Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao
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Ghantasala Venkateswararao (4 December 1922 – 11 February 1974), known
mononymously A mononym is a name composed of only one word. An individual who is known and addressed by a mononym is a mononymous person. In some cases, a mononym selected by an individual may have originally been from a polynym, a word which refers to one o ...
by his surname as Ghantasala, was an Indian playback singer and
film composer A film score is original music written specifically to accompany a film. The score comprises a number of orchestral, instrumental, or choral pieces called cues, which are timed to begin and end at specific points during the film in order to e ...
known for his works predominantly in Telugu and
Kannada cinema Kannada cinema, also known as Sandalwood, or Chandanavana, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Kannada language widely spoken in the state of Karnataka. The 1934 film '' Sati Sulochana'' directe ...
and also in Tamil,
Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
, Tulu and
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language films. He is considered as one of the greatest singers of Telugu cinema. In 1970, he received the
Padma Shri Padma Shri ( IAST: ''padma śrī''), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is conf ...
award, India's fourth highest civilian award for his contribution to
Indian cinema The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, ...
. According to ''
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'' and ''
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'', Ghantasala was 'such a divine talent and with his songs he could move the hearts of the people'. 'Ghantasala's blending of classical improvisations to the art of light music combined with his virtuosity and sensitivity puts him a class apart, above all others in the field of playback singing'. Gifted with what Indian film historian V. A. K. Ranga Rao called 'the most majestic voice', Ghantasala helped Telugu film music develop its own distinct character which remains unparalleled. He is referred to as the 'Gaana Gandharva' for his mesmerising voice and musical skills. Ghantasala performed in the
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and
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, and for the
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. The government of
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...
marked the occasion of 25 years of his film career as ''Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Ghantasala'' in
Hyderabad Hyderabad ( ; , ) is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the ''de jure'' capital of Andhra Pradesh. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River, in the northern part of Southern India ...
on 1 February 1970. More than 30,000 people attended the function held at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad. Ghantasala continues to be popular. Statutes of his likeness have been installed across Andhra Pradesh. Every year, the anniversaries of his birth and death are celebrated in India and overseas.


Early life

Ghantasala was born in 1922 into a
Telugu Telugu may refer to: * Telugu language, a major Dravidian language of India *Telugu people, an ethno-linguistic group of India * Telugu script, used to write the Telugu language ** Telugu (Unicode block), a block of Telugu characters in Unicode S ...
Brahmin family of Ghantasala Soorayya, a professional singer in
Chowtapalli Chowtapalli is a village of land of legends in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, is in the Krishna district, in Gudivada Mandal. It also has extended community towards National Highway and it is Kotha(New) Chowtapalli. Village is well known ...
, a village in
Gudivada Gudivada is a city in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and the headquarters of Gudivada mandal in Gudivada revenue division. It is one of the cities in the state to be a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital ...
taluk of Krishna District. During his childhood, Ghantasala used to dance to his father's Tarangams. His father died when Ghantasala was a child, and he was brought up by his maternal uncle. He took formal music training from Patrayani Sitarama Sastry, and joined
Maharajah's Government College of Music and Dance Maharajah's Government College of Music and Dance () is an educational institution in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the first music college in South India. Profile It was established in 1919 by Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju, Ma ...
in Vijayanagram.


