Ghazal Srinivas

Last updated

Kesiraju Srinivas
Birth nameKesiraju Srinivas
Also known asGazal Srinivas
Born (1966-10-14) 14 October 1966 (age 56)
Genres Ghazal
Occupation(s)Singer, activist
Instrument(s)Vocals, frame drum
Website ghazalsrinivas.com

Kesiraju Srinivas (born 14 October 1966), popularly known as Ghazal Srinivas, is a Ghazal singer, actor, activist, and frame drum player from Hyderabad, India. He holds the Guinness World Record for most languages sung. [1] He did a pioneering work in Telugu Ghazals. He also sings Ghazals in Hindi and Urdu languages. [2] He gave performances in many countries across the world. As part of his peace mission he traveled to war-hit countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, etc. to spread the non-violence movement preached by Mahatma Gandhi. In 2005, he started Ghazal Charitable Trust to promote Ghazals and world peace. [3]

Contents

Srinivas, a native of Palakol in West Godavari District, was born in Tekkali, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. [4] He worked as a librarian at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhimavaram and Sainik School, Korukonda, for a decade. He started singing Telugu ghazals in 1986. [5] He uses a frame drum as his only accompaniment.

Life

Srinivas was born in Tekkali, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. His grandfather Kesiraju Venkata Narasimham Pantulu was a freedom fighter. His father Narasimharao got settled in Palakollu as part of his job. His mother Rathnavali is a housewife. [6] He got attracted towards music right from his childhood. He used to sing film songs on various stages. Despite his interest in music, his parents initially were not very keen on pursuing a career in Music. In 1980, he received an award in Light music from the prestigious Tyagaraja Gana Sabha. After this incident, his parents realized his talent in music and sent him to Pandit Hare Ram to learn Carnatic music. He did BA in political science from Andhra University. He also completed Bachelor of Library Science from University of Madras in 1989. [3] Before turning into a full time Ghazal singer, he worked as a librarian in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhimavaram, Korukonda Sainik school. [6]

He is married to Surekha. The couple has a daughter named Samskruti.

Career

He mostly used to sing film songs from his childhood. In 1986, he happened to listen Ghazals written and composed by C. Narayana Reddy. Then he decided to make his unique style by experimenting with Ghazals. Narayana Reddy also encouraged him by penning lyrics suited for his singing. He also taught him tricks of the trade while singing Ghazals. He has a unique style of singing Ghazals as he uses only one instrument kanjeera (tambourine) as his accompaniment. [3] He sings the ghazals written by noted Telugu poet C. Narayana Reddy, and himself along with others.

He gave his first Ghazal performance in 1986. 1993 Rotary club sponsored his trip to USA to sing Ghazals to spread the national pride of India. After returning from that 60-day trip, he wanted to revolutionize the art of Ghazal singing, and started spending more time on it. [7]

He used his art to bring peace and harmony in the society. To spread the message of peace taught by Mahatma Gandhi, he visited war hit countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, and the middle east. [8] In 2005, he took part in 1538 km peace march from Delhi to Multan along with Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sandeep Pandey and more than 40 distinguished people from different fields. He composed an album Shanti Yatra (peace march) to promote healthy relationship between India and Pakistan. This album was released by Abdul Kalam in New Delhi, who was the president of India at that time. They distributed the music CDs to Pakistan citizens during their visit. In 2006, he participated in world peace conclave held in Lahore to oppose the development of atomic weapons. He observed two-day fast to support this cause. [7]

In 2016, he played a vital role in the restoration of Pinakini satygraha Ashramam at Pallepadu of Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh which was founded in 1921 by Mahatma Gandhi. [9] He was felicitated with Peace Award for his Album Salam-Bogo by Afghan Olympic Association. [10] He performed in the places like prisons in Warangal, Vizag, Vijayawada. [11] In 2017 he sang the songs in Hebrew, English and Hindi languages in Israel Parliament. [12] He also promotes talent in the youth to express poetical skills through Ghazals. [13]

