Devulapalli Krishnasastri
Encyclopedia
Devulapalli Venkata Krishnasastri was a Telugu
poet, playwright and translator. He is famously known as Andhra Shelley.
district of Andhra Pradesh
, India
. He was born in Ravuvari Chandrampalem and was brought up in Pitapuram in a family of court-poets.
He grew interest in English literature
while he was in his high school.
at Santiniketan
in 1929.
Krishnasastri joined All India Radio
in 1945 and wrote a number of plays for it.
He also translated Sri Goda Devi's Tamil Tiruppavai into Telugu Keertanaas. Other translations of Tiruppavai are available - but they are all word for word. His translation is unique because he had taken the central idea of each Pasuram, made it into pallavi and wove around it the rest of the paasuram into anupallavi and charanam(s). They were set to pure carnatic music
, even as they were composed, by Amruthavalli Sundaram. The publication with notation, is Orient Longman.
, Naa Illu
, En Veedu, Bangaru Papa
, Ekaveera
, Bhagya Rekha
(1957), Rakta Kanneeru, Bhakta Tukaram
, Karthika Deepam
, Gorintaku
, Megha Sandesham, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam.
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
poet, playwright and translator. He is famously known as Andhra Shelley.
Early life
Krishnasastri was born in East GodavariEast Godavari
East Godavari District is a district situated on the northeast of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Its district headquarters is Kakinada. It is the second richest district in the whole country...
district of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. He was born in Ravuvari Chandrampalem and was brought up in Pitapuram in a family of court-poets.
He grew interest in English literature
English literature
English literature is the literature written in the English language, including literature composed in English by writers not necessarily from England; for example, Robert Burns was Scottish, James Joyce was Irish, Joseph Conrad was Polish, Dylan Thomas was Welsh, Edgar Allan Poe was American, J....
while he was in his high school.
Career
Krishnasastri started writing poetry from a very young age. Krishnasastri's works changed significantly after he met Gurudev Rabindranath TagoreRabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore , sobriquet Gurudev, was a Bengali polymath who reshaped his region's literature and music. Author of Gitanjali and its "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse", he became the first non-European Nobel laureate by earning the 1913 Prize in Literature...
at Santiniketan
Santiniketan
Santiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, approximately 180 kilometres north of Kolkata . It was made famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose vision became what is now a university town that attracts thousands of visitors each year...
in 1929.
Krishnasastri joined All India Radio
All India Radio
All India Radio , officially known since 1956 as Akashvani , is the radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati. Established in 1936, it is the sister service of Prasar Bharati's Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster. All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks...
in 1945 and wrote a number of plays for it.
He also translated Sri Goda Devi's Tamil Tiruppavai into Telugu Keertanaas. Other translations of Tiruppavai are available - but they are all word for word. His translation is unique because he had taken the central idea of each Pasuram, made it into pallavi and wove around it the rest of the paasuram into anupallavi and charanam(s). They were set to pure carnatic music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
, even as they were composed, by Amruthavalli Sundaram. The publication with notation, is Orient Longman.
Literary works
Some of Krishnasastri's famous works include :- Amrutha Veena (1992)
- Sri Andallu Tiruppavu Kirtanalu (1993)
- Meghamala (1996)
- Krishna Paksham (The Darkening Fortnight),
- Pravasam (Alien Residence),
- Mahati (The VeenaVeenaVeena may refer to one of several Indian plucked instruments:With frets*Rudra veena, plucked string instrument used in Hindustani music*Saraswati veena, plucked string instrument used in Carnatic musicFretless...
of NaradaNaradaNarada or Narada Muni is a divine sage from the Vaisnava tradition, who plays a prominent role in a number of the Puranic texts, especially in the Bhagavata Purana, and in the Ramayana...
).
Films
He wrote about 160 good lyrics to about 70 films during the 1950s to 1970s. They include MalleswariMalliswari (1951 film)
-Soundtrack:There are 15 songs in Malliswari.-External links:* * * *...
, Naa Illu
Naa Illu
Naa Illu is a 1953 Telugu film produced and directed by Chittor V. Nagaiah. The story is written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri...
, En Veedu, Bangaru Papa
Bangaru Papa
Bangaru Papa is a 1954 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi. It is based on the 1861 English novel Silas Marner of George Eliot. B. N. Reddi personally considered it as his best cinematic work. It portrayed the acting skills of Nata Sarvabhouma S. V. Ranga Rao...
