ML Narasimham’s ‘Pata Venuka Bhagottam’ is a treasure trove of stories behind timeless melodies in Telugu cinema

Much before Chiranjeevi-Vijayashanti’s song ‘Vana Vaana Velluvaye’ Gang Leader (1991) ANR-B’s duet song ‘Chitapata Chinukulu Paduthoovante’ became a sensation Athma Balam (1964) beautifully depicted the mysticism and romance of rain in Telugu cinema. If Saroja Devi’s appearance in a dupatta during that popular rain song seems unusual, there is a story behind it; she was recovering from a head injury she suffered while shooting a Tamil film, yet she bravely continued shooting, covering the injury with flowers and a dupatta. Composed by KV Mahadevan, written by Atreya and sung by Susheela and Ghantasala, the song became a huge hit, setting a trend for rain songs in Telugu cinema.

Have you ever wondered what inspired the lyricists to create those songs? Did the composer already have a tune in mind, or did the lyricist already have the words? Did the song arise from a particular situation, or did a great composition naturally come into the film? Many such questions are answered in this article. Pata Venuka Bhagottam, The book is written by senior film journalist and author M.L. Narasimhan.

Pata Venuka Bhagottam This is a fascinating book in which the author has minutely traced the scenes and circumstances behind 60 iconic songs in the 90-year history of Telugu cinema. Published by B. Vishwanath Reddy alias Vishwam of Vijaya Publications, this 292-page book revives a series by the same name that originally appeared in a Telugu film magazine Vijaychitra Narasimhan, who was the editor-in-charge, wrote the column between 1984 and 1985. He is also famous for his popular Blast from the Past column, which he wrote for the BBC. the hindu For almost three decades.

Song from the 1972 film ‘Kurisindi Wana Na Gundelona’ Bulemma Bulodu This is an example of a hit song that doesn’t necessarily feature big stars. The song was picturised on Vijayalalithaa, the versatile character actor and producer of the film Chalam, and known for her villainous roles. The lyricist, Indukuri Ramakrishnamraju, alias Rajasree, struggled to find the right words until a sudden downpour inspired him while he was staying at the Madras International Hotel on Mount Road in Chennai. The moment the skies opened up, the opening lines ‘Kurisindi Vana Naa Gundelona’ were born.

M.L. Narasimhan

It is fitting that Narasimhan begins his book thus Missamma The song, ‘Brindavanmadi Andaridi Govindudu…’ Released in 1955, the film starred NTR, ANR, Savitri and Jamuna. The lyrics were written by Pingali Nagendra Rao, and the music was composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. Sung by P. Susheela and AM Raja, the song became a sensation in Telugu cinema and its Tamil version ‘Brindavanam Nandakumaranam’ in 2008 surpassed expectations. MissiammaA few years ago, a Chinese-Malaysian artist brought this song to life on stage, and his rendition went viral, earning praise worldwide. miss maryMusic director Hemant Kumar was so impressed with ‘Brindavanmadi’ while composing new tunes for the soundtrack that he retained the original tune by Rajeswara Rao. The Hindi version, ‘Brindavan Ka Krishna Kanhaiya’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi became a special feature of the film.

If there is one song that every contestant boldly tries to sing on music reality shows, it has to be the 1961 NTR starrer ‘Sivashankari, Sivanandalahari…’.Jagadeka Veeruni StoryIn this song, NTR portrays five different characters, each of whom plays a unique instrument while singing. The lyricist has crafted a devotional hymn in praise of Shakti, which is full of literary depth. Composer Pendyala Nageswara Rao moulded it into a challenging blend of Darbari and Kanada raagas from Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. The Telugu film was inspired by the 1944 Tamil classicJagaddala Prathapan.

ANR and B Saroja Devi in ​​the song ‘Chitapata Chinukulu Padutovunte’Athma Balam.
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ghantasala spent an entire week rehearsing the song and put all other projects on hold. When it came time for recording, he sang it flawlessly in one take. Contrary to the misconception that singer JV Raghavulu sang parts of the song, Narasimhan clarified that it was entirely sung by Ghantasala. Recordist Vallabhjosula Sivaram, who was present at Vauhini Studios during the recording, confirmed this. The track was layered in such a way that it felt like five different voices were singing.

Pata Venuka Bhagottam This is a treasure trove for Telugu film lovers, with the author painstakingly gathering sources and anecdotes about each song. The lyrics printed at the end of each chapter bring back old memories, reminiscent of the days when one would buy a song.Paatal Pustakam (book of songs) outside theatres. “My relationship with my employers, who also own Vijaya Productions, helped me source my material,” says Narasimham. As a result, the film’s opening song, ‘Brindavanmadi Andaridi’, and the closing track, ‘Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo’, both sold 10,000 copies.Mayabazar (1957)He belongs to Vijaya Productions banner.

(Pāṭa Venuka Bhāgotham, published by Vijaya Publications, Chennai. Pages 292; Price ₹300.)