He raised funds for the new Ram Mandir being built in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh by performing Ghazal concerts across various places. [14]

His Ghazal Charitable Trust along with North America Telugu Society (NATS) unveiled the statue of noted musician M. Balamuralikrishna in his native village Sankaraguptam in March 2020. [15]

As part of Azadi Ka Amrita Mahotsav he has composed a song on the Telugu freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju when the prime minister Narendra Modi visited Bheemavaram in Andhra Pradesh in July 2022. [9] He conducted JPL - Jaihind Premier League in Vizag on 26 October 2022, a first of its kind cricket tournament to promote Sanatana Dharma, and patriotism. The teams are named after the famous freedom fighters. [16]

His audio of the recitation of 108 selected poems from Andhra Mahabharatam is released by Kanchi seer, Vijayendra Saraswati on 12 December 2022 in Peruru of East Godavari district. [17] [18]

Films

Srinivas has been part of a few films. He entered into the Telugu films as a lead actor in the film Vichitram directed by Jandhyala. This was the last film directed by Jandhyala. [19] He also played a guest role in 2005 Telugu thriller, A Film by Aravind. In 2015, he acted in a film Anushtanam which is based on a story written by Gudipati Venkatachalam in the 1950s. [20]

Filmography

TitleYearRoleLanguage(s)NoteRef.
Vichitram1999DasarathiTelugu [19]
A Film by Aravind 2005SatyamTelugu
Anushtanam2016Kesava RaoTelugu [21]

Awards

He received an honorary doctorate from Cosmopolitan University, Missouri, USA in the field of performing arts in 2005. [22] He also received D.Lit (Doctor of letters) from Acharya Nagarjuna University in 2008. [23] [24] Government of Andhra Pradesh conferred him with Kalaratna award in 2011. This award is presented every year to the people who have contributed greatly towards the field of arts and culture. [25] NATS (North America Telugu Society) conferred him with the title Gaana Kalaa Vachaspati in 2012. [26]

He received Lata Mangeshkar Memorial award on the occasion of her birthday celebrations in Pune on 18 September 2022. He performed some Hindi and Urdu Ghazals in her memory. He is also awarded INR 21,000. [27]

He was conferred with Sant Kabir Sufi Gayaka award on April 30, 2023, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh as part of a festival commemorating Santh Kabir. The award is presented to him by Santosh Agnihotri, director of Akash Vani, Indore. [28] [29]

World Records

He entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the first time in 2008 when he sang 100 songs in 100 languages. In 2009, he again set a new world record by singing 125 songs in 125 languages. He set the third world record by performing maximum number of concerts (55) in 24 hours in 2010. [30]

Positions held

He served as an honorary adviser for rural development from 2005 to 2008 when Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy was the chief minister of united Andhra Pradesh. [22]

After Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated, Andhra Saraswata Parishath, a cultural organization which is dedicated to promote Telugu literature was renamed to Telangana Saraswata Parishath. [31] A new organization is formed with the previous name with Ghazal Srinivas as its chairman in 2017. He organized international Telugu celebrations from 6th to 8th in January 2022. [32]

He was the brand ambassador for Save Temples Mission organized by savetemples.org and Global Hindu Heritage foundation. [3]

As part of the Save Temples mission, he raised awareness of protecting old temples by conducting concerts and bringing the plight of some old temples to government's notice. [33]

Sexual misconduct allegations

A woman complained that Srinivas was harassed for months. The police registered the case on Tuesday, 2 January 2018 after validating the evidence furnished by the victim, who lodged a two-page complaint with the Punjagutta police on 29 December 2017. Police said Srinivas had forced the woman to do body massage including private parts. "Under the veil he is living in, under the 'save the temples' disguise he's wearing like a thick blanket, neither my friends nor my mother will believe that he's such a sex pervert," said the woman. [34]

Srinivas was taken into custody on charges of sexually harassing a woman, working as jockey for a web radio 'Alayavani' of 'Save Temples' organization. The police presented Ghazal Srinivas in court and he was remanded to judicial custody for 10 days. [35] The singer was shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail.