Career

Ghantasala participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942, for which he was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months at the Alipore (Allipura) Jail, Ballari.P Satyanarayana Rao (26 April 2010
This jailhouse has a rich past
''Deccan Herald''
After leaving jail, he met Samudrala Sr., who advised him to try his luck in the film industry as a singer. Ghantasala married Savitri, who lived in a village called
Pedapulivarru Pedapulivarru is a village in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the located in Bhattiprolu mandal of Tenali revenue division. It forms a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region. Geography Pedapulivarru is situated ...
. In that village, Ghantasala met lyricist Samudrala Sr., who was impressed with his voice and inducted him into the Madras film industry. Before Ghantasala found fame, he was already an accomplished
Carnatic music Carnatic music, known as or in the South Indian languages, is a system of music commonly associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. It is ...
singer. Ghantasala's first break as a singer came from
All India Radio All or ALL may refer to: Language * All, an indefinite pronoun in English * All, one of the English determiners * Allar language (ISO 639-3 code) * Allative case (abbreviated ALL) Music * All (band), an American punk rock band * ''All'' (All ...
. Later on, Peketi Siva Ram from HMV studios recorded Ghantasala's private songs. Ghantasala debuted as a chorus singer and for a character role in ''
Seeta Rama Jananam ''Sri Seeta Rama Jananam'' () is a 1944 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramayya under the Pratibha Productions banner. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Tripurasundari, Vemuri Gaggai ...
'' by Pratibha Films. After this, he worked with well-known music directors ''Gali Penchala'' and C. R. Subbaraman. Ghantasala's first film as a music director was ''Laxmamma''. He introduced the technique of changing the vocal pitch and diction to suit the actor singing the songs. Ghantasala was peerless at Padyam renderings and his way with the Telugu padyam was incomparable. Producer Chittajallu Krishnaveni gave Ghantasala his first job as full-time music director for her film ''
Mana Desam ''Mana Desam'' () is a 1949 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by L. V. Prasad. It was produced by Raja Saheb of Mirzapur under the Sobhanachala Pictures banner, and presented by Krishnaveni. It stars V. Nagayya, C. H. Narayana Rao a ...
'', which was
N. T. Rama Rao Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh fo ...
's first film. It established Ghantasala as a music composer-cum-playback singer. He was the most prolific film composer and playback singer in Telugu cinema until the mid-1970s. He composed music for many popular Telugu movies, including '' Patala Bhairavi'', ''
Mayabazar ''Mayabazar'' () is a 1957 Indian epic Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. It was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner, Vijaya Productions. The film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, w ...
'', ''
Lava Kusa ''Lava Kusa'' (also spelled as ''Lava Kusha'') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. S. Rao and his father C. Pullayya. The film was scripted by Sadasivabrahmam, Samudrala Sr. along with C. S. Rao and C. Pullayya. The fil ...
'', ''
Pandava Vanavasam ''Pandava Vanavasam'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. It was produced by A ...
'', '' Rahasyam'', ''
Gundamma Katha ''Gundamma Katha'' () is a 1962 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and co-produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner Vijaya Productions. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Ra ...
'', '' Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha'' and '' Pelli Chesi Chudu'', and also for popular Tamil and Kannada films in the 1950s and 1960s. Ghantasala sang for and directed the music for a Hindi film ''Jhandaa ooncha Rahe Hamara'' (1964).Homage to Ghantasala
Merinews.com (4 December 2009).
The song "Siva Sankari" from the film
Jagadeka Veeruni Katha ''Jagadeka Veeruni Katha'' () is a 1961 Indian Telugu-language fantasy swashbuckler film, produced and directed by K. V. Reddy under the Vijaya Productions banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, B. Saroja Devi with music composed by Pendyala Nagesw ...
(1961) believed to be one of the most challenging songs from classical hindusthani and carnatic style was sung by Ghantasala in a single take.


Private recordings and Bhagavad Gita

Ghantasala served as the ''Aaasthana Gaayaka'' (court musician) for the
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent trust which manages the temples including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The trust oversees the operations and finances of the richest and the most visited religious cen ...
. He recorded private albums, including
Bhagawad Gita The Bhagavad Gita (; sa, श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता, lit=The Song by God, translit=śrīmadbhagavadgītā;), often referred to as the Gita (), is a 700- verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic ''Mahabharata'' (c ...
, Patriotic Songs, Padyalua unique genre of Telugu, singing the verses in dramatic style Pushpa Vilapam, Devotional and folk songs. His recording of "Bhagawad Gita", which he directed and sang, can now be heard daily in the Tirumala temple. According to music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao Pendyala Nageswara Rao (6 March 1917 – 31 August 1984), known mononymously by his surname Pendyala, was an Indian composer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor, music producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema along with Tami ...
and playback singer
P. Susheela Pulapaka Susheela (born 13 November 1935), popularly known as P. Susheela, is an Indian playback singer associated with the South Indian cinema primarily from Andhra Pradesh for over six decades. She is one of the greatest and best-known playba ...
, "Ghantasala alone is the foremost among playback singers who had a full-fledged melodious powerful voice range which could accommodate in uniformity, all the three octaves in music quite comfortably". Pendyala Nageswara Rao channelled Ghantasala's classical musical knowledge and skills in classical renditions and in Telugu films including siva sankari from film '' Jagadekaveeruni Katha'', Rasika Raja taguvaramu kama from film ''
Jayabheri ''Jayabheri'' () is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language biographical film directed by P. Pullayya who co-wrote the script with Acharya Aatreya. The film is based on the life of poet Kaasinath and stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi. The film ...
'', and Syamala Dandakam – Manikya Veena from film ''
Mahakavi Kalidasu ''Mahakavi Kalidasu'' is a 1960 Indian Telugu-language biographical film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Pingali. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Sriranjani Jr., with music composed by Pendyala. It was produced by K. Na ...
''. Pendyala said these renditions were recorded only in one take by Ghantasala.


Death

Ghantasala died on 11 February 1974, two months after his 51st birthday, due to
cardiac arrest Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. It is a medical emergency that, without immediate medical intervention, will result in sudden cardiac death within minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and poss ...
at a hospital in Chennai. The last song he recorded was for a documentary – Bhadrachala Ramadasu Vaibhavam ( music by Master Venu ) from the hospital bed the day before his death.


