Veturi
Encyclopedia
Veturi Sundararama Murthy , popularly known as Veturi, was a Telugu
writer mostly popular for his film songs. His career in the Telugu film industry spanned more than four decades.
, near Machilipatnam
, Krishna District
, in an orthodox Telugu Brahmin. Veturi is a nephew of the Telugu Research Scholar Veturi Prabhakara Sastri
. His grandfather Veturi Sundara Sastry was also a poet.
, near Vijayawada
in Krishna district, and SSC in his grandmother's village. Later Veturi went Chennai for his intermediate studies and came back to Vijayawada
where he completed his degree in S.R.R. Government College. He was a student of legendary Viswanatha Satyanarayana
at this college.
as a journalist in 1952, after his education. He learned the basics of editing a news article
from his senior at Andhra Prabha
, Narla Venkateswara Rao
, whom he considers his first teacher. In 1959, he joined a weekly called Andhra Patrika, where Bapu
and Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
were his colleagues. He was the in-charge of the Cinema section at Andhra Patrika. He also worked for the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee
's official daily newspaper, called Andhra Janata, as an editor.
In 1962, he became the first and only Telugu journalist to interview the then-Prime Minister
, Jawaharlal Nehru
, who came to inaugurate Srisailam
Hydroelectricity
project. He covered the speeches of national leaders like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
. In 1964, he worked as an assembly
reporter.
His articles are said to be very catchy and witty. For instance, he referred to the meeting of MLA
's in Hotel Dwaraka, near the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly
as "Adigo Dwaraka- Evigo Alamandalu" ("This is Dwaraka and here are the cattle") . His writing style caught the attention of the film industry due to his prowess in using traditional poetic rules related to alliteration
and rhyme
for describing current affairs
.
Dasarathi
often. Legendary director Chittor V. Nagaiah
offered him a role in his film, Naa Illu
. However, two days before the shooting began, Veturi decided not to act as he felt that he was not fit for acting, and wrote a letter of apology to Nagaiah
for rejecting his offer. Sri.N.T. Rama Rao, has invited him to join the film industry] as a lyricist
. In 1974, he wrote his first song, "Bharatanaari Charitamu" , in the form of Harikatha
, for O Seeta Katha
under the direction of the legendary director, K Viswanath.
proved his prowess in expressing diverse emotions with poetry. Aathreya
, the leading lyricist in those days, was known to take days for writing a song. Veturi became the first choice for directors and producers too because of his ability to write a song to director's taste in a few minutes. He went on to pen more than 5,000 songs in his career. He wrote more mass numbers for movies like Vetagadu and Driver Ramudu, and classics for movies like Sankarabharanam
and Sagara Sangamam. In particular, Sankarabharanam
stood as a landmark in the Telugu film industry.
, Bapu
, Jandhyala, Vamsy
and mass numbers for directors like Raghavendra Rao, A. Kodandarami Reddy
, Vijaya Bapineedu
. He delivered a number of hits for senior actors like Sr. N.T.R, Akkineni Nageswara Rao
, Shobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju
, Ghattamaneni Krishna and upcoming stars like Chiranjeevi
, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nagarjuna
, Daggubati Venkatesh
. This golden period in his career saw memorable albums like Saptapadi
, Subhodayam, Subhalekha
, Sagara Sangamam, Meghasandesam
, Mudda Mandaram, Malle Pandiri, Nalugu Stambhalata, Rendu Jalla Seetha, Amarajeevi, Sreevariki Prema Lekha, Ananda Bhairavi, Srivari Sobhanam, Mogudu Pellalu, Chantabbai
, Sitaara
, Anveshana
, Alapana
, Mayuri
, Amavasya Chandrudu, Janaki Ramudu and Geethanjali
.
, Sarigamalu, Seetharamayya Gaari Manavaralu, Mathru Devo Bhava
, and Mechanic Alludu
. Veturi was given the opportunity to dub many Tamil
, Malayalam and Hindi
movies. Some of his dubbed albums, for instance Iruvar and Devaraagam
, received wide acclaim.
and Swarabhishekam
. His association with young directors like Sekhar Kammula
and Gunasekhar
produced some memorable albums, like Anand
, Godavari
, Varudu
, and Leader.
గతమంతా శ్రుతం నాది, ప్రస్తుతానికి అది పునాది
gatamantaa Srutam naadi, prastutaaniki adi punaadi
which translates to "I heard (and learned) a lot of things from great people in the past, and I use them as my present base". He had great respect for the lyricist Acharya Atreya, whom he considered his mentor and guru. In an interview with Gemini Television he said, "Atreya is a much greater lyricist than me. You may find beauty of words and phrases in my lyrics, but Atreya's lyrics have 'life' in them. And this comes only from real experiences and Atreya had much more 'life experience' than me. He was more passionate about tradition and Telugu literature". His relation with veteran composer Ilayaraja is described in his book komma kommakO sannaayi .
Veturi had a unique style, which only a few have been able to emulate. His style was romantic, imbued with deep emotions.
His turns of phrase are sometimes as delightful as mystifying.
To quote an example:
గసగసాల కౌగిలింత
gasagasala kougilinta
which literally means "embrace of the poppy seeds". However, it is more meaningful as "your hug is as intoxicating as opium".
He conveys the most inexplicable feelings in simple words.
To quote an example, from the film Saptapadi:
అనగల రాగమై తొలుత వీనులలరించి
అనలేని రాగమై మరలా వినిపించి
anagala raagamai toluta veenulalarinchi,
analEni raagamai maralaa vinipinchi
which translates to "[the music of your flute] pleased my ears once as a hummable tune, later it resounded in my heart as an inexpressible feeling".
His knowledge in classical Telugu poetry
is evident from the figures of speech
(alankaaraalu).
Here are three verses from the same song as above:
అచ్చెరువున అచ్చెరువున విచ్చిన కన్నుల చూడ
accheruvuna accheruvuna vicchina kannula chUDa
([As young Krishna danced on the hood of the vicious snake] in the Lake [named Kalindi], [the onlookers] watched in wonder),
ఆబాలగోపాలం ఆబాల గోపాలుని
aabaala gopaalam aabaalagopaaluni
(everyone [watched] young Krishna),
ఆ రాధ ఆరాధనాగీతి పలికించి
aa raadha aaradhanaageeti palikinchi
(Radha sang a song of admiration).
In the above song, it can be observed that the same word is juxtaposed with different meanings. This is a figure of speech in Telugu
known as yamakam ).
He was known to use a lot of classical objects in fresh similes. Objects like ponnacheTTu , tyaagaraaja keertana (Tyagaraja
's song), Rutuvulu (seasons), raagaalu (raaga-s) have all been used extensively in his songs. One such song from the film Sundarakanda
uses all the grammatical rules of Telugu in a romantic conversation between lovers.
To quote an example:
మత్తుగా మల్లెలు అత్తరు చిందే వేళ చంపకమాలలు సొంపులకిస్తావా,
నీ లయలు హృదయమున యమునలైన సమయమున
mattuga mallelu attaru chindE vELa champakamaalalu sompulakistaavaa,
nee layalu hRdayamuna yamunalaina samayamuna
Such songs stand as proof of his knowledge in various subjects.
His imagination ranges from highly creative similes like
భూదారిలో నీలాంబరి, మా సీమకే చీనాంబరి
bhoodaarilO neelaambari, maa seemakE cheenaambari
to rather base comparisons like
ముడి తీస్తే మూపురం, పరువాల గోపురం
muDi teestE moopuram, paruvaala gopuram
His prowess has been proved a number of times, when it came particularly to writing lyrics like those found in SankaraabharaNam
.
To quote a few examples from SankaraabharaNam
where he expresses the mind of a devotee singing in rain:
మెరిసే మెరుపులు మురిసే పెదవుల చిరు చిరు నవ్వులు కాబోలు,
ఉరిమే ఉరుములు సరి సరి నటనల సిరి సిరి మువ్వలు కాబోలు
పరవశాన శిరసూగంగా ధరకు జారెనా శివగంగ
నా గానలహరి నువు మునుగంగ, ఆనందవృష్టి నే తడవంగ!
merise merupulu murise pedavula chiru chiru navvulu kaabOlu,
urime urumulu sari sari natanala siri siri muvvalu kaabOlu
paravaSaana SirasUgangaa dharaku jaarenaa Sivaganga
naa gaanalahari nuvu munuganga, aanandavRshTi nE taDavanga!
which translates to:
"Oh Lord Shiva
, perhaps these lightnings are your smiles, and these thunderbolts are the [sounds of] anklets that ring while you dance. As you dance with pleasure and your head bobs, the Ganga [which resides on your head] seems to be falling to the earth, as you are drenched in the waves of my singing and I in the rain of eventual joy!" (Notice also the yamakam with the word ganga.)
To describe the parting words of a mother (who knows that she would live only for a few days) with her children:
అనుబంధమంటేనే అప్పులే కరిగే బంధాలన్ని మబ్బులే,
హేమంత రాగాల చేమంతులే వాడిపోయే,
తన రంగు మార్చింది తనతో రాలేనంది పాశమే
anubandhamanTEnE appulE karigE bandhaalanni mabbulE,
hEmanta raagaala chEmantulE vaaDi pOyE,
tana rangu maarchindi raktamE tanatO raalEnandi paaSamE
which translates to:
"Relations are just debts, all these relations will melt like clouds, all those beautiful flowers of spring colors will vanish some day, your nature was changed by relation, yet it would not follow you after a point". This touches the essence of Bhagavad Gita
in simple words.