SaveTemples Organization suspended Dr. Ghazal Srinivas as Brand Ambassador where these allegations were reported. [36] [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. T. Rama Rao</span> Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred by the media as Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma. Rao received three National Film Awards for co-producing Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) under National Art Theater, Madras, and for directing Varakatnam (1970). Known for his breakthrough performances in Raju Peda (1954) and Lava Kusa (1963), Rao garnered the Nandi Award for Best Actor for Kodalu Diddina Kapuram in 1970, and the Inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu in 1972 for Badi Panthulu.

<i>Eenadu</i> Largest circulated Telugu newspaper

Eenadu is an Indian Telugu-language daily newspaper sold mostly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is also the largest circulated Telugu daily newspaper in the country. According to the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) Q2 2022, Eenadu ranks seventh among the most circulated Indian-language dailies with a total readership (TR) of 1,351,956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramoji Rao</span> Indian businessman and media entrepreneur

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao is an Indian businessman, media entrepreneur, and film producer. He is head of the Ramoji Group which owns the world's largest film production facility Ramoji Film City, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network of TV channels, film production company Usha Kiran Movies. His other business ventures include Margadarsi Chit Fund, Dolphin Group of hotels, Kalanjali shopping mall, Priya pickles, and Mayuri Film Distributors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veturi</span> Poet

Veturi Sundararama Murthy, known mononymously by his surname Veturi, was an Indian poet, lyricist and journalist who is popular for writing Telugu songs. His career in the Telugu cinema spanned more than four decades. He was highly admired and cherished for his deep and thoughtful lyrics in Telugu songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chiranjeevi</span> Indian actor and former politician

Chiranjeevi is an Indian actor, film producer and former politician. He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. In a career spanning over four decades, he starred in over 150 feature films predominantly in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Chiranjeevi won the Andhra Pradesh state's highest film award, the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Awards South including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2013, CNN-IBN named him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D. Ramanaidu</span> Indian film producer

Daggubati Ramanaidu was an Indian film producer known for his work in Telugu cinema. He founded Suresh Productions in 1964 which became of one of the largest film production companies in India. He was placed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most films produced by an individual, with more than 150 films in 13 Indian languages. He also served as a Member of Parliament for the Bapatla constituency in Andhra Pradesh in the 13th Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brahmanandam</span> Indian actor and comedian

Kanneganti Brahmanandam, known mononymously as Brahmanandam, is an Indian actor, comedian, impersonator, and voice actor known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He is particularly known for his comic performances. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, appearing in over 1000 films to date. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Acharya Nagarjuna University. In 2009, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contribution to Art. Brahmanandam is one of the highest-paid comic actors in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telugu cinema</span> Indian Telugu-language film industry

Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, Hyderabad. As of 2021, Telugu cinema is the largest film industry in India in terms of box-office. Telugu films sold 23.3 crore tickets in 2022, the highest among various film industries in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. Susheela</span> Indian singer (born 1935)

Pulapaka Susheela, popularly known as P. Susheela, is an Indian playback singer associated with the South Indian cinema primarily from Andhra Pradesh for over six decades. She is one of the greatest and best-known playback singers in India. She has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as well as by the Asia Book of Records for performing a record number of songs in different Indian languages. She is also the recipient of five National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer and numerous state awards. Susheela is widely acclaimed as a singer who defined feminism in South Indian cinema and is well known for her mellifluous vocal performances for over 40,000 film and devotional songs across South Indian languages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. T. Rama Rao Jr.</span> Indian actor (b. 1983)

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., also known as Jr. N.T.R. or Tarak, is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema. One of the highest paid Telugu film actors, Rama Rao Jr. has won several accolades, including two Filmfare Awards, two state Nandi Awards, and four CineMAA Awards. Since 2012, he has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandi Awards</span> Annual award in Telugu cinema and television