Legacy

The Indian government released a postage stamp and first day cover to celebrate Ghantasala's work on 11 February 2003. He is the first movie singer-composer of the south to be accorded this honour. The US Postal Department has released a postal stamp on Ghantasala on 6 October 2014. The postal stamp was jointly released by the North American Telugu Society (NATS) in collaboration with Telugu Literary and Cultural Association (TLCA) in New York. Various awards named after Ghantasala are given every year, including the "Ghantasala melody king award". Recipients of this award include playback singers
K J Yesudas Kattassery Joseph Yesudas (born 10 January 1940) is an Indian people, Indian playback singer and musician who sings Indian classical, devotional and film songs. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of Music of Indi ...
and P Suseela, and Indian Idol
Sri Ramachandra Shri (; , ) is a Sanskrit term denoting resplendence, wealth and prosperity, primarily used as an honorific. The word is widely used in South and Southeast Asian languages such as Marathi, Malay (including Indonesian and Malaysian), Javanes ...
. Ghantasala Arts Academy has instituted the "Ghantasala National Award"; the first winner was playback singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), also referred to as SPB or SP Balu or Balu, was an Indian playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. He is wi ...
.


Awards

Ghantasala was honoured with the "
Padmashri Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī''), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is conferred ...
" by the Government of India. He won the best playback singer award in Andhra Pradesh every year for nearly 30 years, a feat unachieved by any other playback singer. After the saint poet
Annamacharya Tallapaka Annamacharya ( Telugu : తాళ్ళపాక అన్నమాచార్య) ( IAST: taḷḷapāka annamācārya; 22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503), also popularly known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the e ...
in the 15th century, Ghantasala has been the only singer to perform devotional songs inside the
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared ...
near the Lord Moola Virat.


Tributes

"Kala Pradarshini Ghantasala Puraskar", the only award instituted directly by the Ghantasala Family curated by his second son Ravi Ghantasala and his wife, acclaimed dancer Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala, which aims to honor legends who have contributed to "Arts and Philanthropy". the Inaugural awards were presented to Dr.S.P.Balasubramanyam (music), Dr. Padma Subramaniam (Dance) and Dr. Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty (Philanthropy). ''The Ghantasala Puraskar Award'' 2014, given every year by Sharan Incorporation, has been conferred on Rao Bala Saraswathi Devi, who was the first Telugu playback singer. The Government music college in
Vijayawada Vijayawada, formerly known as Bezawada, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and is a part of the state's Capital Region. It is the administrative headquarters of the NTR district. Its metropolitan region comprises N ...
, Andhra Pradesh, is named after Ghantasala. Ghantasala Sangeetha Kalasala college in Hyderabad and Vizag offers six-month and one-year diploma courses on Ghantasala's light music, songs and music. Ghantasala Yuva kalakendram offers semester based courses specially for children and youth.SivaNandiAwardRecipient Ghantasala Yuva Kalakendram founder M.S.V.N.VamshikrishnaDevaraya conducts ghantasala musical workshops every year at tayagaraya gana sabha
vaartha(Fri,15 February 2019).


Personal life

Ghantasala Venkateswararao was married to Savitri and (Late) Sarala Devi. He was blessed with 8 children: 4 Daughters (Meera, Shyamala, Suguna, Shanthi) and 4 Sons (Vijayakumar, Ravikumar, Shankarkumar, Ratnakumar). Shyamala, Suguna, Shanthi, Vijayakumar and Ratnakumar are born to Savtri and Meera, Ravikumar and Shankar Kumar are born to Sarla Devi. It is said that Ghantasala named his eldest son "Vijaya" Kumar after Vijaya Productions out of gratitude towards the organization that employed him as a permanent artiste. Sri Chakrapani, one of then producers of Vijaya Productions, presented Ghantasala a purse with Rs. 25,000 realising his respect towards the organization. 10 years after his death, his youngest son Ratnakumar went on to become a popular dubbing artist.


