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.
Krishnaveni is a 1974 Indian Telugu-language film directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao, starring Krishnam Raju and Vanisri, under the banner of Gopikrishna Movies. The film met with strong critical reception and commercial success upon release. The movie was about a lady suffering from hysteria and the emotional trauma of her family. The film is a remake of the Kannada hit film Sharapanjara (1971).
Chandraharam is a 1954 Telugu-Tamil bilingual swashbuckler film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao in his debut. It was produced by Nagi Reddy-Chakrapani under the Vijaya Productions banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri and Sriranjani Jr., with music composed by Ghantasala. The film was not commercially successful.
Rechukka is a 1955 Indian Telugu-language swashbuckler film directed by P. Pullaiah. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi with music composed by Aswatthama. The story was inspired by The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951), starring Tony Curtis.
Karthika Deepam is a 1979 Indian Telugu-language film directed by Laxmi Deepak and starring Sobhan Babu, Sridevi and Sharada. The music score by Satyam are memorable. Sobhan Babu won Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu). The film was declared a blockbuster at the box office.
Veerabhimanyu is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film produced by Sunderlal Nahta and Doondi and directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Shobhan Babu and Kanchana, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film was recorded as a Super Hit at the box office. It was simultaneously filmed in Tamil as Veera Abhimanyu, with slightly different cast. The film had its climax scene shot in Eastmancolor. The film is considered a breakthrough for Shobhan Babu.
Bratuku Teruvu (transl. Livelihood) is a 1953 Telugu-language drama film, produced by Kovelamudi Bhaskar Rao under the Bhaskar Productions banner and directed by P. S. Ramakrishna Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. The film was also dubbed in Tamil as Bale Raman (1956), remade in Kannada as Badukuva Daari (1966), in Hindi as Jeene Ki Raah (1969) and later in Tamil as Naan Yen Pirandhen (1972).
Balipeetam is a 1975 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film stars Sobhan Babu and Sarada in the lead roles. It is produced by Y. Sunil Chowdary. It is based on the popular socialist novel, Balipeetam written by Ranganayakamma.
Jeevana Tarangalu is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by T. Rama Rao. The film stars Sobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju, Vanisri, Chandramohan, and Lakshmi. It is based on a novel by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, and won three Filmfare Awards South. It was remade in Tamil as Thirumangalyam (1974), in Hindi in as Dil Aur Deewaar (1978), and in Kannada as Mangalya (1991).
Annadammula Anubandham is 1975 Indian Telugu-language action drama film, produced by the makeup artist M. Peethambaram and directed by S. D. Lal. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Murali Mohan, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Latha, and music composed by Chakravarthy. It is a remake of the Hindi film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973). The film was a box office hit.
Mundadugu is a 1983 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by D. Rama Naidu of Suresh Productions and directed by K. Bapaiah, starring Krishna, Sobhan Babu, Sridevi and Jaya Prada.
Sampoorna Ramayanam is a 1972 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Bapu. It is based on Valmiki's Ramayana. The film was a commercial success.
Marumagal (transl. Daughter-in-law) is a 1953 Indian Tamil-language drama film, produced by Lena Chettiar on Krishna Pictures banner and directed by D. Yoganand. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Padmini and Lalitha, with music composed by C. R. Subburaman. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu-language as Ammalakkalu.
Vichitra Kutumbam is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language comedy film, produced by V. K. P. Sunkavalli under the Sriraj Art Films banner and directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Krishna, Shobhan Babu and Vijaya Nirmala, with music composed by T. V. Raju. A remake of this film in Hindi with Dilip Kumar was shelved.
Palleturi Chinnodu is a 1974 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced and directed by B. Vittalacharya under the Sri Vittal Productions & Co banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Krishnam Raju and Manjula, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film is a remake of the Kannada film Chinnada Gombe (1964).
Punyavathi is a 1967 Telugu-language drama film, produced by Vasu Menon under the Vasu Studios banner and directed by V. Dadamirasi. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna Kumari, Shobhan Babu and music composed by Ghantasala. The film was a remake of the Hindi film Nai Roshni (1967).
Vaarasatwam (transl. Heritage) is a 1964 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by Mangalampalli Brothers under Subhodaya Pictures and directed by Tapi Chanakya. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi, with music composed by Ghantasala.
Aapta Mitrulu is a 1963 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced and directed by Kadaru Nagabhushanam under the Sri Raja Rajeswari Film Company banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna Kumari, Kanta Rao and music composed by Ghantasala.
Cherapakura Chedevu is a 1955 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced and directed by Kovelamudi Bhaskar Rao under the Bhaskar Productions banner. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Sowcar Janaki and music composed by Ghantasala. It was dubbed in Tamil and released as Illarame Inbam in 1956.