The Nandi Awards are the awards that recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre, Telugu television, and Lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. Presented annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh the awards are named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural and historical symbol of the Telugu people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rajendra Prasad (actor)</span> Indian actor

Gadde Rajendra Prasad is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Telugu films. He is a recipient of four Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards, three SIIMA Awards, and three Santosham Film Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telugu theatre</span>

Telugu theatre is Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gurajada Apparao wrote the play, Kanyasulkam in 1892, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language. C. Pullaiah is cited as the father of Telugu theatre movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jandhyala</span> Indian film director, screenwriter, playwright

Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry, known mononymously by his surname Jandhyala, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, playwright, and actor known for his works in Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre. He is popularly known as Hasya Brahma. In a career spanning more than two decades, he directed over 40 films and wrote the dialogue for more than 300 films. He won three state Nandi Awards one each for Best Director, Best Story Writer, and Best Dialogue Writer and one Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu. The Hindu referred to him as the 'King of Comedy in Tollywood'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sakshi (media group)</span> Indian newsgroup

Sakshi is an Indian Telugu-language media group. The group owns the daily newspaper Sakshi, 24-hour news channel Sakshi TV, and associated digital ventures. Its first asset, Sakshi newspaper, was launched on 23 March 2008 by Jagati Publications Ltd. owned by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Sakshi TV was launched on 1 March 2009, by Indira Television Ltd., also owned by Reddy. The group is currently run under the chairmanship of Y. S. Bharathi Reddy, wife of Jagan Mohan Reddy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pulagam Chinnarayana</span> Indian writer, reporter, critic

Pulagam Chinnarayana is an Indian Telugu cinema journalist, author, film critic, lyricist, dialogue writer and a public relations officer. He started his career as a film journalist for the magazines Sivaranjani, Number One, Chitram, Santhosham. Later, he worked for Sakshi for eight years where he reached a level of in-charge from being a regular reporter. He authored various Telugu books on Telugu Cinema like Jandhya Marutham, Aanaati Aanavaallu, Cine Poornodayam, Svarnayuga Sangeetha Darshakulu, Pasidi Thera, Cinema Venuka Storeelu, Maya Bazar Madhura Smruthulu and " Vendi Chandamamalu ". He won Nandi Award for Best Book on Telugu Cinema from Andhra Pradesh state Government twice for his books Aanaati Aanavaallu and Pasidi Thera in 2009 and 2015 respectively. He also won Nandi Award for Best Critic in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bapatla district</span> District in Andhra Pradesh, India

Bapatla district is a district in coastal Andhra in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh established on 4 April 2022. The administrative headquarter is Bapatla. The district is formed from parts of erstwhile Prakasam district and Guntur districts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaddam Padmaja Reddy</span> Indian Kuchipudi exponent (born 1967)

Gaddam Padmaja Reddy is an Indian Kuchipudi exponent and music teacher. She performs ballets on mythological themes and contemporary social issues. She choreographed Kakatiyam, a Kuchipudi visual dance form. She was conferred with Kala Ratna in 2006, India's highest art award–Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2015 and Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in the field of art for 2022.

