum of the proper divisors of each is equal to the other number. A proper divisor of a number is a positive integer divisor other than the number itself. For example the proper divisors of number 6 are 1, 2 and 3. The smallest pair of amicable numbers is 220 and 284. The proper divisors of 220 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 20, 22, 44, 55 and 110. When all these are added, one gets 284. Likewise when one adds the proper divisors of 284, viz. 1, 2, 4, 71 and 142 it is 220.

Iamblichus of Chalsis (about A.D. 320) ascribes the knowledge of amicable numbers to the earliest Pythogorean School (about 500 B.C.). The amicable numbers played a role in magic and astrology, in the casting of horoscopes, in sorcery, in the concoction of love potion and in the making of ‘talisman’. Persons who occupied them with talisman assured that these numbers had a particular influence in establishing union and friendship between two individuals. Through Arabs the knowledge of amicable numbers spread to Western Europe. In the 9^th Century Thabit Ibn Quarra (826 - 901) an Arab mathematician invented first algebraic rule for amicable numbers. Thabit’s formula was rediscovered by Fermat (1601-1665) and Descartes (1596-1650) and extended by Euler (1707-1783). Prior to Euler only three amicable numbers were only known. Euler was the first to study systematically the amicable numbers. He developed several methods for generating amicable numbers. 59 new pairs of amicable numbers were generated in his life time. A 16 year old Italian school boy Nicolo Paganini found the second smallest pair of amicable numbers in 1866 (1184, 1210) which had eluded all previous inventers including Euler. The first few pairs of amicable numbers are (220, 284), (1184, 1210), (2620, 2924), (5020, 5564) and (6232, 6368). As of 1946 there were 390 known pairs of amicable numbers. With the advent of computers there are more than 12,000,000 pairs of amicable numbers in 2007.

Amicable numbers are also featured in the fiction novels of which mention must be made of the novel ‘The Professor’s Beloved Equation’ by Yoko Ogawa and the Japanese film based on it and the novel ‘The Stranger House’ by Reginald Hall.

While these are fictions there is a rather sweet story worth mentioning titled ‘Mathematical Aphrodisiac’ written by Alex Galt for a compilation of short stories called “True Tales of American Life’ by Paul Auster. The story just goes to show how mathematics can play a part in all facets of life. The story is about the days when Alex Galt and John used to break up all the time and they decided to see each other only casually. Dates were okay but no more than once a week. They were going to have separate lives, getting together occasionally when the spirit moved them, but without worrying about any commitment.

One day they were sitting together on the floor of John’s one room apartment. John was knitting sweater and Alex was reading Fermat’s last theorem in a Mathematics book.  And every now and then she interrupted his knitting to read him passages from the book.

‘Did you ever hear of amicable numbers? They are like perfect numbers but instead of being the sum of their own divisors, they are the sum of each other divisors. In the Middle Ages people used to carve amicable numbers into pieces of fruit. They would eat the first piece themselves and then feed the other one to their lovers. It was a mathematical aphrodisiac. I love that-Mathematical Aphrodisiac’, she said.

John showed little interest. He does not like mathematics and not like Alex does. That was one of the reasons for them to be casual in their relations.

Christmas fell during this period. Alex hates to shop. Since Alex and John were too casual for present Alex was too glad to cross John off from her shopping list. While Alex was shopping for her grandmother, however she saw a cryptic crossword puzzle book and brought it for John. They had always worked on the cryptic crossword puzzles published at the back page of a leading daily Newspaper.  Since it cost only $ 5 she figured that she could give it to him.

When Christmas rolled over Alex had given the book to John unwrapped and very casually. He did not give her any present. She was not surprised, but her feelings were hurt, even though she was not supposed to care. The next day, John invited her for dinner to his apartment.

“I have your Christmas present’, he said and added ‘sorry, it is late”.

 He handed her an awkwardly wrapped bundle. When Alex pulled it open, a rectangle of half knit fabric fell on her lap. She picked it up and looked at it, completely confused.

One side had the number 124,155 knitted into it and the other side had 100,485 knitted. When Alex looked up at John, he was barely able to contain his excitement any longer.

“They are amicable pair of numbers”, he said. “I wrote a computer program and let it run for 12 hours. These were the biggest ones I found and then I double knit them in the cloth which is a pot holder. I could not give it to you last night but still I have not figured out how to cast off. It is a kind of geeky, but I thought you might like it”, he added.

After that Christmas, they were not casual and did many things together. They felt that the ‘Ancient Mathematical Aphrodisiac’ worked.

But for Romance and Mathematics the world would not have, perhaps progressed.

                                                      

                                                                         SUSWARAMALA

Music Composer Beethoven once said that ‘music is higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy’ and philosopher Plato said that ‘music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to imagination and charm and gaiety to life’.