He described Lord Krishna
in many songs. To quote one such song:
చందన చర్చిత నీల దేహ గగనాల సొగసుకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో,
ఉసురు గాలులను వెదురు పాటలుగా పలుకు వేణువుకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో,
ఏటి మీద యెన్నెల్లో, ఎన్నెలంటి కన్నెల్లో,
కన్నె కంటి సన్నల్లో, సన్నజాజీ గిన్నెల్లో,
వేదమంతా వెన్నలాగా కరిగేవేళల్లో,
ఏ గీత మాకిస్తావో ఎవ్వరి గీత మారుస్తావో ఆరారే
chandana charchita neela dEha gaganaalasogasuku gobbiLLO,
usuru gaalulanu veduru paataluga paluku vENuvuku gobbiLLO,
yETi meeda yennellO, yennelanTi kannellO,
kanneganTi sannallO sannajaaji ginnellO,
vEdamantaa vennalaagaa karigEvELallO,
yE geeta maakistaavO yevvari geeta maarustaavO aaraarE
which translates to:
"We dance on seeing the sky-colored body scented with sandal, we dance for the Divine Flute which converts purposeless breezes (also means the breezes of life) into melodious music of your flute (meaningful lives). When moonlight reflects on the water of Yamuna
, among the gOpikas who dominate the moonlight, within the sight of gOpikas, in the bushes of jasmines; When [the knowledge (cream) of] vEdas melts like the creamy butter, only you can decide which lines [of Fate] to change, and which lines (Gita) to teach (Bhagavad Gita
)"
He uses prAsa (rhymes) to a very good extent. Despite that, he keeps the feel of the song simple and clear. An example among the many thousands that he wrote includes this:
నరుడి బ్రతుకు నటన, ఈశ్వరుడి తలపు ఘటన,
ఆ రెంటి నట్టనడుమ నీకెందుకింత తపన
naruDi bratuku naTana, eeSwaruDi talapu ghaTana,
aA renTi naTTanaDuma neekendukinta tapana
which translates to "Man's life is but an act, God's thought is the action. Knowing this, [O heart], why do you get so anxious?"
He is known for his experiments in writing lyrics. One such example is using a rule from Telugu prosody or Chandassu for the spell of a demon in his song (from Geethanjali
):
ఓ బాలా, మసజసతతగ శార్దూలా
O baalaa, masajasatataga Saarduulaa.
Sometimes, one needs very keen ears to understand his experiments. An example which many people probably would not know is:
కాస్తందుకో, దరఖాస్తందుకో, ప్రేమ దరఖాస్తందుకో
kaastandukO, dharkhaastandukO, prema dhaarakhaastandukO
In this song, the beautiful alliteration is such that each word is a part of the next word. Yet, they have totally different meanings. None of them is out of context.
He is known for his naughty lyrics. His fans call him chilipi vETUri for the same reason.
A few examples include:
నగుమోము నగుమ
nagumOmu naguma
(referring to actress Nagma
in her movie).
గగన ఝగన
gagana jhagana
which rhymes with traditional,
ఇందు వదన, కుంద రదన, మంద గమన, మధుర వచన, and సొగసు లలన
indu vadana, kunda radana, manda gamana, madhura vachana, sogasu lalana
Sometimes, they are thinly veiled suggestive references too.
To quote an example:
కొండకోనల్లో మాటుగా ఎత్తుపల్లాలు తెలిసెలే
konDakOnallO maaTugaa ettupallaalu teliselE
He uses creativity for all sorts of songs ranging from an obscene song (example follows)
ఆ అంటే అమలాపురం
aa anTE Amalapuram
to a mundane duet (example follows)
పక్కా Gentleman ని, చుట్టాపక్కాలే లేనోణ్ణి
pakka gentlemanni, chuTTapakkaalE lEnONNi
to a serious emotion (example follows)
తార తారకి నడుమ ఆకాశం ఎందుకో
taara taaraki naDuma aakaaSam endukO
to devotional songs (example follows)
ఓం నమశ్శివాయ
Om namaSSivaaya
Every word he uses has a well defined, concrete purpose.
Usually, the lead stanzas of his songs (pallavi) are catchy and keep dancing on the listener's tongue. Many such verses/phrases are used quite frequently in even normal discussions (Example: ) .
, singers, lyricist
s, actor
s and director
s. He was a teacher-like figure for many artists in the industry.
Many people consider him the most complete lyricist in the history of Telugu Film History. Even his competitors him guru
. Fellow lyricist and a legendary lyricist himself, Sirivennela
praised him as a source of inspiration. He isolated Veturi as the one who broadened the horizons of a Telugu
song. Sirivennela
wrote a 4-page article in a Telugu monthly magazine Haasam explaining the breadth and depth in Veturi's poetry. Being a competitor, he ended the article saying: "aakaaSaannaakramiMchina aayana bhaavanaapaadaaniki, bhoogOLaanni aakramiMchina aayana bhaashaapaadaaniki bhaktiO aMjali ghaTistoo "naa mooDO paadaanni nee nettina peDataa" aMTunna aayana taaMDava paadaaniki bhayaMtO namaskaristoo, mummaaru mokkutoo" which roughly translates to "I pray unto your two feet with devotion: one who has occupied the sky of imagination, one which has occupied the earth called language; and with terror, I pray salute the third foot which he says he would keep on my head". This is in reference to Vamana
, an Avatar
of Vishnu
.
Veteran director K. Viswanath referred to him as brother. Director Sekhar Kammula
referred to him as his guru
. Actor, writer and director Tanikella Bharani
referred to him as a manifestation of Saraswati
in male form. Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, who worked with him for Geethanjali
, praised him as one of the best he has come across.
Veturi was very flexible with remunerations while working with young and upcoming artists, which made him very approachable and close to almost every director and producer.
. In 2007, he received the Jandhyala Memorial Award.
for the song "Ralipoye Puvva" in the film Matrudevobhava, making him the second Telugu film lyricist to achieve the distinction after the revolutionary poet, Sri Sri
. In 2006, he declared that he would return the National Award if Telugu is not given the status of Classic Language by the Government of India
. In 2008, the Government of India
declared Telugu
as a classical language.
for the song, Uppongele Godavari in the 2006 movie, Godavari
. In 2008, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
.
for best lyrics, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, seven times. They are listed here.
.
. One can see the beauty of Telugu language in this book.
Veturi was introduced to director K.Viswanath through this book and later their combination was a big hit. N T Rama Rao was so impressed by the story of this book that he wanted to make it as a movie. It is believed that there were some discussions on the script but the movie was never produced.
Many of these articles were originally published in a Telugu magazine called Haasam. Veturi's prowess in Telugu language & literature and his vast knowledge of Carnatic music can be seen in this book. Veturi often quotes many of his own lyrics in this book and those examples offer a glimpse of his genius. In particular, his explanation to the song Swararaaga gangaa pravaahamE (Movie: Sarigamalu) is a master piece.
This book is not an auto-biography of Veturi, as some people think.
and often visited Swami's ashram
in Mysore.
officials for not handing over the 1000 sq.yard land that was allotted to him about 28 years ago. He alleged that several juniors and ineligible people were given plots ahead of him. He was allegedly offered a double bedroom flat for 15 lakhs.
After his death, noted singer Mano
and senior actor Vijay Chandar demanded the government to give the land to his family. President of the Telugu Desam Party
, Opposition Leader
, Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Chief Minister
of Andhra Pradesh
, Konijeti Rosaiah
to do justice to the veteran lyricist.
(internal bleeding in lungs) at a private hospital in Hyderabad on 22 May 2010 (aged 74) at about 9:30 p.m. local time. He was admitted to the hospital two days earlier and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) there as his health was deteriorating.
His death shook the Telugu Film Industry. Directors like K. Viswanath
, Raghavendra Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao
, Sekhar Kammula
, Gunasekhar
, YVS Chowdary
, R. Narayana Murthy
, S. S. Rajamouli
; Actors like Jamuna, Murali Mohan
, Jayasudha
, Chiranjeevi
, Balakrishna, Mohan Babu
; Producers
like D. Ramanaidu
, Ashwini Dutt, Allu Aravind, Nagendra Babu
; Writers like Sirivennela
, Tanikella Bharani
, Chandrabose, Suddala Ashok Teja
; Music composers like M. M. Keeravani and politicians like Chandrababu Naidu, Bandaru Dattatreya
were among those who paid last respects to him. Others like Akkineni Nagarjuna
, Mahesh Babu
, Jr. NTR, Sumanth
, expressed their condolences on Twitter
.
Legendary director K. Viswanath, who introduced Veturi to the film industry, stated that "his works would please even the gods". Director Sekhar Kammula
, who worked with him to deliver some critically acclaimed songs, wrote a 4 page article in the daily Sakshi describing Veturi's death as his "personal loss".
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...
writer mostly popular for his film songs. His career in the Telugu film industry spanned more than four decades.
Early life
Veturi was born to Chandrasekhar Sastry and Kamalamba in PedakallepalliPedakallepalli
Pedakallēpalli is a village in Mopidevi mandal, in Diviseema taluk, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Pedakallepalli is also known as Dakshina Kasi...
, near Machilipatnam
Machilipatnam
Machilipatnam is a city and a special grade municipality in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located south east of state capital, Hyderabad.-History:...
, Krishna District
Krishna district
Krishna District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. It is named after the Krishna River, the third longest river that flows within India, flows through the district and joins Bay of Bengal here in this district. It has a population of 4,529,009 of which 32.08% is urban as of...
, in an orthodox Telugu Brahmin. Veturi is a nephew of the Telugu Research Scholar Veturi Prabhakara Sastri
Veturi Prabhakara Sastri
Veturi Prabhakara Sastri was a Pundit in both Sanskrit and Telugu languages.-Contribution:As a publisher and writer, he introduced to Telugu people several ancient texts, in association with Manavalli Ramakrishna from prachya likhita pustaka bhandagaram...
. His grandfather Veturi Sundara Sastry was also a poet.
Education
Veturi completed his schooling in Diviseema, JaggayyapetaJaggayyapeta
Jaggaiahpeta is an ancient town and now a municipality in Krishna district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This town is located on the banks of a river called Paleru which is a tributary of the Krishna River.- Demographics :...