, Ekaveera
Ekaveera
Ekaveera is an Indian novel written by Kavi Samrat Viswanatha Satyanarayana in Telugu language. It was penned between 1925–29 and was published in Bharathi magazine in 1935. Originally written in Telugu, it has since been translated into various Indian languages. In 1969, a film version was...
, Bhagya Rekha
Bhagya Rekha
Bhagya Rekha or Bhagyarekha is a 1957 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi and produced by Ponnaluri brothers.The popular Devotional song Neevundeda Kondapai Naasaami Nenundedee Nelapai by P. Susheela is in this film...
(1957), Rakta Kanneeru, Bhakta Tukaram
Bhakta Tukaram
Bhakta Tukaram is a 1973 Telugu Biographical film produced by Anjali Pictures based on the life of saint poet Tukaram. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the title role with great devotion. The music score of P. Adinarayana Rao and songs of Ghantasala and others is one of the highest levels in Indian...
, Karthika Deepam
Karthika Deepam (film)
Karthika Deepam is a 1979 Telugu film directed by Laxmi Deepak and starring Shobhan Babu, Sridevi and Sharada. The songs are highly popular particularly Aaraneekuma Ee Deepam Karteeka Deepam penned by Devulapalli Krishnasastri...
, Gorintaku
Gorintaku (1979 film)
Gorintaku is a 1979 Telugu film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It is family sentimental film starring Shobhan Babu and Sujatha. The title song Gorinta Poochindi Komma Lekunda written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri casting Savitri is remembered even today....
, Megha Sandesham, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam.
| Year | Film | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Malliswari Malliswari (1951 film) -Soundtrack:There are 15 songs in Malliswari.-External links:* * * *... |
Aakaasa Veedhilo Hayiga Tirigevu Desa Desalanni Tirigi Chusevu |
| 1953 | Naa Illu Naa Illu Naa Illu is a 1953 Telugu film produced and directed by Chittor V. Nagaiah. The story is written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri... |
Adigadigo Gagana Seema Andamaina Chandamama Adigo |
| 1954 | Bangaru Papa Bangaru Papa Bangaru Papa is a 1954 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi. It is based on the 1861 English novel Silas Marner of George Eliot. B. N. Reddi personally considered it as his best cinematic work. It portrayed the acting skills of Nata Sarvabhouma S. V. Ranga Rao... |
Yavvana Madhuvanilo |
| 1957 | Bhagya Rekha Bhagya Rekha Bhagya Rekha or Bhagyarekha is a 1957 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi and produced by Ponnaluri brothers.The popular Devotional song Neevundeda Kondapai Naasaami Nenundedee Nelapai by P. Susheela is in this film... |
Neevundeda Kondapai Naasaami |
| 1959 | Raja Makutam Raja Makutam Raja Makutam or Rajamakutam is a 1959 Telugu film directed by veteran B. Narasimha Reddy.-Synopsis:... |
Sadiseyako Gali Sadiseya Boke |
| 1965 | Bangaru Panjaram Bangaru Panjaram Bangaru Panjaram is 1969 Telugu drama film directed by B. N. Reddy. It is a musical film with lyrics written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri.-Cast:* Shobhan Babu ... Venu* Sriranjani * Vanisree ... Neela-Crew:* Director : B. N. Reddy... |
Pagalaite Doravera Raatiri Naa Raajuvula |
| 1967 | Sukhadukhalu | Idi Mallela Velayani Idi Vennela Masamani |
| 1968 | Undamma Bottu Pedata Undamma Bottu Pedata Undamma Bottu Pedata is a 1968 Telugu drama film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by Babu Movies.It is a musical film with lyrics written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri and score by K. V... |
Ravamma Mahalakhsmi Ravamma |
| 1969 | Ekaveera Ekaveera Ekaveera is an Indian novel written by Kavi Samrat Viswanatha Satyanarayana in Telugu language. It was penned between 1925–29 and was published in Bharathi magazine in 1935. Originally written in Telugu, it has since been translated into various Indian languages. In 1969, a film version was... |
Prati Raatri Vasantha Raatri |
| 1970 | Mayani Mamatha | Raanika Neekosam Sakhi, Raadika Vasanta Maasam |
| 1971 | Kalyana Mandapam Kalyana Mandapam Kalyana Mandapam is a 1971 Telugu-language film starring Shobhan Babu, Kanchana, Kongara Jaggaiah, Anjali, Gummadi and others. The film was distributed by Anjali Pictures and directed by V... |
