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.
Krishnankoil Venkadachalam Mahadevan was an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician who won the inaugural National Film Award for Best Music Direction in (1967) for Kandan Karunai. Known for his works in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. He is best known for his contributions in works such as Manchi Manasulu (1962), Lava Kusa (1963), Thiruvilaiyadal (1965), Saraswathi Sabatham (1966), Kandan Karunai (1967), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Adimai Penn (1969), Balaraju Katha (1970), Athiparasakthi (1971), Sankarabharanam (1979), Saptapadi (1981), Sirivennela (1986), Sruthilayalu (1987), Sutradharulu (1989), Pelli Pustakam (1991), and Swathi Kiranam (1992).
Sirivennela (transl. Moonlight) is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language romance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Suhasini, Sarvadaman Banerjee and Moon Moon Sen. The film has music composed by K. V. Mahadevan.
Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao, known mononymously as Nagarjuna, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. One of the highest paid South Indian actor, Nagarjuna has appeared in over 90 films. He is a recipient of two National Film Awards for Ninne Pelladata (1996) and Annamayya (1997), ten state Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.
Vijayashanti is an Indian actress, film producer and politician. In a film career spanning 40 years, she has acted in 187 feature films in a variety of roles in various languages predominantly in Telugu films, in addition to Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam films. She is widely referred as the "Lady Superstar", "Lady Amitabh", and "The Action Queen of Indian Cinema", She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her work as a female cop in Kartavyam for depicting both aggression and feminity with balance and restraint (1990). She is a recipient of several accolades, including four Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards for Best Actress, seven Filmfare Awards South together with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, and the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu Government.
Adavi Ramudu is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Jayaprada and Jayasudha, with supporting roles played by Nagabhushanam, Satyanarayana, Gummadi and Jaggayya. The film was edited by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan and cinematography by A. Vincent.
Jamuna was an Indian actress, director, and politician who appeared mainly in Telugu cinema. She made her acting debut at age 16 in Dr. Garikapati Rajarao's Puttillu (1953), and received her breakthrough with L. V. Prasad'sMissamma (1955). Her filmography also includes Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. She won a Filmfare Award and an award at Filmfare Awards South. She was a member of parliament in the 9th Lok Sabha (1989–1991) representing the Rajahmundry constituency.
K. Chakravarthi was an Indian music director and actor who primarily worked in Telugu cinema. He made his debut in 1971 with Mooga Prema and went on compose music for over 1000 films, predominantly in Telugu language, followed by Kannada. He won two Nandi Awards.
Nirmalamma was an Indian actress in the Telugu cinema. She appeared in more than 1000 films and was well known for her grandmother roles in several films. She won two Nandi Awards.
Papam Pasivadu is a 1972 Indian Telugu-language adventure drama film directed by V. Ramachandra Rao and written by Gollapudi Maruti Rao. A remake of the South African film Lost in the Desert (1969), it stars S. V. Ranga Rao, Nagesh, Master Ramu and Devika. The film revolves around a boy who gets lost in a desert, and his attempts to find his family. Papam Pasivadu released on 29 September 1972 and became a commercial success.
Sudigundalu (transl. Whirlpools) is a 1968 Indian Telugu-language philosophical film, produced by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Adurthi Subba Rao under the Chakravarthy Chitra banner and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and has music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It was released on 28 June 1968. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, The Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, and the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu. It marked the debut of Nageswara Rao's son Nagarjuna as child artist in a cameo. The cult classic film was screened at the Tashkent Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of India.
Andala Ramudu is a 1973 Telugu-language comedy drama film, film produced by N. S. Murthy under the Chitra Kalpana banner and directed by Bapu. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Latha and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film is based on Mullapudi Venkata Ramana's Janata Express (novel). The film is the debut to veteran artists Nutan Prasad and Latha. The film won two Nandi Awards. The film has given enthusiastically drawing atmosphere and spirit to the movie Godavari (2006), directed by Sekhar Kammula.
Chinnabbayi is a 1996 Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by M. Narasimha Rao under Raasi Movies. It stars Venkatesh, Ramya Krishnan and Ravali, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was a flop at the box office. The film was dubbed in Tamil as College Galatta.
Vande Mataram is a 1985 Indian Telugu-language film written and directed by T. Krishna, and produced Krishna Chitra. It stars Vijayashanti and Rajasekhar, with music composed by Chakravarthy. The film is the debut of actor Rajasekhar into the Telugu film industry.
Sita Ramulu is a 1980 Telugu-language drama film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao starring Krishnam Raju, Jaya Prada and Mohan Babu. The music was composed by Satyam. The song "Toli Sandhya Velalo" is a chartbuster and is remembered even today. This film is a remake of the Tamil film Kanavan Manaivi.
Muddula Mavayya is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by S. Gopal Reddy under the Bhargav Art Productions banner and directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vijayashanti and musical score by K. V. Mahadevan. The film was a remake of the Tamil film En Thangachi Padichava which was also remade in Hindi as Aaj Ka Arjun starring Amitabh Bachchan; in Kannada as Ravimama starring V. Ravichandran.
Justice Chowdary is a 1982 Indian Telugu-language action drama film, produced by T. Trivikrama Rao and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Sridevi, with music composed by Chakravarthy. The film was remade in Hindi as Justice Chaudhury, in Tamil as Neethibathi, in Kannada as Agni Pareekshe and in Malayalam as Justice Raja. The film became a box office hit and the second highest grossing Telugu film of the year 1982 after Rama Rao's own Bobbili Puli.
Sri Ranga Neethulu is a 1983 Indian Telugu-language comedy film, produced by Venkat Akkineni, Nagarjuna Akkineni under the Annapurna Studios banner and directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Sridevi, with music composed by Chakravarthy. It is a remake of the Tamil film Ooty Varai Uravu (1967). The film was recorded as a Super Hit at the box office.
Sabash Ramudu is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by C. S. Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Devika, with music composed by Ghantasala. The film was produced by Sundarlal Nahata and T. Aswathanarayana under the Rajshree Productions banner. The film is a remake of the Hindi film Bada Bhai (1957). It was dubbed in Tamil language with the title Sabash Ramu.
Circus Ramudu is a 1980 Indian Telugu-language action drama film, produced by Kovai Chezhiyan on K. C. Films banner and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Jaya Prada and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan.