, near Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
in Krishna district, and SSC in his grandmother's village. Later Veturi went Chennai for his intermediate studies and came back to Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
where he completed his degree in S.R.R. Government College. He was a student of legendary Viswanatha Satyanarayana
Viswanatha Satyanarayana
Viswanatha Satyanarayana , popularly known as the Kavi Samraat , was a modern Telugu poet.He was a disciple of the Tirupati Venkata Kavulu duo...
at this college.
Career as a journalist
Veturi joined Andhra PrabhaAndhra Prabha
Andhra Prabha is a Telugu daily newspaper launched in 1938. It is a part of the New Indian Express Group of Companies.-Early history:The paper was started from Chennai on August 15, 1938 by Ramnath Goenka to challenge the sway of the leading Telugu newspaper at the time, Andhra Patrika...
as a journalist in 1952, after his education. He learned the basics of editing a news article
Article (publishing)
An article is a written work published in a print or electronic medium. It may be for the purpose of propagating the news, research results, academic analysis or debate.-News articles:...
from his senior at Andhra Prabha
Andhra Prabha
Andhra Prabha is a Telugu daily newspaper launched in 1938. It is a part of the New Indian Express Group of Companies.-Early history:The paper was started from Chennai on August 15, 1938 by Ramnath Goenka to challenge the sway of the leading Telugu newspaper at the time, Andhra Patrika...
, Narla Venkateswara Rao
Narla Venkateswara Rao
Narla Venkateshwara Pramastenakshmi Preval Argurananda Veramesh Kashturambigrana Mitall Rao or V. R. Narla is a Telugu language writer, journalist and politician from Andhra Pradesh in India...
, whom he considers his first teacher. In 1959, he joined a weekly called Andhra Patrika, where Bapu
Bapu (artist)
Bapu is an Indian film director, known for his works in Telugu cinema.He is a music artist, painter, cartoonist, and designer...
and Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
Mullapudi Venkata Ramana was a Telugu story writer. He was especially known for his hilarious style of writing. He also created a child character called Budugu...
were his colleagues. He was the in-charge of the Cinema section at Andhra Patrika. He also worked for the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee
Pradesh Congress Committee
The elected committee that directs the Congress Party in an Indian state is known as a PCC, or Pradesh Congress Committee. It is elected by card-holding members of the Congress, the world's largest political organisation, and in turn elects State Congress Presidents and delegates to the All India...
's official daily newspaper, called Andhra Janata, as an editor.
In 1962, he became the first and only Telugu journalist to interview the then-Prime Minister
Prime Minister of India
The Prime Minister of India , as addressed to in the Constitution of India — Prime Minister for the Union, is the chief of government, head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the majority party in parliament...
, Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...
, who came to inaugurate Srisailam
Srisailam Dam
The Srisailam Dam is a dam constructed across the Krishna River at Srisailam in the Kurnool district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India and is the 2nd largest capacity hydroelectric project in the country....
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
project. He covered the speeches of national leaders like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan , OM, FBA was an Indian philosopher and statesman. He was the first Vice President of India and subsequently the second President of India ....
. In 1964, he worked as an assembly
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly is the name given in some countries to either a legislature, or to one of its branch.The name is used by a number of member-states of the Commonwealth of Nations, as well as a number of Latin American countries....
reporter.
His articles are said to be very catchy and witty. For instance, he referred to the meeting of MLA
Member of the Legislative Assembly
A Member of the Legislative Assembly or a Member of the Legislature , is a representative elected by the voters of a constituency to the legislature or legislative assembly of a sub-national jurisdiction....
's in Hotel Dwaraka, near the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly
Andhra Pradesh State Assembly
The Andhra Pradesh Legislature is the state legislature of Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh legislature has been both unicameral and bicameral in its history.-State legislature:The Andhra Pradesh Legislature is currently bicameral....
as "Adigo Dwaraka- Evigo Alamandalu" ("This is Dwaraka and here are the cattle") . His writing style caught the attention of the film industry due to his prowess in using traditional poetic rules related to alliteration
Alliteration
In language, alliteration refers to the repetition of a particular sound in the first syllables of Three or more words or phrases. Alliteration has historically developed largely through poetry, in which it more narrowly refers to the repetition of a consonant in any syllables that, according to...
and rhyme
Rhyme
A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words and is most often used in poetry and songs. The word "rhyme" may also refer to a short poem, such as a rhyming couplet or other brief rhyming poem such as nursery rhymes.-Etymology:...
for describing current affairs
Current affairs (news format)
Current Affairs is a genre of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or are ongoing at the time of broadcast....
.
Entry into films
Veturi had contacts with the Telugu film industry during his days as a journalist. He used to meet veteran lyric writerLyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
Dasarathi
Daasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu
Daasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu was a popular Telangana Poet and Writer. Daasarathi holds the titles Abhyudhaya Kavi and Kalaprapurna. He was also the recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetic work book Thimiramtho Samaram in 1974...
often. Legendary director Chittor V. Nagaiah
Chittor V. Nagaiah
Chitturu Nagayya or Chittor V. Nagaiah birth name - Vuppaladadiyam Nagayya was an Indian actor, composer, director, producer, writer and playback singer of Telugu film industry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian film journalist and the editor of Film India, Baburao Patel, described Nagiah as ‘The...
offered him a role in his film, 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...
. However, two days before the shooting began, Veturi decided not to act as he felt that he was not fit for acting, and wrote a letter of apology to Nagaiah
Chittor V. Nagaiah
Chitturu Nagayya or Chittor V. Nagaiah birth name - Vuppaladadiyam Nagayya was an Indian actor, composer, director, producer, writer and playback singer of Telugu film industry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian film journalist and the editor of Film India, Baburao Patel, described Nagiah as ‘The...
for rejecting his offer. Sri.N.T. Rama Rao, has invited him to join the film industry] as a lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
. In 1974, he wrote his first song, "Bharatanaari Charitamu" , in the form of Harikatha
Harikatha
Harikatha , otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu religious discourse, also known as Katha storytelling format, in which the story teller explores a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.Harikatha is a composite art form composed of story...
, for O Seeta Katha
O Seeta Katha
O Seeta Katha was a 1974 Telugu film directed by K. Viswanath. Based on this movie K. Balachandar made "Moondru Mudichu " in tamil starring Kamal Hasan, Rajanikath, and Sridevi and was released on 22 October 1976.-Story:...
under the direction of the legendary director, K Viswanath.
1970s
In 1977, actor Sr. N.T.R's Adavi Ramudu showcased Veturi's talent for penning inspirational and romantic lyrics. The album was an instant hit among various audiences. In 1978, K Viswanath's Siri Siri MuvvaSiri Siri Muvva
Siri Siri Muvva is a 1978 Telugu film from director K. Viswanath, producer Edida Nageshwara Rao, dialogues by Jandhyala. The stars are Jayapradha and Chandra Mohan. The director K...
proved his prowess in expressing diverse emotions with poetry. Aathreya
Aathreya
Aacharya Aathreya born Kilambi Venkata Narasimhacharyulu was a versatile playwright, lyric writer and story writer in Telugu cinema.-Life:...
, the leading lyricist in those days, was known to take days for writing a song. Veturi became the first choice for directors and producers too because of his ability to write a song to director's taste in a few minutes. He went on to pen more than 5,000 songs in his career. He wrote more mass numbers for movies like Vetagadu and Driver Ramudu, and classics for movies like Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
and Sagara Sangamam. In particular, Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
stood as a landmark in the Telugu film industry.
1980s
After the surge of his popularity during 1970s, he went on to work with a variety of directors and actors in the 1980s. He wrote classics for directors like Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, Dasari Narayana RaoDasari Narayana Rao
Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...
, Bapu
Bapu (artist)
Bapu is an Indian film director, known for his works in Telugu cinema.He is a music artist, painter, cartoonist, and designer...
, Jandhyala, Vamsy
Vamsy
Vamsy or Vamsi is a critically acclaimed Telugu Indian film director, writer and Music director. He is considered one of the four cornerstones of Telugu Cinema of the 1980s and '90s; the others being K Viswanath, Bapu and Jandhyala.- Biography :Vamsy was born and bought up in a village called...
and mass numbers for directors like Raghavendra Rao, A. Kodandarami Reddy
A. Kodandarami Reddy
A. Kodandarami Reddy , is a Telugu film director who made successful films in 1980s and early 90s.His association with Chiranjeevi created blockbusters like Khaidi, Pasivadi Pranam, Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu, Nyayam Kavali, Abhilasha, Goonda, Challenge , Donga, Rakshasudu, Jebu Donga,...
, Vijaya Bapineedu
Vijaya Bapineedu
Gutta Bapineedu Chowdary , also known as Vijaya Bapineedu, is a popular story writer, producer and film director in the Telugu film industry. He directed several Telugu hit films such as Maga Maharaju, Gang Leader, and Magadheerudu...
. He delivered a number of hits for senior actors like Sr. N.T.R, Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao , also known as ANR, is a Telugu cinema actor from Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh. Nageswara Rao has worked in several genres of films in his 70-year acting career, including mythological, social, and drama films...
, Shobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju
Krishnam Raju
Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju is a former popular Telugu film actor. He was popularly known as 'Rebel Star' for his rebellious acting style...
, Ghattamaneni Krishna and upcoming stars like Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...
, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna
Nāgārjuna was an important Buddhist teacher and philosopher. Along with his disciple Āryadeva, he is credited with founding the Mādhyamaka school of Mahāyāna Buddhism...
, Daggubati Venkatesh
Daggubati Venkatesh
Venkatesh Daggubati is an Indian film actor who stars in Tollywood films. He is the son of veteran Tollywood film producer, former MP, Dr. D. Ramanaidu. He is often credited as Victory Venkatesh in films and is one of the lead actors in Telugu Cinema. He has won seven Nandi Awards and four...