Chukkalu Pade Subha Mantram |
| 1971 | Mattilo Manikyam Mattilo Manikyam Mattilo Manikyam is a 1971 Telugu Drama film directed by B. V. Prasad. It is produced by the famous actor Chalam.-Cast:* Chalam * Bhanumathi Ramakrishna * Jamuna * Dhulipala * Prabhakar Reddy * Sakshi Ranga Rao-Soundtrack:... |
Maata Chalada Manasu Chalada |
| 1972 | Manchi Rojulochayi | Neloto Needa Annadi Nanu Taakaradani |
| 1973 | Bhakta Tukaram Bhakta Tukaram Bhakta Tukaram is a 1973 Telugu Biographical film produced by Anjali Pictures based on the life of saint poet Tukaram. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the title role with great devotion. The music score of P. Adinarayana Rao and songs of Ghantasala and others is one of the highest levels in Indian... |
Ghana Ghana Sundaraa Karuna Rasa Mandiraa |
| 1973 | Neramu Siksha Neramu Siksha Neramu Siksha is a 1973 Telugu film directed by K. Viswanath. It is written and produced by veteran actor M. Balaiah. It was a big hit and made into Tamil and Hindi languages.-The plot:... |
Chesina Papam Needi Chitikina Bratukinkokaridi |
| 1974 | Amma Manasu | Srishailabhavanaa Meluko |
| 1975 | Balipeetam Balipeetam Balipeetam is a 1975 Telugu Drama film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It is based on the popular socialist novel written by Muppala Ranganayakamma entitled Balipeetam.-Plot:... |
Kusalama Neeku Kusalamena |
| 1975 | Cheekati Velugulu | Cheekati Velugula Kaugitilo Chinde Kumkuma Vannelu |
| 1976 | Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club | Naa Pedu Bikari, Naa Daari Edari |
| 1978 | Seetamalakshmi Seetamalakshmi Seetamalakshmi is a 1978 Telugu film written and directed by K. Viswanath. Talluri Rameswari won Nandi Award in her debut film. It is made into Hindi as Sitara in 1980 starring Mithun Chakraborty and Zarina Wahab.-The plot:... |
Maavi Chigugu Tinagane Koyila Palikena |
| 1978 | Sri Rama Pattabhishekam | Ee Gangakenta Digulu Ee Gaalikenta Gubulu |
| 1979 | Gorintaku Gorintaku (1979 film) Gorintaku is a 1979 Telugu film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It is family sentimental film starring Shobhan Babu and Sujatha. The title song Gorinta Poochindi Komma Lekunda written by Devulapalli Krishnasastri casting Savitri is remembered even today.... |
Gorinta Poochindi Komma Lekunda |
| 1979 | Karthika Deepam Karthika Deepam (film) Karthika Deepam is a 1979 Telugu film directed by Laxmi Deepak and starring Shobhan Babu, Sridevi and Sharada. The songs are highly popular particularly Aaraneekuma Ee Deepam Karteeka Deepam penned by Devulapalli Krishnasastri... |
Aaraneekuma Ee Deepam Karteeka Deepam |
| 1980 | Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatyam | Veena Naa Veena Eruguduva Neevainaa |
| 1983 | Megha Sandesham | Aakulo Aakunai Puvvulo Puvvunai |
Awards
- Andhra UniversityAndhra UniversityAndhra University or Andhra Viswa Kala Parishad , located in Visakhapatnam, north east coastal Andhra Pradesh, is one of the older premier universities in India with a broad focus...
has conferred the title Kala Prapoorna (The complete artist) on him in 1975. - He was awarded the Sahitya AkademiSahitya AkademiThe Sahitya Akademi ', India's National Academy of Letters, is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of literature in the languages of India...
Award. - Krishnashastri also won the Padma BhushanPadma BhushanThe Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. It is awarded by the Government of India.-History:...
Award in the year 1976.
External links
- JayaJayaPriyaBharatha(pdf file)
- Chukkalu(from KrishnaPaksham)
- Nenu(from Krishna Paksham)
- Krishnasastriyam is a novel musical interpretation of some songs written by Sri Krishnasastri. Excerpts available at the linked site.
- http://www.freewebs.com/shanmukhan/chukkalu.pdf Visit this to see chukkalu by Krishnasastri in Telugu.
- Krishnasastriyam is a novel musical interpretation of some songs written by Sri Krishnasastri. Excerpts available at the linked site.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03IqPxVqjhs 'Nava Sahiti Sourabhalu - Devulapalli Krishna Sastri ' telecasted on Maa TV.