References

  1. ↑ "'Ghazal Srinivas' enters Guinness book". The Hindu. Hyderabad. 14 November 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  2. ↑ Murali, S. (10 January 2016). "Ghazal Srinivas wants two Telugu States to flourish". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Satish Reddy, V (22 October 2017). "A remarkable journey". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  4. ↑ "About Srinivas – Dr. Ghazal Srinivas". www.ghazalsrinivas.com.
  5. ↑ Borah, Prabalika M. (25 February 2011). "Ghazals for peace". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  6. 1 2 "gazals gaana kalaa prapoorna ghazal sriniva". gotelugu.com. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  7. 1 2 Lakshmi, Ch (12 June 2013). Navya. Andhra Jyothi. p. 8. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Guinness record holder ghazal singer to spread Gandhian message". siliconindia. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Modi visits Bheemavaram to inaugurate Alluri Statue". Surya. 4 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  10. ↑ "Dr Ghazal Srinivas honoured with Afghanistan Olympic Peace Medal". Deccan Chronicle. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  11. ↑ Radhika Rajamani (5 August 2003). "Targeting transformation". hindu.com. Hyderabad: The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 October 2003. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "Ghazal Srinivas' song performance in Israel Parliament". suryaa. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  13. ↑ "Ghazal Srinivas on talent hunt spree". The Hindu. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  14. ↑ "రామమందిర నిర్మాణంలో భాగస్వాములవుదాం". Andhra Jyothi. 30 January 2021.
  15. ↑ "5న శంకరగుప్తం గ్రామంలో మంగళంపల్లి విగ్రహావిష్కరణ". Webdunia (in Telugu). Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "స్వాతంత్య్ర సంగ్రామ స్పూర్తితో.. విశాఖలో జేపీఎల్". Sakshi (in Telugu). 26 October 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "ఆంధ్ర మహాభారతం 108 పద్య గానమాలిక ఆడియో ఆవిష్కరణ". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  18. ↑ ABN (12 December 2022). "Audio launch: అమలాపురంలో ఆంధ్ర మహాభారతం 108 పద్యగానమాలిక ఆడియో ఆవిష్కరణ". Andhrajyothy Telugu News (in Telugu). Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  19. 1 2 "Idle Brain - Tribute - Jandhyala - Telugu film director and writer". www.idlebrain.com. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "Ghazal Srinivas turns film director". indiaherald.com. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Anushtanam Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos | eTimes". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  22. 1 2 "Ghazal Srinivas". Tollywood singers. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  23. ↑ "ప్రతిభావంతులకు డాక్టరేట్లు". ఈనాడు. 20 February 2008.
  24. ↑ Rakesh, G (28 August 2010). "Telugu People in Guinness Records". Techulator. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  25. ↑ "Telugu ghazal maestro Dr Ghazal Srinivas conferred the Kala Ratna Award - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  26. ↑ "'Gaana Kalaa Vaachaspathi' conferred on Ghazal Srinivas - TeluguPeople.com News". www.telugupeople.com. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  27. ↑ "గజల్‌ శ్రీనివాస్‌కు లతా మంగేష్కర్‌ స్మృతి పురస్కారం". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  28. ↑ "గజల్‌ శ్రీనివాస్‌కు 'సంత్ కబీర్ సూఫీ గాయక సత్కారం'". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  29. ↑ "డా. గజల్‌ శ్రీనివాస్‌కు 'సంత్‌ కబీర్‌ సూఫీ గాయక సత్కారం'". Sakshi (in Telugu). 1 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  30. ↑ "Hat-trick by Ghazal Srinivas". hindu.com. Vijayawada: The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "విభజన ఎఫెక్ట్: ఆంధ్ర సారస్వత పరిషత్ పేరు మార్పు". telugu.oneindia.com (in Telugu). 21 August 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  32. ↑ "international Telugu Sambaralu: 'మాతృభాషను.. ప్రతి ఒక్కరూ ప్రేమించాలి'". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  33. ↑ MN, Samdani (28 August 2022). "Intach Spearheads Campaign To Renovate 500-year-old Temple". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  34. ↑ "Ten Video Tapes Against Ghazal Srinivas??".
  35. ↑ "Ghazal Srinivas remanded for 10 days in sexual harassment case". The Hans India.
  36. ↑ "Welcome to SaveTemples.org! Mission to Protect and Preserve Hinduism and Hindu Temples Worldwide. - A project of Global Hindu Heritage Foundation [GHHF] USA". www.savetemples.org.
  37. ↑ Pavan, P (2 January 2018). "Ghazal Srinivas held for harassing radio jockey". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.