. This golden period in his career saw memorable albums like Saptapadi
Saptapadi
Saptapadi is the most important rite of a Hindu marriage ceremony. The word, Saptapadi means "Seven steps"...
, Subhodayam, Subhalekha
Subhalekha
Subhalekha is a 1982 Telugu film which stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role and was made by K. Viswanath. It was the first time they worked together; after this success they went on to make two more movies: Swayamkrushi in 1987 and Aapathbandhavudu in 1992...
, Sagara Sangamam, Meghasandesam
Meghasandesam
Meghasandesam is an Indian Telugu-language movie directed by Dasari Narayana Rao....
, Mudda Mandaram, Malle Pandiri, Nalugu Stambhalata, Rendu Jalla Seetha, Amarajeevi, Sreevariki Prema Lekha, Ananda Bhairavi, Srivari Sobhanam, Mogudu Pellalu, Chantabbai
Chantabbai
Chantabbai is a 1986 Telugu film movie made by Jandhyala and was released on 22 August 1986 . The film was a casting coup in that Chiranjeevi, who was an action hero, was cast as a bumbling private detective in a full-length comedy film with no heroism whatsoever. The film won a lot of critical...
, Sitaara
Sitaara
Sitaara is a 1983 Telugu film directed by Vamsy. The film introduced Bhanupriya to the Telugu film industry. The movie was adapted from his own novel Mahal lo Kokila .-Plot:...
, Anveshana
Anveshana
Anveshana is a 1985 Telugu film directed by Vamsy. The film stars Karthik, Bhanupriya, Kaikala Satyanarayana, and Sharat Babu in important roles.The film was also dubbed in Tamil as Paadum Paravaigal.-Plot:...
, Alapana
Alapana
Alapana is a form of melodic improvisation that introduces and develops a raga in Indian classical music. As a term that is Sanskrit in language, alapana means "to speak, address, discourse, communicate". The flavor of the raga is outlined in the alapana by rendering the raga's permitted notes in...
, Mayuri
Mayuri
Mayuri may refer to:* Mayuri , a 1984 Telugu film produced by Ramoji Rao* Mayoori , a South Indian actress in Malayalam film industry* Mayuri Upadhya, the Artistic Director of Nritarutya Dance Collective...
, Amavasya Chandrudu, Janaki Ramudu and Geethanjali
Geethanjali
Geethanjali is a National Award-winning 1989 Telugu film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Upon release, the film met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Later it was dubbed in Malayalam and Tamil languages...
.
1990s
During the late 1980s, Veturi's mass numbers garnered a lot of response from the public resulting in directors demanding more and more of them. However, Veturi still maintained his balance between classics and mass-numbers with movies like Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka SundariJagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is a blockbuster Tollywood film released on May 9, 1990 that was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Chiranjeevi and Sridevi played the lead roles. It is producer Aswani Dutt's first venture with Chiranjeevi. Ilaiyaraaja is the music director for this film. The audio,...
, Sarigamalu, Seetharamayya Gaari Manavaralu, Mathru Devo Bhava
Mathru Devo Bhava
Mathru Devo Bhava is a 1993 Telugu drama film written and directed by K. Ajayakumar.The film won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics by Veturi Sundararama Murthy for the song "Raalipoye Puvva" and Filmfare Best Film Award ,-Production:...
, and Mechanic Alludu
Mechanic Alludu
Mechanic Alludu is a Tollywood film which released on May 27, 1993 and was produced by Allu Aravind. This film stars Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. B. Gopal directed this film.- Plot :...
. Veturi was given the opportunity to dub many Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
, Malayalam and Hindi
Hindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
movies. Some of his dubbed albums, for instance Iruvar and Devaraagam
Devaraagam
Devaraagam is a 1996 Indian Malayalam-language film starring Arvind Swamy, Sridevi and Nedumudi Venu.-Soundtrack:*Devapadam Thedidum *Entharo Mahanubhava , B. Arundhathi*Karivari Vandukal , P. Jayachandran, Rajendran M D...
, received wide acclaim.
2000s
During this period, Veturi created classics like GangotriGangotri (film)
Gangotri is a Telugu film which released on March 28, 2003 and was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Allu Arjun and Aditi Agarwal played the lead roles. This was Allu Arjun's first film as an actor and K. Raghavendra Rao's 100th film as director. Allu Aravind and C. Ashwini Dutt, both who are...
and Swarabhishekam
Swarabhishekam
Swarabhishekam is a National award-winning Telugu film written and directed by K. Viswanath. He also plays the lead roles, along with Srikanth, Sivaji, and Laya. Music director Vidyasagar won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction.-Plot:...
. His association with young directors like Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...
and Gunasekhar
Gunasekhar
Gunasekhar is a Telugu film director. He directed the films Choodalani Vundi, Okkadu, Arjun, Sainikudu. In the South Indian Filmfare Awards, Gunasekhar won Filmfare Best Director Award for Okkadu and also he won several nandhi awards including national award for best children's film director for...
produced some memorable albums, like Anand
Anand (2004 film)
Anand is a 2004 Telugu film that was directed, produced and written by Sekhar Kammula. According to Kammula, the film means ..contentment, happiness. The lead roles are played by Raja and Kamalinee Mukherjee. The film was well received by critics and owing to its success at the box office, it was...
, Godavari
Godavari (film)
Godavari is a 2006 Telugu musical, romantic film that was written and directed by Sekhar Kammula. G.V.G. Raju produced the film. Sumanth and Kamalinee Mukherjee played the lead roles. The film was a success at box office in addition to receiving several Nandi and Filmfare awards. Music of the film...
, Varudu
Varudu
Varudu |Arya]], Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sayaji Shinde and Brahmanandam. D.V.V. Danayya is the producer of the film.. The film was dubbed into Malayalam and released with the title "Varan"...
, and Leader.
Personality and style
Veturi had great respect for his seniors. He was quoted as saying:గతమంతా శ్రుతం నాది, ప్రస్తుతానికి అది పునాది
gatamantaa Srutam naadi, prastutaaniki adi punaadi
which translates to "I heard (and learned) a lot of things from great people in the past, and I use them as my present base". He had great respect for the lyricist Acharya Atreya, whom he considered his mentor and guru. In an interview with Gemini Television he said, "Atreya is a much greater lyricist than me. You may find beauty of words and phrases in my lyrics, but Atreya's lyrics have 'life' in them. And this comes only from real experiences and Atreya had much more 'life experience' than me. He was more passionate about tradition and Telugu literature". His relation with veteran composer Ilayaraja is described in his book komma kommakO sannaayi .
Veturi had a unique style, which only a few have been able to emulate. His style was romantic, imbued with deep emotions.
His turns of phrase are sometimes as delightful as mystifying.
To quote an example:
గసగసాల కౌగిలింత
gasagasala kougilinta
which literally means "embrace of the poppy seeds". However, it is more meaningful as "your hug is as intoxicating as opium".
He conveys the most inexplicable feelings in simple words.
To quote an example, from the film Saptapadi:
అనగల రాగమై తొలుత వీనులలరించి
అనలేని రాగమై మరలా వినిపించి
anagala raagamai toluta veenulalarinchi,
analEni raagamai maralaa vinipinchi
which translates to "[the music of your flute] pleased my ears once as a hummable tune, later it resounded in my heart as an inexpressible feeling".
His knowledge in classical Telugu poetry
Telugu poetry
Telugu poetry is verse originating in the southern provinces of India, predominantly from modern Andhra Pradesh and some corners of Tamilnadu and Karnataka.- Origins :...
is evident from the figures of speech
Figures of Speech
Figures of Speech is a hip hop group consisting of MCs Eve and Jyant. They performed at the Good Life Cafe in the early 1990s and were featured on the Project Blowed compilation....
(alankaaraalu).
Here are three verses from the same song as above:
అచ్చెరువున అచ్చెరువున విచ్చిన కన్నుల చూడ
accheruvuna accheruvuna vicchina kannula chUDa
([As young Krishna danced on the hood of the vicious snake] in the Lake [named Kalindi], [the onlookers] watched in wonder),
ఆబాలగోపాలం ఆబాల గోపాలుని
aabaala gopaalam aabaalagopaaluni
(everyone [watched] young Krishna),
ఆ రాధ ఆరాధనాగీతి పలికించి
aa raadha aaradhanaageeti palikinchi
(Radha sang a song of admiration).
In the above song, it can be observed that the same word is juxtaposed with different meanings. This is a figure of speech in Telugu
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...
known as yamakam ).
He was known to use a lot of classical objects in fresh similes. Objects like ponnacheTTu , tyaagaraaja keertana (Tyagaraja
Tyagaraja
Kakarla Tyagabrahmam , colloquially known as Tyāgarājar and Tyagayya was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music...
's song), Rutuvulu (seasons), raagaalu (raaga-s) have all been used extensively in his songs. One such song from the film Sundarakanda
Sundarakanda
Sundarakanda can refer to:* Sundarakanda starring Daggubati Venkatesh and Meena.* Sundarakanda starring Allari Naresh and Charmy Kaur....
uses all the grammatical rules of Telugu in a romantic conversation between lovers.
To quote an example:
మత్తుగా మల్లెలు అత్తరు చిందే వేళ చంపకమాలలు సొంపులకిస్తావా,
నీ లయలు హృదయమున యమునలైన సమయమున
mattuga mallelu attaru chindE vELa champakamaalalu sompulakistaavaa,
nee layalu hRdayamuna yamunalaina samayamuna
Such songs stand as proof of his knowledge in various subjects.
His imagination ranges from highly creative similes like
భూదారిలో నీలాంబరి, మా సీమకే చీనాంబరి
bhoodaarilO neelaambari, maa seemakE cheenaambari
to rather base comparisons like
ముడి తీస్తే మూపురం, పరువాల గోపురం
muDi teestE moopuram, paruvaala gopuram
His prowess has been proved a number of times, when it came particularly to writing lyrics like those found in SankaraabharaNam
Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
.