Music is something that always lifted my spirit and made me happy and whenever I listened to music I always hoped that it will have the same effect on whoever listened to it. There were music composers who felt that Indian music suited best for Telugu lyrics and King Krishnadevaraya asserted that Telugu language is the best among Indian languages for poetry and lyrics when he stated ‘desa bhashalandu telugu lessa’. The Indian classical music with its structured ‘raga system always fascinated me. I always held a view that ragas are daughters and heavenly angels for they have lasted in Indian music for centuries whereas names of human beings in India are changed after each generation. Being born in Vizianagaram where the noted singers Smt. P Sushiela, Sri Ghantasala and the doyen of Telugu Film Music Saluru Rajeswara Raom who were trained by the legendary violinst Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu, my curiosity to inquisitively follow music was a logical and natural desire.

The contribution of Saluru Rajeswara Rao, Ghantasala and Sushiela to Telugu film music was significantly different and matchless in scope and content. The mellifluous and memorable songs from these other noted music directors of telugu films like Pendyala and KV Mahadevan were mostly based on Indian Classical ragas. Noted Film Directors like Pullaiah, Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and K Viswanath utilized the rich potential of the ragas and skill of the music directors in enriching the scope and content of Telugu film music and taking the connoisseurs to untenanted areas of musical bliss.

The present generation is fortunate, in being able to listen to these songs, at no cost and at their home at a click of a button, unlike the previous generation which had to wait for All India Radio and radio Ceylon to broadcast.

As Saint Tyagaraja in his ‘sri’ raga Pancharatna composition ‘Endaro Mahanubhavulu’ states ‘telivitho chelimitho karuna galgi jagamellanu sudha drishtitho brochevaaru endaro mahanu bhavulu, andariki vandanamulu’. This feature featuring select gems of songs from telugu films based on various ragas like ‘amritha varshini’ to ‘hindolam’, uploaded by connoisseurs on the web is a salutation and humble tribute to all those great souls who enriched our musical bliss.

The first song is in raga ‘amrithavarshini’ from the film Swathi Kiranam. Raga Amrithavarshini is a janya raga of ‘chitrambari’ with arohana ‘SG3M2PN3S’ and avarohanam ‘SN3PM2G3S’.

Music : KV Mahadevan
Director : K Vishwanath
Lyrics: Sirivennela
Singer : Vani Jayaram

Aanati Neeyara haraa sannuthiseyaga sammathineeyara dora sannidhijeraga aanathineeyara hara nee aana lenide rachinpajaaluna vedaala vaanito virinchi vishwanatakam nee saiga kaanide jagaana saaguna ayogamayato murari divyapaalanam vasumathilo prati kshanam pashupathi nee adheenamai vasumathilo prati kshanam pashupathi nee adheenamai kadulunuga sadhaa sada shiva The song video is in the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiqL55P7rFg

The second song is ‘namo naarasimha’ in raga ‘aarabhi’ from the film ‘Bhaktha Prahlada’ composed by S. Rajeswara Rao and sung by P Sushiela and Dr Balamuralikrishna. It is a strange coincidence that he was the music director for the film ‘Chenchu Lakshmi’, which had the same theme of Bhaktha Prahlada. Music lovers would recall the song ‘palakadalipai’ from the film ‘chenchu Lakshmi’, mellifluously sung by Smt Sushiela. S Rajeswara Rao composed equally meliflous song for Bhaktha Prahlada, ‘jeevamu neevekada’. What a coincidence that he composed different songs for Narada in both these films in the same raga Behag,viz., ‘Neelagagana Shyama’, sung by Ghantasala in’ Chenchu Lakshmi’ and ‘varamosage vanamali’ by Dr Balamuralikrishna in ‘Bhaktha Prahlada.’ In the film Dr Balamuralikrishna played the role of ‘Narada too’. In the link below the lyrics of the song are also given along with the video of the song, a rare virtuosity’. Raga ‘aarabhi’ is a janya raga of ‘Dheerasankarabharanam’ with arohana ‘SR2M1PD2S’ and avarohanam ‘SN3D2PM1G3R2S’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n1DACEOi5g

Dr Balamuralikrishna asserts ‘sogasu nee sommu kalyani ragini, essaying ‘meoldic charm is your asset, kalyani ragini’. Though there are many film songs composed in raga kalyani, one song that stands out is ‘salalitha raga sudharas’ from the film ‘Narthanasala’ sung by Dr Balmuralikrishna and Bangalore Latha for the legendary actor, NT Rama Rao and legendary dancer, L vijayalakshmi. Hats off to the music director, Susarla Dakshinamoorty and director Kamalakara Kameswara Rao for a treat, never to be seen again. Raga kalyani also known as ‘mechakalyani’ is a melakartha raga with arohana ’SR2G3M2PD2N3S’ and ‘SN5D2PM2G3R2S’ as avarohanam. In the link below is the video of the song ‘salalita raga’ elegantly choreographed and a rare treat for connoisseurs.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci6RRgdDwkQ

Lava Kusha is a classic Telugu Movie directed by C Pullaiah and CS Rao. The music was composed by Ghantasala with all songs in classical ragas. The movie became one of the highest grossing Telugu movies of all times mainly because of songs. It was also dubbed in Tamil and Kannada and achieved similar success there as well. The song ‘jagadabhiramudu’ in raga ‘kanada’ stands out for sheer melody and for vision. It is perhaps the only song picturized on Valmiki, Sita and Lava and Kusha.

