Vemuri Gaggaiah

Vemuri Gaggaiah
Born	1895 Vemuru, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died	December 30, 1955 Hyderabad, India
Occupation	Actor Thespian

Vemuri Gaggaiah (1895–1955) was an Indian film actor, character actor, singer, and thespian known for his works in Telugu cinema, and Telugu theater. In 1933, East India Film Company produced its first Indian film, Savitri, in Telugu. Shot in Calcutta on a budget of ₹ 75 thousand, and based on a popular stage play by Mylavaram Bala Bharathi Nataka Samajam, the film was directed by father of the "Telugu Theater Movement" Chittajallu Pullaiah, casting Vemuri Gaggaiah] and Dasari Ramathilakam as "Yama" and "Savithri" respectively. The blockbuster film has received an honorary diploma at Venice Film Festival.

Gaggaiah was an important member of the Mylavarama Bala Bharathi Nataka Samajam in Mylavaram, Krishna district during 1913-28. Through "Mylavaram Theatre". Gaggaiah became a household name for mythological roles. He won recognition in drama as Yama, god of death, in Sati Savitri, as the demon Hiranyakasipu in Bhakta Prahlada. Some other prominent roles were as the eponymous Mymvana, and as Jalandhara in Sati Tulasi. His theatrical performances made C. Pullayya to persuade to him to enter motion picture. His other notable films include works such as Kamsa in Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935) and the womanizer in Chandika (1940). He is known for rendering songs such as Po Bala Pommikan and Dhikkaramulu Saituna..

Gaggaiah was born in 1895 at Vemuru in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. He lost his father in early childhood. His elder brother tried to educate him but failed in his efforts. He married Ramalaxmi in 1913. During those days, Surabhi Drama company used to be played throughout the Andhra Pradesh and attracts huge crowds. Influenced by this, he learned music and singing songs. He joined the same troupe and acted in many plays touring with them.

...
Wikipedia