Filmography

* Tyagayya (1946) * Anarkali (1955) * Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960) Sathya harichndra(Kannada)


Playback singer and music director

Ghantasala composed Music for more than 110 films as stated by him, following is the list of 123 films for which he has composed Music. The list includes re-makes and dubbed films. Date of release of the Film also given. The list includes Tamil, Kannada, Hindi films besides Telugu films where he worked predominantly. * '' Balaraju'', 26 Feb 1948 * '' Ratnamala'', 2 Jan 1948 * '' keelugurram'', 19 Feb 1949 * '' Mayakkudirai, Maya Kudirai or Maya Kuthirai'', Tamil 1949 * '' Manadesam'', 24 Nov 1949 * '' లక్ష్మమ్మ'', 26 Feb 1950 * '' Lakshmamma'', Tamil Dubbed 1950 * '' Vali Sugriva'', 19 Mar 1950 * ''
Shavukaru ''Shavukaru'' () is a 1950 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by L. V. Prasad. The film was produced by Nagireddy and Chakrapani under the Vijaya Productions banner as their maiden production. It stars N. T. Rama Rao in his first lead ...
'', 7 April 1950 * '' Swapna Sundari'', 9 Nov 1950 * '' Chandravanka'', 2 Feb 1951 * '' Nirabaradhi'', Tamil 1951 * '' Nirdoshi'', 24 Feb 1951 * ''
Pathala Bhairavi ''Pathala Bhairavi'' () is a 1951 Indian fantasy film directed by K. V. Reddy who co-wrote the film with Pingali and Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, the film was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakr ...
'', 15 March 1951 * ''
Pathala Bhairavi ''Pathala Bhairavi'' () is a 1951 Indian fantasy film directed by K. V. Reddy who co-wrote the film with Pingali and Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, the film was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakr ...
'', Tamil 17 May 1951 * ''
Pathala Bhairavi ''Pathala Bhairavi'' () is a 1951 Indian fantasy film directed by K. V. Reddy who co-wrote the film with Pingali and Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, the film was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakr ...
'', Hindi Dubbed * ''
Palletooru ''Palletooru'' () is a 1952 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by T. Prakash Rao in his directorial debut. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. It was produced by P. Sivaramayya under People's Art Pr ...
'', 16th Octo 1952 * ''
Pelli Chesi Choodu ''Pelli Chesi Choodu'' () is a 1952 Indian satirical comedy film directed by L. V. Prasad and produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their company Vijaya Productions. The film was made simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, the latter titl ...
'', 29 Feb 1952 * ''
Kalyanam Panni Paar ''Pelli Chesi Choodu'' () is a 1952 Indian satirical comedy film directed by L. V. Prasad and produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their company Vijaya Productions. The film was made simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, the latter titl ...
'', 15 Aug 1952 * '' Bratuku Teruvu'', 6 Feb 1953 * '' Rajeswari'', 7 June 1952 * '' Bale Raman'', 1956 * '' Paropakaram'', 18 Jun 1953 * '' Paropakaram'', Tamil 1953 * '' Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara'', Hindi 1964 * ''Chandraharam'', 6 Jan 1954 * ''Chandraharam'', Tamil 14 Jan 2014 * ''Cherapakura Chedevu'', 6 July 1955 * ''Ellam Inba Mayam'', Tamil 1 Apr 1955 * ''Kanyasulkam'', 26 Aug 1955 * ''Vadina Gari Gajulu'', 27 May 1955 * ''Guna Sundari'', 16 Dec 1955 * ''Kalvanin Kadhali (1955 film), Kalvanin Kadhali'', 13 Nov 1955 * ''Astaaiswaryaalu'', 1956 * ''Chiranjeevulu (1956 film), Chiranjeevulu'', 15 Aug 1956 * ''Amara Geetham'', 1956 * ''Illarame Inbam'', Tamil Dubbed of Cherapakura chedevu1956 * ''Jayam Manade'', 4 May 1956 * ''Vetri Veeran'', 4 May 1956 * ''Kanakatara'', 3 Mar 1956 * ''Sonta ooru'', 23 May 1956 * ''
Mayabazar ''Mayabazar'' () is a 1957 Indian epic Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. It was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner, Vijaya Productions. The film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, w ...
'', 27 Mar 1957 * ''
Mayabazar ''Mayabazar'' () is a 1957 Indian epic Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. It was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner, Vijaya Productions. The film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, w ...
'', Tamil 12 Apr 1957 * ''
