Veturi

For the surname, seeVeturi (surname).

Veturi
Portrait of Veturi
Born	Veturi Sundararama Murthy (1936-01-29)29 January 1936 Pedakallepalli,Madras Presidency,British India(present-dayAndhra Pradesh,India)
Died	22 May 2010(2010-05-22)(aged 74) Hyderabad,Andhra Pradesh, India (present-dayTelangana)
Occupation(s)	Poet, lyricist, songwriter
Spouse	Seeta Mahalakshmi
Children	3

Veturi Sundararama Murthy(29 January 1936 – 22 May 2010), known mononymously by hissurnameVeturi,was an Indian poet, lyricist and journalist who is popular for writingTelugusongs. His career inTelugu cinemaspanned more than four decades.

Early life

Veturi was born to Chandrasekhar Sastry and Kamalamba inPedakallepalli,nearChallapalli,Krishnainto aTelugu Brahminfamily.Veturi was a nephew of the Telugu Research ScholarVeturi Prabhakara Sastri.His grandfather Veturi Sundara Sastry was also a poet.

Education

Veturi completed his schooling in Diviseema,Jaggayyapeta,nearVijayawadain Krishna district, and SSLC in his grandmother's village. Later, Veturi went to Chennai for his intermediate studies and came back toVijayawadawhere he completed his degree at S.R.R. Government College. He was a student of the legendaryViswanatha Satyanarayanaat this college.

Career as a journalist

Veturi joinedAndhra Prabhaas a journalist in 1952, after his education.He learned the basics of editing a newsarticlefrom his senior atAndhra Prabha,Narla Venkateswara Rao,whom he considers his first teacher. In 1959, he joined a weekly calledAndhra Patrika,whereBapuandMullapudi Venkata Ramanawere his colleagues.He was the in-charge of the Cinema section atAndhra Patrika.He also worked for theAndhra Pradesh Congress Committee's official daily newspaper, calledAndhra Janata,as an editor.

In 1962, he became the first and only Telugu journalist to interview the then Prime Minister,Jawaharlal Nehru,who came to inaugurate theSrisailamHydroelectricityproject. He covered the speeches of national leaders likeSarvepalli Radhakrishnan.In 1964, he worked as anassemblyreporter.

His articles are said to be very catchy and witty. For instance, he referred to the meeting ofMLAsin Hotel Dwaraka, near theAndhra Pradesh State Assemblyas "Adigo Dwaraka - Ivigo Alamandalu" ( "This is Dwaraka and here are the cattle" ) (Telugu:అదిగో ద్వారక). His writing style caught the attention of the film industry due to his use of traditional poetic rules related toalliterationandrhymefor describingcurrent affairs.

Career as a lyricist

Entry into films

Veturi had contacts with theTelugu film industryduring his days as a journalist. He used to meet veteranlyric writerDasarathioften. Legendary directorV. Nagayyaoffered him a role in his film,Naa Illu(1953).However, two days before the shooting began, Veturi decided not to act as he felt that he was not fit for acting, and wrote a letter of apology to Nagayya for rejecting his offer.N. T. Rama Rao,has invited him to join the film industry as a lyricist. In 1974, he wrote his first song, "Bharatanaari Charitamu" (Telugu:భారతనారి చరితము), in the form ofHarikatha,forO Seeta Katha(1974) under the direction ofK. Viswanath.

1970s

In 1978,K Viswanath'sSiri Siri Muvvaproved his prowess in expressing diverse emotions with poetry. In 1977, actorSr. N.T.R'sAdavi Ramudushowcased Veturi's talent for penning inspirational and romantic lyrics. The album was an instant hit among various audiences.Acharya Aatreya,the leading lyricist in those days, was known to take days for writing a song. Veturi became the first choice for directors and producers too because of his ability to write a song to the director's taste in a few minutes. He went on to pen more than 5,000 songs in his career. He wrote more mass numbers for movies likeVetagaduandDriver Ramudu,and classics for movies likeSankarabharanamandSagara Sangamam.In particular,Sankarabharanamstood as a landmark in theTelugu film industry.

