Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao
| Ghantasala | |
|---|---|
Ghantasala statue at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ghantasala Venkateshwara Rao |
| Born |
4 December 1922 Choutapalli, Gudivada, Krishna district, Madras Presidency, India |
| Died | 11 February 1974 (aged 51) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Genres | Film music (playback singing), Indian classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, composer |
| Years active | 1942–1974 |
| Website | www |
Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao (4 December 1922 – 11 February 1974) was an Indian film, composer, playback singer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema, and a few Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi language films. In 1970, he received the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian award for his contribution to Indian cinema. According to The Hindu and The Indian Express, 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 United States, England and Germany, and for the United Nations Organisation. The government of Andhra Pradesh marked the occasion of 25 years of his film career as Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Ghantasala in Hyderabad 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.
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, 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.
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