Mayabazar ''Mayabazar'' () is a 1957 Indian epic Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. It was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner, Vijaya Productions. The film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, w ...
'', Kannada Dubbed 1965 * ''Repu Neede'', 1 Feb 1957 * ''Sarangadhara'', 1 Nov 1957 * ''Sati Anasuya'', 25th Octo 1957 * ''Vinayaka Chaviti'', 22 Aug 1957 * ''Talavanchani Veerudu'', 6 Dec 1957 * ''Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu'', 15 Aug 1958 * ''Parvati Kalyanam'', 26 Dec 1958 * ''Pellinaati Pramanalu'', 17 Dec 1958 * ''Vazhkai Oppandam'', 4 Sep 1959 * ''Pelli Sandadi'', 2 April 1959 * ''Sabash Ramudu'', 4 Sep 1959 * ''Sabash Ramu'', Tamil Dubbed 4 Sep 1959 * ''Sati Sukanya'', 30 Jan 1959 * ''Vinayaga Chaturthi'', Tamil 1959 * ''Ganesh Chaturti'', Hindi Dubbed 1973 * ''Abhimanam'', 26 Aug 1960 * ''Bhakta Raghunath'', 4 Nov 1960 * ''Deepavali'', 22 Sep 1960 * ''Narakasura Vadhe'', Kannada Dubbing 1974 * ''Santhi Nivasam (1960 film), Santhi Nivasam'', 14 Jan 1960 * ''Shanti Nivas'', Malayalam Dubbed 1962 * ''Sri Krishna Kuchela'', 9 June 1961 * ''Sabash Raja'', 9 Nov 1961 * ''Mohini Rukmaangada'', 13 Jan 1962 * ''
Gundamma Katha ''Gundamma Katha'' () is a 1962 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and co-produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner Vijaya Productions. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Ra ...
'', 7 Jun 1962 * ''Manithan Maravillai'', 10 Aug 1962 * ''Rakta Sambandham'', 1 Nov 1962 * ''Tiger Ramudu'', 8 Mar 1962 * ''Bhagyavantulu'', 5 May 1962 * ''Aapta Mitrulu'', 29 May 1963 * ''Bandipotu (1963 film)'', 15 Aug 1963 * ''Veera Kesari'', Kannada 1963 * ''
Lava Kusa ''Lava Kusa'' (also spelled as ''Lava Kusha'') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. S. Rao and his father C. Pullayya. The film was scripted by Sadasivabrahmam, Samudrala Sr. along with C. S. Rao and C. Pullayya. The fil ...
'', 29 March 1963 * ''
Lava Kusa ''Lava Kusa'' (also spelled as ''Lava Kusha'') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. S. Rao and his father C. Pullayya. The film was scripted by Sadasivabrahmam, Samudrala Sr. along with C. S. Rao and C. Pullayya. The fil ...
'', Tamil 1963 * ''
Lava Kusa ''Lava Kusa'' (also spelled as ''Lava Kusha'') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. S. Rao and his father C. Pullayya. The film was scripted by Sadasivabrahmam, Samudrala Sr. along with C. S. Rao and C. Pullayya. The fil ...
'', Kannada Dubbed * ''
Lava Kusa ''Lava Kusa'' (also spelled as ''Lava Kusha'') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. S. Rao and his father C. Pullayya. The film was scripted by Sadasivabrahmam, Samudrala Sr. along with C. S. Rao and C. Pullayya. The fil ...
'', Hindi Dubbed 1974 * ''Valmiki'', 9 Feb 1963 * ''Valmiki'', Tamil 1963 * ''Mamakaram'', 2 March 1963 * ''Mahaveera Bheemasena'', 27 Jul 1967 * ''Gudi Gantalu'', 14 Jan 1964 * ''Marmayogi (1964 film)'', 22 Feb 1964 * ''Sri Satyanarayana Mahathyam'', 27 Jun 1964 * ''Vaarasatwam'', 19 Nov 1964 * ''
Pandava Vanavasam ''Pandava Vanavasam'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. It was produced by A ...
'', 14 Jan 1965 * ''
Pandava Vanavasam ''Pandava Vanavasam'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. It was produced by A ...
'', Tamil 1965 * ''C. I. D. (1965 film), CID'', 23 Sep 1965 * ''Maduve Madi Nodu'', 17 Dec 1965 * ''Paramanandayya Sishyula Katha'', 7 Apr 1966 * ''Sakuntala'', 3 Mar 1966 * ''Paduka Pattabhishekamu, పాదుకా పట్టాభిషేకం (1966 సినిమా)'', 16 Jun 1966 * ''Bhuvana Sundari Katha'', 7 Apr 1967 * '' Nirdoshi'', 2 Mar 1967 * ''Stree Janma'', 31 Aug 1967 * ''Punyavathi'', 3 Nov 1967 * ''Peddkkayya'', 18 Nov 1967 * '' Rahasyam'', 10 Dec 1967 * ''Veera Puja'', 16 Feb 1968 * ''Govula Gopanna'', 19 Apr 1968 * ''Chuttarikaalu'', 22 June 1968 * ''Jeevita Bandham'', 27 Jul 1968 * ''Bhale Abbayilu'', 19 Mar 1969 * ''Jarigina Katha'', 4 Jul 1969 * ''Merupu Veerudu'', 6 Mar 1970 * ''Ali Baba 40 Dongalu'', 4 Apr 1970 * ''Vijayam Manade'', 15 Jul 1970 * ''Tallidandrulu'', 23 Jul 1970 * ''Ramalayam'', 22 Oct 1970 * ''Nanna Thamma'', 26 Oct 1970 * ''Rendu Kutumbala Katha'', 30th Octo 1970 * ''Pattindalla Bangaram'', 1 May 1971 * ''Pattukunte Laksha'', 8 May 1971 * ''Rangeli Raja'', 11 Mar 1971 * ''Vamsodhaarakudu'', 21 Apr 1972 * ''Mena Kodalu'', 7 Jul 1972 * ''Rama Rajyam'', 4 Apr 1973 * ''Poola Maala'', 7 Dec 1973 * ''Tulasi'', 23 May 1974 * ''Vasthade Maa baava'', 1977 along with his son Ghantasala Vijaya Kumar