1980s

After the surge of his popularity during the 1970s, he went on to work with a variety of directors and actors in the 1980s. He wrote classics for directors likeSingeetam Srinivasa Rao,Dasari Narayana Rao,Bapu,Jandhyala,Vamsyand mass numbers for directors likeRaghavendra Rao,A. Kodandarami Reddy,Vijaya Bapineedu.He delivered a number of hits for senior actors likeSr. N.T.R,Akkineni Nageswara Rao,Ghattamaneni Krishna,Shobhan Babu,Krishnam Rajuand upcoming stars likeChiranjeevi,Nandamuri Balakrishna,Nagarjuna,Daggubati Venkatesh.This golden period in his career saw memorable albums likeSaptapadi,Subhodayam,Subhalekha,Sagara Sangamam,Meghasandesam,Mudda Mandaram,Malle Pandiri,Nalugu Stambhalata,Rendu Jalla Seeta,Amarajeevi,Sreevariki Prema Lekha,Ananda Bhairavi,Srivari Sobhanam,Mogudu Pellalu,Chantabbai,Sitaara,Anveshana,Alapana,Mayuri,Amavasya Chandrudu,Janaki RamuduandGeetaanjali.

1990s

During the late 1980s, Veturi's mass numbers garnered a lot of response from the public resulting in directors demanding more and more of them. However, Veturi still maintained his balance between classics and mass-numbers with movies likeJagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari,Sarigamalu,Sitaramayya Gaari Manavaralu,Matru Devo Bhava,andMechanic Alludu.Veturi was given the opportunity to dub manyTamil,MalayalamandHindimovies. Some of his dubbed albums, for instanceIruvarandDevaraagam,received wide acclaim.

2000s

During this period, Veturi created classics likeGangotriandSwarabhishekam.His association with young directors likeSekhar KammulaandGunasekharproduced some memorable albums, likeAnand,Godavari,Varudu,Arjun,Premishte(Dubbed version of Kaadhal) andLeader.

Awards and honors

Veturi received several national and regional awards for his contributions to literature and films. He has been conferred an honorary Doctorate in the 23rd convocation ofAcharya Nagarjuna University.In 2007, he received the Jandhyala Memorial Award.

Bust of Veturi at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram,Vijayawada

National Awards

He got theNational Film Award for Best Lyricsfor the song "Ralipoye Puvva" (Telugu:రాలిపోయె పువ్వా) in the filmMatrudevobhava,making him the second Telugu film lyricist to achieve the distinction after the revolutionary poet,Sri Sri.In 2006, he declared that he would return the National Award if Telugu is not given the status of Classical Language by theGovernment of India.In 2008, theGovernment of IndiadeclaredTeluguas a classical language.

Filmfare Awards

He receivedfilmfare awardfor the song,Uppongele Godavari(Telugu:ఉప్పొంగెలే గోదావరి) in the 2006 movie,Godavari.In 2008, he received theFilmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nandi Awards

He received the Nandi award for best lyrics, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, six times. They are listed here.

Year	Song	Movie
1977	Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetam (Telugu: మానసవీణ మధుగీతం)	Panthulamma
1979	Sankara Naadasareeraparaa (Telugu: శంకరా నాదశరీరాపర)	Sankarabharanam
1984	Brundavani Vundi (Telugu: బృందావని ఉంది)	Kanchana Ganga
1985	Ee Duryodhana Dushaasana (Telugu: ఈ దుర్యోధనదుశ్శాశన)	Pratighatana
1991	Pavuraniki Panjaraniki (Telugu: పావురానికి పంజరానికి)	Chanti
1992	All Songs	Rajeswari Kalyanam

Manaswini Awards

He received two Manaswini awards.

1. Song:Venuvai vachchaanu(Telugu:వేణువై వచ్చాను), Movie:Matrudevobhava,Year: 1993.
2. Song:Aakaashaana suryudundadu(Telugu:ఆకాశాన సూర్యుడుండడు), Movie:Sundarakanda,Year: 1992.

Filmography

He wrote thousands of songs as a lyricist for many successful Telugu films. He has also acted in very few films in cameo roles. He acted as a fake swamiji in a film, which succeeded in producing good comedy. He also penned Dialogues along with writer Jandhyala for the movieSiri Siri Muvva.

1970s

• O Seeta Katha(1974) (lyrics:Bhaaratanaarii Charitamu(Harikatha))
• Adavi Ramudu(1977) (lyrics:Krushi Vunte Manushulu Rushulautaru)
• Pantulamma(1977) (lyrics:Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetam)
• Siri Siri Muvva(1978) (lyrics:Andaaniki Andam,Eavari Kevaru Ee Lokamlo,Gajje Gallumantuntae,Jhummandhi Nadam Sayyandi Padam,Maa Voori Devudamma,Odupunna Pilupu,Raa Digi Raa Divi Ninchi)
• Gorintaku(1979) (lyrics:Komma Kommako Sannayi)
• Sankarabharanam(1979) (lyrics:Sankara Nadasareena Para)

