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.
Kadiri Venkata Reddy was an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer who primarily worked in Telugu cinema. He is regarded as an influential director in South Indian cinema. He directed 14 feature films and won three National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award South.
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.
Satya Harishchandra is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, based on the life of Harishchandra, produced and directed by K. V. Reddy under the Vijaya Productions banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and S. Varalakshmi, with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Pillavalu Gajapathy Krishnaveni, more famously known as Jikki, was an Indian playback singer from Andhra Pradesh. She sang around 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhalese, and Hindi languages.
Gundamma Katha is a 1962 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and co-produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under their banner Vijaya Productions. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Savitri, and Jamuna, with S. V. Ranga Rao, Suryakantham, and Ramana Reddy in supporting roles.
Mahamantri Timmarusu is a 1962 Indian Telugu-language historical drama film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Devika, Gummadi with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. The film was produced by N. Ramabrahmam, A. Pundarikakshayya under the Gowtami Productions banner. The film won the President's silver medal for Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 10th National Film Awards.
Jayabheri is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language biographical film directed by P. Pullayya who co-wrote the script with Acharya Aatreya. The film is based on the life of poet Kaasinath and stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi. The film was produced by Vasireddy Narayana Rao with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Paramanandayya Sishyula Katha is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language swashbuckler film directed by C. Pullayya. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, K. R. Vijaya with music composed by Ghantasala. It is produced by Thota Subba Rao under the Sridevi Productions banner.
Andhra Vishnu, better known as Srikakula Mahavishnu statue, was set up in Andhra in a pre-existing older temple. The previous deistic form worshiped in the temple is unknown.
Bandipotu Dongalu (transl. Dacoits) is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language action film, produced by J. Subba Rao and G. Rajendra Prasad, and directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Jamuna, S. V. Ranga Rao with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Vaddadi Papaiah (1921–1992), name sometimes spelt Papayya, pen-name Vapa, was a painter, cover artist and illustrator for Telugu magazines, known especially for his covers for the children's magazine Chandamama.
Sati Savitri is a 1978 Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by B. A. Subba Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Krishnam Raju, Vanisri and music composed by Ghantasala & Pendyala Nageswara Rao. It is produced by A. Sankar Reddy under the Lalitha Siva Jyothi Studios. The film is based on the story of Savitri and Satyavan.
Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha is a 1968 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. The film was produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani under the Vijaya Productions banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and B. Saroja Devi, with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. Released on 11 January 1968, the film was a commercial failure.
Sri Rama Pattabhishekam is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed and produced by N. T. Rama Rao under Ramakrishna Cine Studios banner. Based on the Ramayana, the film stars Rama Rao, Jamuna and Sangeeta, with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Manithan Maravillai is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written, co-produced and directed by Chakrapani and produced by Nagi Reddi under Vijaya Productions. It is a remake of the Telugu film Gundamma Katha, which itself is based on the 1958 Kannada film Mane Thumbida Hennu.
Sri Krishna Vijayamu is a 1971 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film produced by M. S. Reddy under the Kaumudi Art Pictures banner and directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayalalithaa, with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. The film was recorded as a flop at the box office. It was dubbed into Hindi as Hare Krishna in 1974.
Sri Krishna Tulabharam is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced by D. Ramanaidu under the Suresh Productions banner and directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi, Kanta Rao and Jamuna with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Prameelarjuneeyam is a 1965 Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by M. Mallikarjuna Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, B. Saroja Devi with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. It was produced by K. Adi Babu and K. Nagumani under the S.R. Movies banner.
Sri Tirupatamma Katha is a 1963 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of Penuganchiprolu Tirupatamma, produced by Donepoodi Krishna Murthy under the Gokul Productions banner and directed by B. S. Narayana. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna Kumari, and music composed by Pamarthi.