To quote a few examples from SankaraabharaNam
Sankarabharanam
Sankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
where he expresses the mind of a devotee singing in rain:
మెరిసే మెరుపులు మురిసే పెదవుల చిరు చిరు నవ్వులు కాబోలు,
ఉరిమే ఉరుములు సరి సరి నటనల సిరి సిరి మువ్వలు కాబోలు
పరవశాన శిరసూగంగా ధరకు జారెనా శివగంగ
నా గానలహరి నువు మునుగంగ, ఆనందవృష్టి నే తడవంగ!
merise merupulu murise pedavula chiru chiru navvulu kaabOlu,
urime urumulu sari sari natanala siri siri muvvalu kaabOlu
paravaSaana SirasUgangaa dharaku jaarenaa Sivaganga
naa gaanalahari nuvu munuganga, aanandavRshTi nE taDavanga!
which translates to:
"Oh Lord Shiva
Shiva
Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
, perhaps these lightnings are your smiles, and these thunderbolts are the [sounds of] anklets that ring while you dance. As you dance with pleasure and your head bobs, the Ganga [which resides on your head] seems to be falling to the earth, as you are drenched in the waves of my singing and I in the rain of eventual joy!" (Notice also the yamakam with the word ganga.)
To describe the parting words of a mother (who knows that she would live only for a few days) with her children:
అనుబంధమంటేనే అప్పులే కరిగే బంధాలన్ని మబ్బులే,
హేమంత రాగాల చేమంతులే వాడిపోయే,
తన రంగు మార్చింది తనతో రాలేనంది పాశమే
anubandhamanTEnE appulE karigE bandhaalanni mabbulE,
hEmanta raagaala chEmantulE vaaDi pOyE,
tana rangu maarchindi raktamE tanatO raalEnandi paaSamE
which translates to:
"Relations are just debts, all these relations will melt like clouds, all those beautiful flowers of spring colors will vanish some day, your nature was changed by relation, yet it would not follow you after a point". This touches the essence of Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita
The ' , also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that constitute general Vedic tradition...
in simple words.
He described Lord Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
in many songs. To quote one such song:
చందన చర్చిత నీల దేహ గగనాల సొగసుకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో,
ఉసురు గాలులను వెదురు పాటలుగా పలుకు వేణువుకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో,
ఏటి మీద యెన్నెల్లో, ఎన్నెలంటి కన్నెల్లో,
కన్నె కంటి సన్నల్లో, సన్నజాజీ గిన్నెల్లో,
వేదమంతా వెన్నలాగా కరిగేవేళల్లో,
ఏ గీత మాకిస్తావో ఎవ్వరి గీత మారుస్తావో ఆరారే
chandana charchita neela dEha gaganaalasogasuku gobbiLLO,
usuru gaalulanu veduru paataluga paluku vENuvuku gobbiLLO,
yETi meeda yennellO, yennelanTi kannellO,
kanneganTi sannallO sannajaaji ginnellO,
vEdamantaa vennalaagaa karigEvELallO,
yE geeta maakistaavO yevvari geeta maarustaavO aaraarE
which translates to:
"We dance on seeing the sky-colored body scented with sandal, we dance for the Divine Flute which converts purposeless breezes (also means the breezes of life) into melodious music of your flute (meaningful lives). When moonlight reflects on the water of Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
, among the gOpikas who dominate the moonlight, within the sight of gOpikas, in the bushes of jasmines; When [the knowledge (cream) of] vEdas melts like the creamy butter, only you can decide which lines [of Fate] to change, and which lines (Gita) to teach (Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita
The ' , also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that constitute general Vedic tradition...
)"
He uses prAsa (rhymes) to a very good extent. Despite that, he keeps the feel of the song simple and clear. An example among the many thousands that he wrote includes this:
నరుడి బ్రతుకు నటన, ఈశ్వరుడి తలపు ఘటన,
ఆ రెంటి నట్టనడుమ నీకెందుకింత తపన
naruDi bratuku naTana, eeSwaruDi talapu ghaTana,
aA renTi naTTanaDuma neekendukinta tapana
which translates to "Man's life is but an act, God's thought is the action. Knowing this, [O heart], why do you get so anxious?"
He is known for his experiments in writing lyrics. One such example is using a rule from Telugu prosody or Chandassu for the spell of a demon in his song (from Geethanjali
Geethanjali
Geethanjali is a National Award-winning 1989 Telugu film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Upon release, the film met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Later it was dubbed in Malayalam and Tamil languages...
):
ఓ బాలా, మసజసతతగ శార్దూలా
O baalaa, masajasatataga Saarduulaa.
Sometimes, one needs very keen ears to understand his experiments. An example which many people probably would not know is:
కాస్తందుకో, దరఖాస్తందుకో, ప్రేమ దరఖాస్తందుకో
kaastandukO, dharkhaastandukO, prema dhaarakhaastandukO
In this song, the beautiful alliteration is such that each word is a part of the next word. Yet, they have totally different meanings. None of them is out of context.
He is known for his naughty lyrics. His fans call him chilipi vETUri for the same reason.
A few examples include:
నగుమోము నగుమ
nagumOmu naguma
(referring to actress Nagma
Nagma
Nandita Morarji better known as Nagma . At her peak in the 1990s, The Hindu stated that she "dominated Telugu and Tamil cinema" with her movies Killer, Gharana Mogudu, Kadhalan, Baashha and many others...
in her movie).
గగన ఝగన
gagana jhagana
which rhymes with traditional,
ఇందు వదన, కుంద రదన, మంద గమన, మధుర వచన, and సొగసు లలన
indu vadana, kunda radana, manda gamana, madhura vachana, sogasu lalana
Sometimes, they are thinly veiled suggestive references too.
To quote an example:
కొండకోనల్లో మాటుగా ఎత్తుపల్లాలు తెలిసెలే
konDakOnallO maaTugaa ettupallaalu teliselE
He uses creativity for all sorts of songs ranging from an obscene song (example follows)
ఆ అంటే అమలాపురం
aa anTE Amalapuram
to a mundane duet (example follows)
పక్కా Gentleman ని, చుట్టాపక్కాలే లేనోణ్ణి
pakka gentlemanni, chuTTapakkaalE lEnONNi
to a serious emotion (example follows)
తార తారకి నడుమ ఆకాశం ఎందుకో
taara taaraki naDuma aakaaSam endukO
to devotional songs (example follows)
ఓం నమశ్శివాయ
Om namaSSivaaya
Every word he uses has a well defined, concrete purpose.
Usually, the lead stanzas of his songs (pallavi) are catchy and keep dancing on the listener's tongue. Many such verses/phrases are used quite frequently in even normal discussions (Example: ) .
Relations with other artists
Veturi had cordial relationships with the bigheads of the industry. He worked with all classes of directors, producers, music directors and actors ranging from stars to debutants. In his book Kommakommako Sannayi, he describes his relationship with some of the music directorsComposer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, singers, lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
s, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
s and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
s. He was a teacher-like figure for many artists in the industry.
Many people consider him the most complete lyricist in the history of Telugu Film History. Even his competitors him guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
. Fellow lyricist and a legendary lyricist himself, Sirivennela
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri is an Indian lyricist known for his works in Telugu Cinema.He is a multiple winner of Nandi Award for Best Lyricist and Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu...
praised him as a source of inspiration. He isolated Veturi as the one who broadened the horizons of a Telugu
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...
song. Sirivennela
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri is an Indian lyricist known for his works in Telugu Cinema.He is a multiple winner of Nandi Award for Best Lyricist and Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu...
wrote a 4-page article in a Telugu monthly magazine Haasam explaining the breadth and depth in Veturi's poetry. Being a competitor, he ended the article saying: "aakaaSaannaakramiMchina aayana bhaavanaapaadaaniki, bhoogOLaanni aakramiMchina aayana bhaashaapaadaaniki bhaktiO aMjali ghaTistoo "naa mooDO paadaanni nee nettina peDataa" aMTunna aayana taaMDava paadaaniki bhayaMtO namaskaristoo, mummaaru mokkutoo" which roughly translates to "I pray unto your two feet with devotion: one who has occupied the sky of imagination, one which has occupied the earth called language; and with terror, I pray salute the third foot which he says he would keep on my head". This is in reference to Vamana
Vamana
Vamana is described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatar of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or the Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin. He is also sometimes known as...
, an Avatar
Avatar
In Hinduism, an avatar is a deliberate descent of a deity to earth, or a descent of the Supreme Being and is mostly translated into English as "incarnation," but more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation"....
of Vishnu
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
.
Veteran director K. Viswanath referred to him as brother. Director Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...
referred to him as his guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
. Actor, writer and director Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani is a critically acclaimed, multi-faceted actor from Tollywood and a writer. He is a playwrighter, a dialogue writer, screen writer, poet, magazine editor, an actor and a director...
referred to him as a manifestation of Saraswati
Saraswati
In Hinduism Saraswati , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the consort of Brahma, also revered as His Shakti....
in male form. Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, who worked with him for Geethanjali
Geethanjali
Geethanjali is a National Award-winning 1989 Telugu film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Upon release, the film met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Later it was dubbed in Malayalam and Tamil languages...
, praised him as one of the best he has come across.
Veturi was very flexible with remunerations while working with young and upcoming artists, which made him very approachable and close to almost every director and producer.
Awards and honors
Veturi received several national and regional awards for his contributions to literature and films. He has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in the 23rd convocation of Acharya Nagarjuna UniversityAcharya Nagarjuna University
Acharya Nagarjuna University is one of the Universities located in the region of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the major universities in the country covering many colleges and institutes of different districts in the region...
. In 2007, he received the Jandhyala Memorial Award.