Playback singer

Ghantasala recorded songs as playback singer for the movies under popular composers – S Rajeswara Rao, Pendyala Nageswara Rao, M S Viswanathan, K V Mahadevan, Adi Narayana Rao, Master Venu, T V Raju, T Chalapathi Rao, S P Kodandapani, Shankar Jai Kishan, Susarla Dakshina Murthy, and Galipenchala Narasimha Rao among others. * ''Yasodha Krishna'' (1975) * ''Khaidi Babai'' (1974) * ''Kodenagu'' (1974) * ''Premalu Pellillu'' (1974) * ''Taatamma Kala'' (1974) * ''Dorababu'' (1974) * ''Alluri Seetharamaraju'' (1974) * ''Anbu Sagothararkal - Tamil'' (1973) * ''Ida Lokam'' (1973) * ''Doctor Babu'' (1973) * ''Dabbuku Lokam Dasoham'' (1973) * ''Bangaru Babu (1973 film), Bangaru Babu'' (1973) * ''Ganga Manga'' (1973) * ''Vaade Veedu'' (1973) * ''Bhakta Tukaram'' (1973) * ''Sharada (1973 film), Sarada'' (1973) * ''Iddaru Ammaiyulu'' (1972) * ''Datta Putrudu'' (1972) * ''Koduku Kodalu'' (1972) * ''Baala Bharatam'' (1972) * ''Beedala Patlu'' (1972) * ''Sri Krishnaanjaneya Yuddham'' (1972) * ''Pandanti Kapuram'' (1972) * ''Badi Panthulu'' (1972) * ''Vichitra Bandham'' (1972) * ''Sreemanthudu'' (1972) * ''Kalam Marindi'' (1972) * ''Manchi Rojulu Vacchayi'' (1972) * ''Suputhrudu'' (1971) * ''Pavitra Hrudayalu'' (1971) * ''Sri Krishna Satya'' (1971) * ''Adhrushtajatakudu'' (1971) * ''Chinnanati Snehitulu'' (1971) * ''Amayakuralu'' (1971) * ''Raithu Bidda'' (1971) * ''Jeevitha Chakram'' (1971) * ''Prem Nagar (1971 film), Prem Nagar'' (1971) * ''Dasara Bullodu'' (1971) * ''Bharya Biddalu'' (1971) * ''Rajakota Rahasyam'' (1971) * ''Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971 film), Sampoorna Ramayanam'' (1971) * ''Ananda Nilayam'' (1971) * ''Manasu Mangalyam'' (1971) * ''Pavitra Bandham'' (1971) * ''Oke Kutumbam'' (1970) * ''Kathanayika Molla'' (1970) * ''Suguna Sundari Katha'' (1970) * ''Lakshmi Kataaksham'' (1970) * ''Jai Jawan'' (1970) * ''Balaraju Katha'' (1970) * ''Dharmadata'' (1970) * ''Sri Krishna Vijayam'' (1970) * ''Talla Pellama'' (1970) * ''Kodalu Diddina Kapuram'' (1970) * ''Bhale Maastaru'' (1969) * ''Ekaveera'' (1969) * ''Manushulu Marali'' (1969) * ''Sipayi Chinnaya'' (1969) * ''Kathanayakudu (1969 film), Kathanayakudu'' (1969) * ''Bandipotu Bheemanna'' (1969) * ''Vichitra Kutumbam'' (1969) * ''Gopaludu Bhoopaludu'' (1969) * ''Kadaladu Vadaladu'' (1969) * ''Buddhimantudu'' (1969) * ''Sapta Swaralu'' (1969) * ''Mooganomu'' (1969) * ''Aatmeeyulu'' (1969) * ''Vichitra Kutumbam'' (1969) * ''Aadarsa Kutumbam'' (1969) * ''Bandipotu Dongalu'' (1969) * ''Bhale Rangadu'' (1969) * ''Nindu Hrudayalu'' (1969) * ''Lakshmi Nivasam'' (1968) * ''Tikka Sankarayya'' (1968) * ''Ramu (1968 film), Ramu'' (1968) * ''Sri Rama Katha'' (1968) * ''Kalasi Vacchina Adrushtam'' (1968) * ''Varakatnam'' (1968) * ''Bandhavyalu'' (1968) * ''Bangaru Gajulu'' (1968) * ''Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha'' (1968) * ''Nindu Samsaram'' (1968) * ''Baghdad Gaja Donga'' (1968) * ''Undamma Bottu Pedata'' (1968) * ''Brahmachari (Telugu film), Brahmachari'' (1968) * ''Adrushtavantulu'' (1968) * ''Sukha Dukhalu'' (1967) * ''Poola Rangadu (1967 film), Poola Rangadu'' (1967) * ''Chikkadu Dorakadu (1967 film), Chikkadu Dorakadu'' (1967) * ''Shri Krishnavataram'' (1967) * ''Vasantasena'' (1967) * ''Avekallu'' (1967) * ''Ummadi Kutumbam'' (1967) * ''Gruhalakshmi (1967 film), Gruha