Vedam Venkataraya Sastry

Vedam Venkataraya Sastry
Portrait from his drama "Bobbili Yudham"
Born	December 21, 1853 Madras
Died	June 18, 1929 Madras
Occupation	Sanskrit Pandit
Nationality	Indian
Education	B.A.
Alma mater	Madras Christian College
Genre	Playwright, Poet, Critic
Notable works	Prataparudriyam play
Notable awards	Mahamahopadhyaya Kalaprapoorna

Vedam Venkataraya Sastry (December 21, 1853 – June 18, 1929) was a Sanskrit and Telugu language poet, critic, Telugu theatre star and dramatist. He is known for providing authoritative editions of Sanskrit and Telugu classics.

He was born to Venkataramana Sastry and Lakshmamma in Madras in 1853. He was graduated (B.A.) in 1887. He had worked as a Sanskrit pandit in Madras Christian College for 25 years.

He wrote original drama and translated Sanskrit dramas of Kalidasa and Harsha. He established a dramatic association named Andhra Bhashabhimani Nataka Samajam in 1899. His original works include Prataparudriya natakam (Prataparudra's Play) in 1897 and Usha natakam (Usha's Play) in 1901. The former won a great reputation as a historical drama for introducing a Chanakyan-type character in Yugandhara, minister of the Kakatiya king Prataparudra, and for its patrochita bhasha. It recreated Prataparudra's grandeur and created other memorable roles like Vidyanatha the poet, Chekumuki Sastry the courtier, and the simple Perigadu and Yelli, who became synonymous in Telugu theatre with rustic humour.He worked as Chief editor of Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu in 1916. He died in 1929 in Madras.