National Awards
He got the National Film Award for Best LyricsNational Film Award for Best Lyrics
The National Film Award for Best Lyrics winners:Vairamuthu won the award for maximum number of times . Javed Akhtar is the only lyricist to win the award for three consecutive years .-References:...
for the song "Ralipoye Puvva" in the film Matrudevobhava, making him the second Telugu film lyricist to achieve the distinction after the revolutionary poet, Sri Sri
Srirangam Srinivasarao
Srirangam Srinivasarao , often called Sri Sri , was a popular modern Telugu poet and lyricist. Sri Sri was given the title Mahakavi .-Early life:...
. In 2006, he declared that he would return the National Award if Telugu is not given the status of Classic Language by the Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
. In 2008, the Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
declared Telugu
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...
as a classical language.
Filmfare Awards
He received filmfare awardFilmfare Best Lyricist Award (Telugu)
The Telugu Filmfare Best Lyricist Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Telugu films.The award was first given in 2005. Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.- See also :...
for the song, Uppongele Godavari in the 2006 movie, Godavari
Godavari (film)
Godavari is a 2006 Telugu musical, romantic film that was written and directed by Sekhar Kammula. G.V.G. Raju produced the film. Sumanth and Kamalinee Mukherjee played the lead roles. The film was a success at box office in addition to receiving several Nandi and Filmfare awards. Music of the film...
. In 2008, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South)
The Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South ceremonies.Here is the list of the award winners.-See also:* Filmfare Awards South* Tamil cinema* Cinema of Andhra Pradesh...
.
Nandi Awards
He received the Nandi awardNandi Awards
The Nandi Awards is the most Prominent award ceremony for Telugu films, Telugu Theater & Television, presented annually in Andhra Pradesh, India. "Nandi" means "bull", the awards being named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural and historical symbol of Andhra Pradesh.Nandi...
for best lyrics, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, seven times. They are listed here.
- Song: Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetham , Movie: Pantulamma, Year: 1977
- Song: Sankara Nadasarerapara , Movie: SankarabharanamSankarabharanamSankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
, Year: 1979 - Song: Brundavani Vundi , Movie: Kanchana GangaKanchana Ganga-Cast:* Chandra Mohan ... Prabhakar* Sarath Babu ... Jayasimha* Saritha ... Kanchana* Swapna ... Ganga* Pratap Pothan* J. V. Ramana Murthy* Suthi Veerabhadra Rao* Suthi Velu* Raavi Kondala Rao* Annapurna-Soundtrack:...
, Year:1984 - Song: Ee Duryodhana Dussaasana , Movie: PratighatanaPratighatanaPratighatana is a 1986 Telugu film about a woman's fight against corruption and criminalization of politics in India. Vijayshanti acted the leading role while Chandra Mohan acted as her husband. This film was directed by a noted Telugu director T...
, Year: 1985 - Song: Pavuraniki Panjaraniki , Movie: Chanti, Year: 1991
- Song: AakaaSaana SuuryuDunDaDu , Movie: Sundara Kanda, Year: 1992
- Song: Odanu Jaripe , Movie: Rajeshwari Kalyanam, Year: 1993
Manaswini Awards
He received two Manaswini awards.- Song: Venuvai vacchaanu , Movie: Matrudevobhava, Year: 1993.
- Song: AakaaSaana suuryudundadu , Movie: Sundarakanda, Year: 1992.
Filmography
He wrote thousands of songs as lyricist for many successful Telugu films. He has also acted in very few films in cameo roles. He acted as a fake swamiji in a film, which succeeded in producing good comedy. He also penned Dialogues along with writer Jandhyala for the movie sirisirimuvvaSiri Siri Muvva
Siri Siri Muvva is a 1978 Telugu film from director K. Viswanath, producer Edida Nageshwara Rao, dialogues by Jandhyala. The stars are Jayapradha and Chandra Mohan. The director K...
.
1970s
- O Seeta KathaO Seeta KathaO Seeta Katha was a 1974 Telugu film directed by K. Viswanath. Based on this movie K. Balachandar made "Moondru Mudichu " in tamil starring Kamal Hasan, Rajanikath, and Sridevi and was released on 22 October 1976.-Story:...
(1974) (lyrics: Bhaaratanaarii Charitamu (HarikathaHarikathaHarikatha , otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu religious discourse, also known as Katha storytelling format, in which the story teller explores a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.Harikatha is a composite art form composed of story...
)) - Adavi Ramudu (1974) (lyrics: Krushi Vunte Manushulu Rushulautaru)
- PanthulammaPanthulammaPanthulamma or Pantulamma is a 1977 Telugu Drama film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film won Nandi Award for Best Music direction for Rajan-Nagendra and Lyricist for Veturi Sundararama Murthy and also Laksmi for best actress.-Cast:* Ranganath * Lakshmi * Deepa* Sarath...
(1977) (lyrics: Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetham) - Siri Siri MuvvaSiri Siri MuvvaSiri Siri Muvva is a 1978 Telugu film from director K. Viswanath, producer Edida Nageshwara Rao, dialogues by Jandhyala. The stars are Jayapradha and Chandra Mohan. The director K...
(1978) (lyrics: Andaaniki Andam, Eavari Kevaru Ee Lokamlo, Gajje Gallumantuntae, Jhummandhi Nadam Sayyandi Padam, Maa Voori Devudamma, Odupunna Pilupu, Raa Digi Raa Divi Ninchi) - GorintakuGorintaku (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....
(1979) (lyrics: Komma Kommako Sannayi) - SankarabharanamSankarabharanamSankarabharanam is a 1979 Telugu film, directed by Dr. K. Vishwanath and produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations. Its music composed by KV Mahadevan was well received and led to the revival of Indian classical music in South India. The film deals with two main issues - decline in popularity of...
(1979) (lyrics: Sankara Nadasareena Para)
1980s
- Manchu PallakiManchu PallakiManchu Pallaki is a 1982 Telugu film directed by Vamsy. The film stars Chiranjeevi, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Rajendra Prasad, and Narayan Rao in important roles. This film was director Vamsy's debut film as director...
(1982) (lyrics) - SubhalekhaSubhalekhaSubhalekha is a 1982 Telugu film which stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role and was made by K. Viswanath. It was the first time they worked together; after this success they went on to make two more movies: Swayamkrushi in 1987 and Aapathbandhavudu in 1992...
(1982) (lyrics: Raagaala Pallakilo Koyilamma Raaledu Eevela Endukammaa?) - KhaidiKhaidiKhaidi is a Telugu movie released on 28 October 1983, which was the first major sensational hit movie by Chiranjeevi directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy...
(1983) - Manthri Gari ViyyankuduManthri Gari ViyyankuduManthri Gari Viyyankudu is a 1983 Telugu film released directed by Bapu and stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role and Poornima Jayaram, Nirmalamma, and Allu Ramalingaiah among important roles...
(1983) (lyrics: Manasa Sirasa née namame padeda ee vela, Coconut manaku dosti okate asti raa, jabaru dasti cheste nasti raa, Chi chi po papa oppulakumma , Koluvainade urki korivayinade maa kobbarikayala subbarayude , Emanani née cheli padudane , Sala sala nanu kavinchanela ) - MeghasandesamMeghasandesamMeghasandesam is an Indian Telugu-language movie directed by Dasari Narayana Rao....
(1983) (lyrics: Aakaasa Desaana Aashada Masaana) - MundaduguMundaduguMundadugu is a 1983 Telugu Drama film produced by D. Rama Naidu of Suresh Productions and directed by K. Bapaiah.It is remade in Hindi language in 1984 as Maqsad starring Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Jayapradha, Sridevi.-The Plot:...
(1983) - SitaaraSitaaraSitaara is a 1983 Telugu film directed by Vamsy. The film introduced Bhanupriya to the Telugu film industry. The movie was adapted from his own novel Mahal lo Kokila .-Plot:...
(1983) - RustumRustumRustum is a Tollywood movie directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and has megastar Chiranjeevi in tile role. The movie was released on 21 December 1984 and was a decent hit at the boxoffice.-Cast:*Madhu................Hari...
(1984) - Agni ParvatamAgni ParvatamAgni Parvatam is the most powerful character role movie in the cinematography of Superstar Krishna. The movie was made in 1985, produced by C. Ashwini Dutt and K. Raghavendra Rao under the banner of Vyjayanthi Movies. The movie was a big hit in the box office of Tollywood with 5 musical hits,...
(1985) (lyrics: Agni Parvatam, Ee Gaalilo) - AnveshanaAnveshanaAnveshana is a 1985 Telugu film directed by Vamsy. The film stars Karthik, Bhanupriya, Kaikala Satyanarayana, and Sharat Babu in important roles.The film was also dubbed in Tamil as Paadum Paravaigal.-Plot:...
(1985) (writer: Edalo Laya, Keeravani, Ekantha Vela, Ilalo Kalise) - ChantabbaiChantabbaiChantabbai is a 1986 Telugu film movie made by Jandhyala and was released on 22 August 1986 . The film was a casting coup in that Chiranjeevi, who was an action hero, was cast as a bumbling private detective in a full-length comedy film with no heroism whatsoever. The film won a lot of critical...
(1986) - Padamati Sandhya RagamPadamati Sandhya RagamPadamati Sandhya Ragam is a 1986 acclaimed Telugu Film, directed by Jandhyala. The movie has Telugu actress Vijayashanti in the leading role. The songs of the movie were written by S. P...
(1986) - PratighatanaPratighatanaPratighatana is a 1986 Telugu film about a woman's fight against corruption and criminalization of politics in India. Vijayshanti acted the leading role while Chandra Mohan acted as her husband. This film was directed by a noted Telugu director T...