Lakshmi'' (1967) * ''Goodachari 116'' (1967) * ''Kanchukota'' (1967) * ''Chadarangam'' (1967) * ''Eedu Jodu'' (1967) * ''Sri Krishna Rayabharam'' (1967) * ''Aaasthiparulu'' (1966) * ''Bheemanjaneya Yuddham'' (1966) * ''Sangeetha Lakshmi'' (1966) * ''Pidugu Ramudu'' (1966) * ''Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam'' (1966) * ''Sri Krishna Tulabharam'' (1966) * ''Mohini Bhasmasura'' (1966) * ''Adugu Jadalu'' (1966) * ''Bhakta Potana'' (1966) * ''Navaratri (1966 film), Navaratri'' (1966) * ''Rangula Ratnam (1966 film), Rangula Ratnam'' (1966) * ''Palnati Yuddham (1966 film), Palnati Yuddham'' (1966) * ''Aggi Barata'' (1966) * ''Kanne Manasulu'' (1966) * ''Anthastulu'' (1965) * ''Sumangali (1965 film), Sumangali'' (1965) * ''Dorikithe Dongalu'' (1965) * ''Zamindar (1965 film), Zamindar'' (1965) * ''Satya Harishchandra (1965 Telugu film), Satya Harishchandra'' (1965) * ''Jwala Dweepa Rahasyam'' (1965) * ''Manushulu Mamathalu'' (1965) * ''Manchi Kutumbam'' (1965) * ''Tene Manasulu'' (1965) * ''Veera Abhimanyu'' (1965) * ''Uyyala Jampala'' (1965) * ''Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima'' (1965) * ''Prammelarjuneeyam'' (1965) * ''Mangamma Sapadham'' (1965) * ''Visala Hrudayalu'' (1965) * ''Aatma Gouravam'' (1965) * ''Naadi Aadajanme'' (1965) * ''Preminchi choodu'' (1965) * ''Chandrahaasa'' (1965) * ''Todu Needa'' (1965) * ''Daagudu Muthalu'' (1964) * ''Desadrohulu'' (1964) * ''Raamudu Bheemudu'' (1964) * ''Pooja Phalam'' (1964) * ''Navagraha Puja Mahima'' (1964) * ''Babruvahana'' (1964) * ''Dr. Chakravarthi'' (1964) * ''Devatha (1964 film), Devatha'' (1964) * ''Amarasilpi Jakkana'' (1964) * ''Muralikrishna'' (1964) * ''Manchi Manishi'' (1964) * ''Sabhash Soori'' (1964) * ''Aatmabalam'' (1964) * ''Bobbili Yuddham'' (1964) * ''Sri Satyanarayana Mahathyam'' (1964) * ''Manchi Chedu'' (1963) * ''Anuragam'' (1963) * ''Chaduvukunna Ammayilu'' (1963) * ''Punarjanma (1963 film), Punarjanma'' (1963) * ''Lakshaadikari'' (1963) * ''Mooga Manasulu'' (1963) * ''Sri Krishnaarjuna Yuddham'' (1963) * ''Nartanasala (1963 film), Narthanasala'' (1963) * ''Thobuttuvulu'' (1963) * ''Tirupathamma Katha'' (1963) * ''Paruvu Prathista'' (1963) * ''Kulagothralu'' (1962) * ''Aradhana (1962 film), Aradhana'' (1962) * ''Bhishma (1962 film), Bhishma'' (1962) * ''Tiger Ramudu'' (1962) * ''Mahamantri Timmarusu (film), Mahamantri Timmarusu'' (1962) * ''Constable Kooturu'' (1962) * ''Siri Sampadalu'' (1962) * ''Manchi Manasulu'' (1962) * ''Aatmabandhuvu'' (1962) * ''Kalasi Vunte Kaladu Sukham'' (1961) * ''Usha Parinayam'' (1961) * ''Krishna Prema'' (1961) * ''Pelli Kani Pillalu'' (1961) * ''Velugu Needalu'' (1961) * ''Gulebakavali katha'' (1961) * ''Seetha Rama Kalyanam'' (1961) * ''Bhakta Jayadeva'' (1961) * ''Iddaru Mitrulu (1961 film), Iddaru Mitrulu'' (1961) * ''
Jagadeka Veeruni Katha ''Jagadeka Veeruni Katha'' () is a 1961 Indian Telugu-language fantasy swashbuckler film, produced and directed by K. V. Reddy under the Vijaya Productions banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, B. Saroja Devi with music composed by Pendyala Nagesw ...
'' (1961) * ''Bharya Bhartalu'' (1961) * ''Bava Maradalu'' (1961) * ''Vaagdanam'' (1961) * ''
Mahakavi Kalidasu ''Mahakavi Kalidasu'' is a 1960 Indian Telugu-language biographical film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Pingali. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Sriranjani Jr., with music composed by Pendyala. It was produced by K. Na ...
