Ghantasala Venkateswararao, known mononymously by his surname as Ghantasala, was an Indian playback singer and film composer known for his works predominantly in Telugu and Kannada cinema and also in Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi language films. He is considered one of the greatest singers of Telugu cinema. 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.
Bhookailas is a 1958 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. Shankar. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Jamuna with music composed by R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam. It was produced by A. V. Meiyappan under the AVM Productions banner.
Chenchu Lakshmi is a 1958 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film produced and directed by B. A. Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi, with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. Along with the Telugu version, it was simultaneously shot in Tamil, with most of the actors and scenes being the same in both the versions. Another Chenchu Lakshmi was earlier made in 1943 with a different cast and crew.
Panduranga Mahatyam is a 1957 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of Pundarika, produced by N. Trivikrama Rao under the National Art Theatres banner and directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi and B. Saroja Devi with music composed by T. V. Raju. The film was dubbed into Tamil as Annaiyum Pithavum Munnari Dheivam (1959) and it was again remade as the Telugu film Pandurangadu (2008).
Swapna Sundari is a 1950 Telugu-language fantasy swashbuckler film, produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramayya under the Pratibha Productions banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi and music jointly composed by C. R. Subburaman and Ghantasala. The film is based on Kasi Majilee Kathalu and it was simultaneously dubbed in Tamil with the same name.
Keelu Gurram is a 1949 Indian Telugu-language swashbuckler film produced and directed by Raja Saheb of Mirzapuram under the Sobhanachala Pictures banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi, with music composed by Ghantasala. The film marks the debut of Ghantasala as a composer who would later become a noted composer and playback singer.
Sri Seeta Rama Jananam is a 1944 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramayya under the Pratibha Productions banner. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Tripurasundari, Vemuri Gaggayya, Rushyendramani. Music was jointly composed by Prabhala Satyanarayana and Ogirala Ramachandra Rao. The film marks the debut of Akkineni Nageswara Rao as a lead actor. It is also the debut of Ghantasala as a chorus singer and in a character role. The film was a commercial failure.
Palnati Yuddham is a 1947 Indian Telugu-language historical war film jointly directed by L. V. Prasad and Gudavalli Ramabrahmam. Based on the Battle of Palnadu, the film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Govindarajula Subba Rao and Kannamba, with music composed by Galipenchala Narasimha Rao. It is produced by Koganti Venkata Subba Rao under the Sri Sarada Productions banner.
Mugguru Maratilu is a 1946 Telugu-language historical drama film produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramayya under the Pratibha Productions banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, C. H. Narayana Rao, Bezawada Rajaratnam and Kannamba, with music composed by Ogirala Ramachandra Rao. The film was recorded as a Super Hit at the box office and established Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the Telugu film industry.
Mayalokam is a 1945 Telugu-language film produced and directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam under the Sarathi Films banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and S. Varalakshmi, with music composed by Galipenchala Narasimha Rao. The film is the debut of veteran actor and producer Padmanabham. The film was successful at the box office.
Ratnamala is a 1948 Telugu-language film, produced and directed by P. S. Ramakrishna Rao under the Bharani Studios banner. It stars Bhanumathi Ramakrishna and Akkineni Nageswara Rao, with music composed by C. R. Subburaman.
Laila Majnu is a 1949 Telugu-language historical romance film, based on the Sufi legend of Laila-Majnu. It is produced and directed by P. S. Ramakrishna Rao under the Bharani Pictures banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Bhanumathi, with music composed by C. R. Subburaman. The film was simultaneously released in Tamil with same title. The film was successful at the box office.
Gali Penchala Narasimha Rao (1903–1964), also known as Gali Penchalayya, was an Indian film music composer. He was a representative of the first generation of music directors in Indian cinema. He debuted with the Telugu version of Seetha Kalyanam in 1934. Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935) was another musical hit of his. His music has contributed to the success of Balaraju (1948). The songs Cheliya Kanarava by Ghantasala and Evarine Nenevarine by S. Varalakshmi were the melodies which attracted many those days.
Ghantasala Balaramayya was an Indian film director, producer, and actor in Telugu cinema. His notable films include Sri Seetarama Jananam (1944), Balaraju (1948), Swapna Sundari (1950), and Sri Lakshmamma Katha (1950). Balaramayya is known for providing Akkineni Nageswara Rao his first lead role in the 1944 mythological film Sri Seetarama Jananam.
Sita Rama Kalyanam is a 1961 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by N. T. Rama Rao in his directorial debut. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Haranath, Geetanjali, B. Saroja Devi, Kanta Rao, Sobhan Babu. The film was produced by N. Trivikrama Rao on 'National Art Theatres' banner. The music composed by Gali Penchala Narasimha Rao.
Mangalya Balam is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under Annapurna Pictures banner and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Master Venu. The film is a remake of the Bengali film Agni Pariksha, which was based on Ashapurna Devi's novel of the same name. It was simultaneously made by the same banner and director in Tamil as Manjal Mahimai.
Jai Jawan is a 1970 Telugu-language drama film produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under the Annapurna Pictures banner and directed by D. Yoganand. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Bharati, Krishnam Raju and music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao.
Sumangali is a 1965 Telugu-language drama film, produced by T. Govindarajan under the Venus Pictures & Ashok Movies banner and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Savitri, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film is a remake of the Tamil film Sarada (1962).
Aada Pettanam is a 1958 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by M. Narayana Swamy and M. Venkata Ramadasu and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi and music jointly composed by S. Rajeswara Rao & Master Venu. Anisetty was announced as the director initially, but Adurthi Subba Rao took over later.
Sri Lakshmamma Katha is a 1950 Telugu-language film, produced and directed by Ghantasala Balaramayya under the Pratibha Productions banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi, with music composed by C. R. Subburaman.