(1986) (lyrics: Ee Duryodhana Dussaasana Durvineeta Lokamlo) - Aakhari PoratamAakhari PoratamAakhari Poratam is a 1988 Telugu blockbuster film written by Yandamuri Veerendranath and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt, under his banner Vyjayanthi Movies. Akkineni Nagarjuna plays the lead in the film and Sridevi and Suhasini played the female leads....
(1988) (lyrics: Tella Cheeraku, Eppudu Eppudu) - Marana MrudangamMarana MrudangamMarana Mrudangam is a Telugu film which released on 4 August 1988 and was directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy. Chiranjeevi, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Radha, and Nagendra Babu played the lead roles. The score and soundtrack for the movie is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.-Plot:Jaani runs a small time...
(1988) - GeethanjaliGeethanjaliGeethanjali is a National Award-winning 1989 Telugu film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Upon release, the film met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Later it was dubbed in Malayalam and Tamil languages...
(1989) (lyrics: Jallanta Kavvinta Kaavaalile, Nandikonda Vaagullona, Jagada Jagada Jagadam, Om Namah Nayana Shrutulaku, O Paapaa Laalii!, Aamani Paadave Haayigaa)
1990s
- Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka SundariJagadeka Veerudu Athiloka SundariJagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is a blockbuster Tollywood film released on May 9, 1990 that was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Chiranjeevi and Sridevi played the lead roles. It is producer Aswani Dutt's first venture with Chiranjeevi. Ilaiyaraaja is the music director for this film. The audio,...
(1990) (lyrics: Abba Nee Teeyani Debba) - Chanti (1991) (lyrics: Pavuraniki Panjaraniki)
- Gang LeaderGang LeaderGang Leader is a very popular Telugu film of megastar Chiranjeevi. The movie was released on 9 May 1991 and directed by Vijaya Bapineedu. It was a huge box office success.-Plot:...
(1991) - NirnayamNirnayam (1991 film)Nirnayam is a 1991 Telugu film directed by Priyadarshan. The film stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala, Murali Mohan, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Giri Babu and Sharat Saxena in important roles. The movie was dubbed in Tamil and Hindi languages as Sambavam and Girafthari respectively...
(1991) (lyrics: Mila Mila Merisenu Tara') - President Gari Pellam (1992) (lyrics: Nuvvu Malle Teega, Paruvala Kodi, Manduri Ambothu, Aa Oddu Ee Oddu, Umma Kavali, Kandirrega Nadumu Daani)
- RojaRojaRoja is a 1992 Tamil political drama, romance film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film was subsequently dubbed in Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam and Telugu....
(1992) (lyrics: Chinni Chinni Aasa, Naa Cheli Rojave, Paravum Vanagaa) - Sundarakanda (1992) (lyrics: AakaaSaana SuuryuDunDaDu SandevELakE)
- Govindha Govindha (1993) (lyrics: O Naveena)
- Mathru Devo BhavaMathru Devo BhavaMathru Devo Bhava is a 1993 Telugu drama film written and directed by K. Ajayakumar.The film won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics by Veturi Sundararama Murthy for the song "Raalipoye Puvva" and Filmfare Best Film Award ,-Production:...
(1993) (lyrics: Raalipoye Puvva Neeku Raagalenduke) - Mechanic AlluduMechanic AlluduMechanic Alludu is a Tollywood film which released on May 27, 1993 and was produced by Allu Aravind. This film stars Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. B. Gopal directed this film.- Plot :...
(1993) - Super PoliceSuper PoliceSuper Police is a 1994 Telugu film directed by K. Murali Mohan Rao. The film stars daggubati Venkatesh and Nagma in important roles. It was dubbed and released in Tamil with the same name. This was the second film that A.R...
(1994) - Ramudochhadu (1996) (lyrics: Maa Palle Repallanta, Gumma Gumma Muddu Gumma, Vareva, Guvva Koose Puvvu Poose)
- Iddaru(1997)
- Ravoyi ChandamamaRavoyi ChandamamaRaavoyi Chandamama is a Telugu language film starring Akkineni Nagarjuna, Anjala Zhaveri, Keerthi Reddy and Jagapati Babu. Aishwarya Rai appears in a song sequence. The film is directed by Jayant Paranji and music is by Mani Sharma....
(1999) (lyrics: Nanda Nandana, Jagadajam Jawani, Swapna Venuvedo, Mallepuvva, Letha Letha, Love to Live, Jhummani Jhummani)
2000s
- Annayya (2000) (writer: Himaseemallo, Gusagusale, Vaana vallappa)
- Bava NachaduBava NachaduBava Nachadu is a 2001 Tollywood film written and directed by K.S. Ravikumar. The film stars Akkineni Nagarjuna, Simran Bagga, and Reema Sen in important roles. The music of the film was scored by M. M. Keeravani...
(2001) (lyrics: Akka Bava Nachada) - MrigarajuMrigarajuMrigaraju is a 2001 Tollywood film which was written and directed by Gunasekhar based on English film The Ghost and the Darkness. It stars Chiranjeevi, Simran, Sanghavi, & Nagendra Babu. Mani Sharma composed music for this film. Though the film was hyped a lot, the film ended up as a disaster at...
(2001) (writer: Ramaiah Paadaletti, Satamanamannadile, Yelaley Yelalamma) - IndraIndra (film)Indra is a Telugu language action film directed by B. Gopal. It stars Chiranjeevi, Sonali Bendre, and Arti Agarwal. It was dubbed into Hindi and Tamil as Indra- The Tiger and Indran respectively.- Cast :...
(2002) (writer: Ammadu Appachi) - TagoreTagore (film)- External links :*http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/album/A0000309.html...
(2003) (writer: Manmadha Manmadha) - AnandAnand (2004 film)Anand is a 2004 Telugu film that was directed, produced and written by Sekhar Kammula. According to Kammula, the film means ..contentment, happiness. The lead roles are played by Raja and Kamalinee Mukherjee. The film was well received by critics and owing to its success at the box office, it was...
(2004) (writer: Vacche Vacche, Yamunatheeram, Nuvvena, Charumati I Love You, Telisi Telisi, Yedalogaanam) - ArjunArjun (film)Arjun is a Tollywood film released on 18 August 2004, and was directed by Gunasekhar. This is the second time Mahesh Babu and Gunasekhar have teamed up after delivering the blockbuster Okkadu...
(2004) (lyrics: Madhura Madhura Meenakshi) - AryaArya (2004 film)Arya is a Telugu film which released on 7 May 2004 and was directed by Sukumar. This film has Allu Arjun in the main lead. The film was dubbed in Malayalam as Arya Proud of Youth...
(2004) - yuvaYuvaYuva , originally titled Howrah Bridge is a feature film directed by Indian director Mani Ratnam and released in 2004. Simultaneously made in Hindi and Tamil , the prime objective of the movie was to motivate educated Indian youths to enter politics.The film tells the stories of three young men...
(march,2004) - ChatrapatiChatrapati (film)Chatrapathi is a 2005 Telugu film written and directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Prabhas plays the lead role and Shriya Saran, Bhanupriya, and Pradeep Rawat appear in other roles...
(2005) - GodavariGodavari (film)Godavari is a 2006 Telugu musical, romantic film that was written and directed by Sekhar Kammula. G.V.G. Raju produced the film. Sumanth and Kamalinee Mukherjee played the lead roles. The film was a success at box office in addition to receiving several Nandi and Filmfare awards. Music of the film...
(2006) (lyrics: Uppongele Godavari) - SainikuduSainikuduThe film has six songs composed by Harris Jayaraj. The music of the film was released simultaneously in 10 chosen venues from five different countries – India, USA, Australia, Singapore and Dubai on the morning of 21 October 2006. The producer of the film, Ashwini Dutt, arranged the use of a...
(2006) - MadhumasamMadhumasamMadhumasam is a Telugu film produced by D. Ramanaidu and directed by Chandra Siddhartha. The film has Sumanth, Sneha, and Parvati Melton in important roles. This film released on 9 February 2007...
(2007) - Happy DaysHappy DaysHappy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America....
(2007) - Dasavathaaram (2008)
- KantriKantriKantri is a 2008 film starring Jr. NTR, Hansika Motwani, Tanisha Mukherjee, and Prakash Raj. The film is directed by Meher Ramesh, who is a protege of Puri Jagannadh. The movie is produced by the prestigious Vyjayanthi Movies banner, being produced by C. Ashwini Dutt...
(2008) (lyrics: Vayasunamy) - SundarakandaSundarakanda (2008 film)Sundarakanda is a Telugu movie directed by well known Telugu director, Bapu. Naresh and Charmi act in the lead roles. The story is provided by Mullapudi Ramana and music by Vidyasagar.This movie is copy of film "What girl wants" in English.Story=...
(2008) (lyricist) - Bendu Apparao R.M.PBendu Apparao R.M.P* Track 5 is originally from Blade Babji, composed by Vandemataram Srinivas* Track 6 is originally from Seema Sastry, composed by Koti-External links:* at Basthi.com...
(2009) - VaruduVaruduVarudu |Arya]], Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sayaji Shinde and Brahmanandam. D.V.V. Danayya is the producer of the film.. The film was dubbed into Malayalam and released with the title "Varan"...
(2010) (lyrics: All songs) - LeaderLeaderA leader is one who influences or leads others.Leader may also refer to:- Newspapers :* Leading article, a piece of writing intended to promote an opinion, also called an editorial* The Leader , published 1909–1967...
(2010) - VillainVillain (2010 film)is a 2010 Japanese film directed by Lee Sang-il, based on Shuichi Yoshida's crime noir novel of the same name. It was nominated for numerous awards at the 2011 Japan Academy Prize, including Best Film and Best Director , and won five, which included all four acting awards and for the score by Joe...
(2010) (dubbed version of RaavanRaavanRaavan is a 2010 Hindi film directed, written and produced by Mani Ratnam. It stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Vikram in the lead roles while Govinda, Ravi Kishan, Nikhil Dwivedi, Tejaswini Kolhapure and Priyamani feature in key supporting roles...