'' (1960) * ''Bhatti Vikramarka'' (1960) * ''Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam'' (1960) * ''Runanubandham'' (1960) * ''Kuladaivam'' (1960) * ''Bhakta Sabari'' (1960) * ''Rajamukutam'' (1959) * ''Ulagam Sirikkirathu'' (1959) * ''Banda Ramudu'' (1959) * ''Rechukka Pagatichukka'' (1959) * ''Illarikam'' (1959) * ''
Jayabheri ''Jayabheri'' () is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language biographical film directed by P. Pullayya who co-wrote the script with Acharya Aatreya. The film is based on the life of poet Kaasinath and stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi. The film ...
'' (1959) * ''Bhakta Ambarisha'' (1959) * ''Nammina Bantu'' (1959) * ''Chenchu Lakshmi'' (1958) * ''Karthavarayuni Katha'' (1958) * ''Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu'' (1958) * ''Mangalya Balam'' (1958) * ''Bhookailas (1958 Telugu film), Bhookailas'' (1958) * ''Veera Kankanam'' (1957) * ''Nala Damayanthi (1959 film), Nala Damayanthi'' (1957) * ''Panduranga Mahatyam'' (1957) * ''Thodi Kodallu'' (1957) * ''Dongallo Dora'' (1957) * ''M L A'' (1957) * ''Suvarna Sundari'' (1957) * ''Bhale Ramudu'' (1956) * ''Tenali Ramakrishna'' (1956) * ''Harischandra'' (1956) * ''Charanadaasi'' (1956) * ''Pennin Perumai'' (1956) * ''Santhanam (film), Santhanam'' (1955) * ''Swarna Manjari'' (1955) * ''Jayasimha (1955 film), Jayasimha'' (1955) * ''Kanyasulkam'' (1955) * ''Donga Ramudu (1955 film), Donga Ramudu'' (1955) * ''Anarkali (1955 film), Anarkali'' (1955) * ''Rani Ratnaprabha'' (1955) * ''Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam'' (1954) * ''Raju Peda'' (1954) * ''Pedda Manushulu (1954 film), Pedda Manushulu'' (1954) * ''Kanna Talli'' (1953) * ''Devadasu (1953 film), Devadasu'' (1953) * ''Chandi raani'' (1953) * ''Prema (1952 film), Prema'' (1952) * ''Tingu Ranga'' (1952) * ''Malliswari (1951 film), Malliswari'' (1951) * '' Swapna Sundari'' (1950) * ''Gunasundari katha'' (1949) * ''Laila Majnu'' (1949) * ''Raksharekha'' (1949) * ''Swarga Seema'' (1945)


Private albums

* '' Pushpa Vilapam'' * ''Patriotic Songs'' * ''
Bhagawad Gita The Bhagavad Gita (; sa, श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता, lit=The Song by God, translit=śrīmadbhagavadgītā;), often referred to as the Gita (), is a 700- verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic ''Mahabharata'' (c ...
'' * ''Folk song, Folk Songs'' * ''Devotional Songs''


See also

*Songs of Ghantasala
Ghantasala film career silver jubilee felicitation at LB Stadium, Hyderabad(rare video)


References


External links


Ghantasala's homepage

Ghantasaala Gaana Charita

Deva Mahadeva
* http://www.ghantasala.info/pictures/docs/gh-jail-cert.jpg {{DEFAULTSORT:Ghantasala 1922 births 1974 deaths Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts Indian male playback singers Telugu film score composers Kannada film score composers Kannada playback singers Tamil film score composers People from Krishna district Telugu playback singers 20th-century Indian singers Singers from Andhra Pradesh Indian male songwriters 20th-century Indian composers Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh Indian male film score composers 20th-century Indian male singers