1980s

• Saptapadi(1981)
• Manchu Pallaki(1982) (lyrics)
• Subhalekha(1982) (lyrics:Raagaala Pallakilo Koyilamma Raaledu Eevela Endukammaa?)
• Khaidi(1983)
• Manthri Gari Viyyankudu(1983) (lyrics:Manasa Sirasa née namame padeda ee vela,Coconut manaku dosti okate asti raa, jabaru dasti cheste nasti raa,Chi chi po papa oppulakumma,Koluvainade urki korivayinade maa kobbarikayala subbarayude,Emanani née cheli padudane,Sala sala nanu kavinchanela)
• Meghasandesham(1983) (lyrics:Aakaasa Desaana Aashada Masaana)
• Mundadugu(1983)
• Sagara Sangamam(1983)
• Sitaara(1983)
• Rustum(1984)
• Agni Parvatam(1985) (lyrics:Agni Parvatam,Ee Gaalilo)
• Anveshana(1985) (writer:Edalo Laya,Keeravani,Ekanta Vela,Ilalo Kalise)
• Chantabbai(1986)
• Padamati Sandhya Ragam(1986)
• Pratighatana(1986) (lyrics:Ee Duryodhana Dussaasana Durvineeta Lokamlo)
• Aakhari Poratam(1988) (lyrics:Tella Cheeraku,Eppudu Eppudu)
• Marana Mrudangam(1988)
• August 15 Raatri (1988) (lyrics)
• Geetaanjali(1989) (lyrics:Jallanta Kavvinta Kaavaalile,Nandikonda Vaagullona,Jagada Jagada Jagadam,Om Namah Nayana Shrutulaku,O Paapaa Laalii!,Aamani Paadave Haayigaa)

1990s

• Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari(1990) (lyrics:Abba Nee Teeyani Debba,dhinakkuta chamakkuro,mana bhaaratamlo,amdalalo ahomahodayam,jai chiranjiiva, jagadekaveera,priyatama nanu palakrinchu pranayama,yamaho ni yama yama andam)
• Chanti(1991) (lyrics:Pavuraniki Panjaraniki,idi tailam petti,jabiliki vennalaki puttina punnamile,o prema na prema,ennenno andalu)
• Gang Leader(1991) (lyrics:paalabugga,vayasu vayasu)
• Nirnayam(1991) (lyrics:Mila Mila Merisenu Tara)
• Dharma Kshetram(1992) (lyrics:Koramenu Komalam Sora Shobanam and more songs from this film)
• President Gari Pellam(1992) (lyrics:Nuvvu Malle Teega,Paruvala Kodi,Manduri Ambothu,Aa Oddu Ee Oddu,Umma Kavali,Kandirrega Nadumu Daani)
• Sundarakanda(1992) (lyrics:AakaaSaana SuuryuDunDaDu SandevELakE,kokilamma kotha pata paadindi,sundarakaamdaku sandade sandadi,inka inka,ulikipadaku,arey mava illaliki)
• Govinda Govinda(1993) (lyrics:O Naveena,andama anduma,indira mandira sundara taara,premante idena)
• Matru Devo Bhava(1993) (lyrics:Raalipoye Puvva Neeku Raagalenduke,venuvai vachanu bhuvananiki,kanniti kaluvalu,raagam anuragam)
• Mechanic Alludu(1993)
• Super Police(1994)
• Ramudochhadu(1996) (lyrics:Maa Palle Repallanta,Gumma Gumma Muddu Gumma,Vareva,Guvva Koose Puvvu Poose,srumgaara kaavyaala)
• Iddaru(1997)
• Annamayya(1997)
• Ravoyi Chandamama(1999) (lyrics:Nanda Nandana,Jagadajam Jawani,Swapna Venuvedo,Mallepuvva,Leta Leta,Love to Live,Jhummani Jhummani)
• Adbhutam(1999) (lyrics: lyricsNityam ekanta kshaname adiga)
• Chudalani Unadhi(1998) "Yamaha Nagari" Lyrics