) - Badrinath (film) (2011) (lyrics: omkareshwari)
sirikaakolanu chinnadi
This book was originally a "musical play" telecasted on the All India Radio. The story describes the culture and people during the time of the king Krishna Deva Raya through the story of a Devadasi. The original play has music by the great music director Pendyala Nageswara RaoPendyala Nageswara Rao
Pendyala Nageswara Rao was a popular drama actor, singer and music director in Telugu Film Industry for over 25 years from early 1950s to late 1970s. He has composed music for many successful Telugu movies during that period.-Early life:He was born at Vanukuru near Vijayawada and later shifted to...
. One can see the beauty of Telugu language in this book.
Veturi was introduced to director K.Viswanath through this book and later their combination was a big hit. N T Rama Rao was so impressed by the story of this book that he wanted to make it as a movie. It is believed that there were some discussions on the script but the movie was never produced.
komma kommakO sannaayi
A book titled komma kommakO sannAyi was published by "Veturi sahitii samiti". This book contains 27 articles written by Veturi celebrating his association with some famous personalities in the Telugu film industry. It also contains description of some of his songs. The personalities covered include the following:- Music directors: Pendyala Nageswara Rao, Saluri Rajeswara Rao, K. V. MahadevanK. V. MahadevanKrishnankoil Venkatachalam Mahadevan was a South Indian music composer.-Career:K.V.Mahadevan was born in Tamil Iyer family in 1918 in Krishnancoil, Kanyakumari district. A contemporary of M. S. Viswanathan, T. K. Ramamoorthy, KVM has scored music for over 600 films, spanning four decades, after...
, Adi Narayana Rao, Ramesh Naidu, Rajan - Nagendra, Chakravarty, Ilayaraja, MM Keeravaani & A.R.Rahman - Singers: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Lyricists: Daita Gopalam, Samudrala (Sr), Atreya, Dasarathi,
- Actors: Nagayya, Jagayya, NTR & Relangi
- Directors and producers: Nagi Reddy, Jandhyala, Bapu - Ramana
Many of these articles were originally published in a Telugu magazine called Haasam. Veturi's prowess in Telugu language & literature and his vast knowledge of Carnatic music can be seen in this book. Veturi often quotes many of his own lyrics in this book and those examples offer a glimpse of his genius. In particular, his explanation to the song Swararaaga gangaa pravaahamE (Movie: Sarigamalu) is a master piece.
This book is not an auto-biography of Veturi, as some people think.
Personal life
Veturi was married to Seetha Maha Lakshmi and has three sons: Ravi Prakash, Chandrasekhar and Nanda Kishore. He was a devotee of Ganapathi Sachchidananda SwamiGanapathi Sachchidananda
Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is the head of Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji was born at Mekedatu in Karnataka, southern India on May 26, 1942. His devotees believe he was born "fully realised in command of the eight Mahasiddhis", and is...
and often visited Swami's ashram
Ashram
Traditionally, an ashram is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo....
in Mysore.
Filmnagar land controversy
In March 2010, Veturi openly criticized the Film Nagar Cooperative SocietyFilm nagar
Film nagar is a locality in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is known for the local telugu industry presence in the area. The surrounding areas are Jubilee Hills, Banjara hills....
officials for not handing over the 1000 sq.yard land that was allotted to him about 28 years ago. He alleged that several juniors and ineligible people were given plots ahead of him. He was allegedly offered a double bedroom flat for 15 lakhs.
After his death, noted singer Mano
Mano (singer)
Mano is an Indian playback singer. He sings in Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi.-Biography:Mano was born in a Muslim family and his original name is Nagoor Babu; he was rechristened Mano by Ilayaraja...
and senior actor Vijay Chandar demanded the government to give the land to his family. President of the Telugu Desam Party
Telugu Desam Party
Telugu Desam Party or TDP is a regional political party in India's Andhra Pradesh state. It was founded by former Telugu film star N. T...
, Opposition Leader
Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest party not in government in a Westminster System of parliamentary government...
, Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Chief Minister
Chief Minister
A Chief Minister is the elected head of government of a sub-national state, provinces of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, notably a state of India, a territory of Australia or a British Overseas Territory that has attained self-government...
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...
, Konijeti Rosaiah
Konijeti Rosaiah
Konijeti Rosaiah is the current Governor of Tamil Nadu and a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was previously an MLC, MLA & MP of the Indian National Congress numerous times and has handled many ministerial posts over his long political career spanning over half a century...
to do justice to the veteran lyricist.
Death
Veturi died of pneumorrhagia or Pulmonary hemorrhagePulmonary hemorrhage
Pulmonary hemorrhage is an acute bleeding from the lung, especially in the upper respiratory tract and the endotracheal tube. When evident clinically, the condition is usually massive, associated with bleeding in other sites as well as more than one third of the lungs...
(internal bleeding in lungs) at a private hospital in Hyderabad on 22 May 2010 (aged 74) at about 9:30 p.m. local time. He was admitted to the hospital two days earlier and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) there as his health was deteriorating.
His death shook the Telugu Film Industry. Directors like K. Viswanath
Kasinadhuni Viswanath
Kasinadhuni Vishwanath is an Indian film director and actor from Telugu Cinema. He is a multiple winner of National Film Award and Nandi Award...
, Raghavendra Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao
Dasari Narayana Rao
Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...
, Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...
, Gunasekhar
Gunasekhar
Gunasekhar is a Telugu film director. He directed the films Choodalani Vundi, Okkadu, Arjun, Sainikudu. In the South Indian Filmfare Awards, Gunasekhar won Filmfare Best Director Award for Okkadu and also he won several nandhi awards including national award for best children's film director for...
, YVS Chowdary
YVS Chowdary
Yalamanchili Venkata Satyanarayana Chowdary is a Telugu filmdirector. His screen name is YVS Chowdary. His moviesLahiri Lahiri Lahirilo, Devdas were big hits and other movies like Sree Seetharamula Kalyanam Choothamu Raarandi, Seetharamaraju, Yuvaraju and Seathaiah were hits.-Personal life:YVS...
, R. Narayana Murthy
R. Narayana Murthy
R. Narayana Murthy is a film director and producer of Tollywood films in India. He is known for his ‘red’ or communist revolutionary films that expose the exploitation of society's lower strata....
, S. S. Rajamouli
S. S. Rajamouli
S.S. Rajamouli is a screenwriter and film director who works in Telugu cinema. He was introduced as a director by K. Raghavendra Rao. Starting from his first venture as a director, all his movies have had great success at the box office...
; Actors like Jamuna, Murali Mohan
Murali Mohan
Murali Mohan Maganti is an Indian film actor, producer and a businessman from Telugu cinema. He has also been active in politics for the Telugu Desam Party of Andhra Pradesh, in India.-Early life:...
, Jayasudha
Jayasudha
Jayasudha is an Indian film actress-turned-MLA for the Congress in Secunderabad. She was a famous South Indian actress from the 1970s and 1980s, with most of her films being Telugu films. She has also worked in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and three Hindi films....
, Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...
, Balakrishna, Mohan Babu
Mohan babu
Mohan Babu is an actor & producer in Telugu Cinema. He is a former Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha and Educationist from Andhra Pradesh...
; Producers
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
like D. Ramanaidu
D. Ramanaidu
Daggubati Ramanaidu is an Indian movie producer. In 2010, He was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. The Guinness Book of Records lists him as the most prolific producer with 130 films...
, Ashwini Dutt, Allu Aravind, Nagendra Babu
Nagendra Babu
Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...
; Writers like Sirivennela
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri is an Indian lyricist known for his works in Telugu Cinema.He is a multiple winner of Nandi Award for Best Lyricist and Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu...
, Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani is a critically acclaimed, multi-faceted actor from Tollywood and a writer. He is a playwrighter, a dialogue writer, screen writer, poet, magazine editor, an actor and a director...
, Chandrabose, Suddala Ashok Teja
Suddala Ashok Teja
Suddala Ashok Teja is a popular lyric writer in Tollywood.-Early life:Born Suddala a village in Nalgonda district to a well known Telugu poet, Suddala Hanmanthu, a Padmashali poet of the Telangana Rebellion.-Career:...
; Music composers like M. M. Keeravani and politicians like Chandrababu Naidu, Bandaru Dattatreya
Bandaru Dattatreya
Bandaru Dattatreya is an Indian politician. He was the president of the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party . He is succeeded as president by Kishan Reddy. He has been elected thrice as member of parliament from Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency in India and was a Union Minister in...
were among those who paid last respects to him. Others like Akkineni Nagarjuna
Akkineni Nagarjuna
Akkineni Nagarjuna is an Indian film actor in Tollywood and Bollywood. He is a producer and one of the lead actors in Telugu cinema.- Early life :...
, Mahesh Babu
Mahesh Babu
Mahesh Babu born Mahesh Babu Ghattamaneni on 9 August 1975 is an Indian film actor from Telugu Cinema. Born to Legendary Telugu actor Superstar Krishna, Mahesh Babu faced the camera at the age of four as a child artist in the movie Needa...
, Jr. NTR, Sumanth
Sumanth
Sumanth is a Telugu film actor. He is the nephew of actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and grandson of actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. He is also a partner in Annapurna Studios, a prominent film studio/production house that was established in 1975 by his grandfather....
, expressed their condolences on Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
.
Legendary director K. Viswanath, who introduced Veturi to the film industry, stated that "his works would please even the gods". Director Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...
, who worked with him to deliver some critically acclaimed songs, wrote a 4 page article in the daily Sakshi describing Veturi's death as his "personal loss".
External links
- Tollywood Celebrities Pays Tribute Veturi Sundararama Murthy
- Lyricist Sirivennela's article on Veturi, originally published in the magazine Haasam
- Srinivas Kanchibhotla's article on Veturi in Idlebrain