Raga Kanada is a janya raga of Karaharipriya with arohana ‘SR2G2M1D2N2S’ and avarohanam with ‘SN2PM1G2M1R2S’.

In the video link is the song ‘jagadabhiramudu’ in raga kanada beautifully sung by Ghantasala, Sushiela and Leela and elegantly picturized.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUuJ_FmZeY8

One of the Hindusthani ragas that caught the imagination of Telugu music directors is raga Chandrakauns. The modern and most widely accepted version of chandrakauns is similar to Malkauns/Hindolam of carnatic music with a small change. In Chandrakauns Suddha nishad is used instead of komal nishad. The arohana is Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa’ and ‘Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa Ni Sa’ is tha avarohanam.

The film ‘sirivennala’, one of the most celebrated master pieces in telugu with Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia playing the flute, one sequence is about moon ‘chandamama raave’. Perhaps the music director, KV Mahadevan, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and K Viswanath thought befitting that the song be composed in rag Chandrakauns. In the link below is the visual treat and the song sung by Sushiela and SP Balasubrahmanyam and B Vasantha.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oLjJ7fqrS8

Anothr Hindusthani raga that is extremely mellifluous and fondly used is rag ‘tilang’. It is said to have been Islamic Sufi tradition and later in Gurbani, Thumri and Ghazals. This raga has mellow, semi-romantic and pleasing mood. Saluru Rajeswara Rao seemed to have introduced this raga in 1935 in telugu films when he was just 13. It has as aroha ‘Sa Ga ma pa ni Sa and ‘Sa ni Pa Ma Ga Sa’ as avarohanam.

In the link below is the song ‘jaya jaya Jaya sarada’ from the film “mahakavi kalidas’ composed in rag tilang by ace music director and superbly sung by nightingale of south india, smt P Sushiela. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KQwHYElnyA

One needs to compliment the greatness of director Kamalakara Kameswara Rao for fully utilizing the dance potential of dancer L Vijayalakshmi  to the full extent unmatched by any other director. Connoisseurs would fondly recall the dance sequence in the film ‘Gundamma katha’ where he dared to ptcturize a dance sequence just to the music on L Vijayalakshmi. The way he brings her to the song’tirumala tirupati venkateswara’ in the film ‘mahamantri timmarasu’ which can be watched in the link below is just amazing. The song is so soulfully composed in raga desh by Pendyala and sung by two great stalwarts, S Varalakshmi and P Sushiela is nostalgic. The arohana for raga desh is ‘Sa Re Re Ma Pa Ni Dha Pa Ni Sa’ and avarohanam is ‘Sa Ni Dha Pa Ga Re ga Sa’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZyRWSgn60

It is surprising that distinguished personalities from other parts enriched the scope and content of telugu film music for which connoisseurs are ever grateful and thankful. BS Ranga is from present Karnataka. He made a remarkable film ‘Tenali Ramakrishna’ portrayed by Akkineni Nageswara rao and Krishnadevaraya was portrayed by NT Rama Rao. Of the many films they acted together this film stands for its virtue. It is also strange that music was composed by two tamil maestros Viswanathan and Ramamurty. A song that stands out in the film is a Jayadeva ‘ashtapadi’ composed in raga mohana needs special mention. The song ‘Chandanacharchita’ sung by Smt P sushiela is delight for many youngsters.

Raga Mohana is a janya raga of ‘Harikambhoji’ with arohana ‘SR2G3PD2S’ and ‘SD2PG3R2S’ as avarohanam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKkJw46Pn0&feature=related

Lord Venkateswara is aarahya daivam of telugu people. Despite many songs composed on him by noted composers one film song which is a lullaby stands out. The song is ‘seshasailavasa’ set in raga Reethigowla and composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao and sung so melodiously by Ghantasala.

Raga ‘reethigowla’ is janya raga of kharaharipriya with arohana ‘SG2R2G2M1N2D2M1N2N2S’ and avarohanam ‘SN2D2M1G2M1PM1G2R2S’.

In the link below is the song where the song is picturized on Ghantasala in the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYcykXjCH4c&feature=fvsr

The concluding song in this feature is a song from the film ‘Manchi Kutumbam’, ‘manase andala brindavanam, in raga Hindolam sung by P Sushiela. The film is a remake of the Tamil film ‘Motor sundaram Pillai’. The original song was composed by MS Viswanathan and SP Kodandapani adapted it. The original song was sung by Jayalakshmi of famous duo Radha Jayalaksmi. In the link below is the song elegantly picturized on Kanchana.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_yM-boo3pA

Happy viewing and listening.