2000s

• Badri(2000) (writer:Vevela Mainala GanamChali Pidugullo)
• Annayya(2000) (writer:Himaseemallo,Gusagusale,Vaana vallappa)
• sakhi(2000, Dubbed version) (lyrics:sakhiya celiya,alai pongera kanna,kaay love chedugudu,kalalai poyenu na premalu,snehituda snehituda,September maasam September maasam,ede ede vayyari varudu)
• Bava Nachadu(2001) (lyrics:Akka Bava Nachada)
• Mrigaraju(2001) (writer:Ramaiah Paadaletti,Satamanamannadile,Yelaley Yelalamma)
• Indra(2002) (writer:Ammadu Appachi)
• Tagore(2003) (writer:Manmadha Manmadha)
• Simhadri(2003)
• Anand(2004) (writer:Vacche Vacche,Yamunatheeram,Nuvvena,Charumati I Love You,Telisi Telisi,Yedalogaanam)
• Arjun(2004) (lyrics:Madhura Madhura Meenakshi)
• Arya(2004)
• Yuva(2004, Dubbed version)
• Premisthe(2004, Dubbed version)
• Chatrapati(2005)
• Ghajini (2005 film)(lyrics: Rangola Ola, Oku Maru Kalisina)
• Godavari(2006) (lyrics:Uppongele Godavari)
• Sainikudu(2006)
• Madhumasam(2007)
• Happy Days(2007)
• Dashavataram(2008, Dubbed version)
• Kantri(2008) (lyrics:Vayasunamy)
• Sundarakanda(2008) (lyricist)
• Malli Malli(2009) (lyricist)
• Bendu Apparao R.M.P(2009)
• Varudu(2010) (lyrics:All songs)
• Leader(2010)
• Simha(2010) (lyrics: Kanulara Chudhamu)
• Villain(2010) (dubbed version ofRaavanan)
• Badrinath(2011) (lyrics:omkareshwari)
• Surya S/o Krishnan(2008) (dubbed version ofVaaranam Aayiram)
• Abhi(2011)( "lyrics: Vangathota malupu kada" )
• Bus Stop(2012) ( "Lyrics:" Rekkalocchina Prema "and" Pattuko Pattuko ")

Books

Sirikaakolanu Chinnadi

This book was originally a "musical play" telecasted on the All India Radio. The story describes the culture and people during the time of the kingKrishna Deva Rayathrough the story of a Devadasi.The original play has music by the great music directorPendyala Nageswara Rao.One can see the beauty of the Telugu language in this book. Veturi was introduced to the directorK. Viswanaththrough this book and later their combination was a big hit.N.T.Rama Raowas so impressed by the story of this book that he wanted to make it as a movie. It is believed that there were some discussions on the script but the movie was never produced.

Kommako Kommako Sannaayi

A book titledkomma kommakO sannAyiwas published by "Veturi Sahitii Samiti". This book contains 27 articles written by Veturi celebrating his association with some famous personalities in the Telugu film industry. It also contains descriptions of some of his songs. The personalities covered include the following:

1. Music directors:Pendyala Nageswara Rao,S. Rajeswara Rao,K. V. Mahadevan,Adi Narayana Rao, Ramesh Naidu, Rajan – Nagendra, Chakravarty, Ilayaraja, MM Keeravaani & A.R.Rahman
2. Singers:S._P._Balasubrahmanyam
3. Lyricists:Daita Gopalam, Samudrala (Sr), Atreya, Dasarathi,
4. Actors:Nagayya, Jagayya,N. T. Rama Rao& Relangi
5. Directors and producers:Nagi Reddy, Jandhyala, Bapu – Ramana

Many of these articles were originally published in a Telugu magazine calledHaasam.Veturi's prowess in the Telugu language & literature and his vast knowledge of Carnatic music can be seen in this book. Veturi often quotes many of his own lyrics in this book and those examples offer a glimpse of his genius. In particular, his explanation of the songSwararaaga gangaa pravaahamE(Movie:Sarigamalu) is a masterpiece.

Personal life

Veturi was married to Seeta Maha Lakshmi and has three sons: Ravi Prakash, Chandrasekhar and Nanda Kishore.

Controversies

In March 2010, Veturi openly criticized theFilm Nagar Cooperative Societyofficials for not handing over the 1000 sq.yard land that was allotted to him about 28 years ago. He alleged that several juniors and ineligible people were given plots ahead of him. He was allegedly offered a double bedroom flat for 1.5 million.

After his death, noted singerManoand senior actor Vijay Chandar demanded the government to give the land to his family.

Death

Veturi died of apulmonary hemorrhageat a private hospital inHyderabadon 22 May 2010, aged 74, at about 9:30 p.m. local time. He was admitted to the hospital two days earlier and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) there as his health was deteriorating.

K. Viswanath, who introduced Veturi to the film industry, stated that "his works would please even the gods".DirectorSekhar Kammula,who worked with him to deliver some critically acclaimed songs, wrote a four-page article in the dailySakshidescribing Veturi's death as his "personal loss".

Legacy

Appaji Ambarisha Darbha, a creative digital-media professional turned actor made a font with the name "Veturi" which was inaugurated by Telugu lyricistSirivennela Seetharama Sastryin 2018.

External links

• List of Veturi Movies
• Lyricist Sirivennela'sarticleon Veturi, originally published in the magazineHaasam
• Srinivas Kanchibhotla'sarticleon Veturi in Idlebrain
• Sekhar kammula's extensive article on veturi[2]on Idlebrain