Raavu Balasaraswathi
| R. Balasaraswathi Devi | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Rao Balasaraswathi Devi 28 August 1928 Venkatagiri, Madras Presidency, British India now in Andhra Pradesh |
| Occupation | Actress, playback singer |
| Awards | Ramineni Foundation Award |
R. Balasaraswathi, Raavu Balasaraswathi or Rao Balasaraswathi Devi (Telugu: రావు బాలసరస్వతీ దేవి. Tamil: ராவ் பாலசரஸ்வதி தேவி) (born 28 August 1928) is a famous singer and actress of 1930 to the 1960s in Telugu and Tamil cinema.[1]
She has the distinction of being the first light music singer on All India Radio and the first playback singer of the Telugu cinema industry.[2]
Early life
She was born in 1928 at Venkatagiri. She learned music from Allathuru Subbayya and lent her voice for the first solo gramophone by HMV recording company at the age of six.
Career life
She acted as child actor Ganga and also sang in the films Sati Anasuya and Bhakta Dhruva, both directed by C. Pullaiah in 1936.[3] Observing her talent, director K. Subramaniam invited her to act in Tamil films. In the following years, she acted in Tamil films like Bhaktha Kuchela (1936), Balayogini (1937), and Thiruneelakantar (1939). She played the role of Tukaram's daughter in Tukaram (1938). The Tukaram role was portrayed by Musiri Subramania Iyer in the Tamil version and by C. S. R. Anjaneyulu in the Telugu version. In 1940, she acted with S. Rajeswara Rao in Illalu, directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam.
In Bhagya Lakshmi (1943) of Sri Renuka Films of Chittor V. Nagaiah, she made history when she sang for Kamala Kotnis on screen. It was the first instance of playback singing in Telugu cinema. The song Thinne Meedha Sinnoda was composed by Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao.
She gradually reduced her screen appearances. After some time, she resumed her career as a playback singer to sing many memorable songs in Telugu and Tamil. Although she has rendered songs in many genres and moods such as religious, romantic and dance, her strong point is sorrow and lullabies. The immortal song of neela vaNNa kaNNa vaada, nee oru muttham thaadaa in Mangaiyar Thilakam in Tamil and Dharaniki Giri Bharama, Giriki Tharuvu Bharama, Taruvuku Kaaya Bharama, Kanipenche Talliki Pilla Bharama in Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu in Telugu languages is one of her best tunes.
She lived for some years in Mysore, and then shifted to Hyderabad. After her husband's death, she is now living with her son in her grandson's house in Secunderabad.
Music composers she sang for
She worked under G. Ramanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, C. R. Subburaman, S. V. Venkatraman, Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy, Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao, R. Chinnaiah, S. Hanumantha Rao, S. Rajeswara Rao, P. Adinarayana Rao, G. Aswathama, Ogirala Ramachandra Rao, Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao, Adepalli Rama Rao, C. N. Pandurangan, Chittor V. Nagaiah, T. V. Raju, Ghantasala, Naushad, L. Malleswara Rao, S. Dakshinamurthi, Vedha, M. Ranga Rao, Master Venu, R. Sudharsanam, Pamarti Krishna Murty, G. Govindarajulu Naidu and M. B. Sreenivasan.
Playback singers she sang with
She sang immemorable duets mostly with Ghantasala and A. M. Rajah. She also sang along with T. M. Soundararajan, T. A. Mothi, Seerkazhi Govindarajan, S. Rajam, M. S. Ramarao, Pithapuram Nageswara Rao and Subramanyam.
She also sang duets with female singers with A. P. Komala, M. S. Rajeswari, K. Rani, Jikki and P. S. Vaidehi.
Filmography
Playback singer
| Year | Film | Language | Song | Music | Co-singer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Illalu | Telugu | Suma Komala | S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1943 | Bhagya Lakshmi | Telugu | Tinne Meedi Chinnoda | Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao | |
| 1943 | Chenchu Lakshmi | Telugu | Elukkovayya | R. Chinnaiah & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1943 | Chenchu Lakshmi | Telugu | Eri Eri | R. Chinnaiah & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1947 | Radhika | Telugu | Gopala Krishnudu Nallana | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1948 | Bilhana | Tamil | Sri Jaya Saraswathi Devi Thaaye | ||
| 1948 | Bilhana | Tamil | Innisaiye Ganarasa Innamudhe Ennuriye | ||
| 1948 | Suvarnamala | Telugu | Ravoji Jilvana Jyoti | Adepalli Rama Rao | |
| 1949 | Laila Majnu | Telugu | Ela Pagaye Ipudela Pagaye | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Laila Majnu | Tamil | Veen Pazhi Thane Prabho En Mel | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha | Telugu | Ogirala Ramachandra Rao | ||
| 1950 | Shavukaru | Telugu | Deepavali Deepavali | Ghantasala | |
| 1950 | Swapna Sundari | Telugu | Natanalu Telusunule | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Swapna Sundari | Telugu | Kanaganaitiniga | C. R. Subburaman | Ghantasala |
| 1950 | Swapna Sundari | Telugu | O Paradesi Mare Jadala | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1951 | Mayakkari | Tamil | Kanbeno Kanbeno | P. Adinarayana Rao | Pithapuram Nageswara Rao |
| 1951 | Mayakkari | Tamil | Kaagaiyum Kooguvum | P. Adinarayana Rao | Pithapuram Nageswara Rao |
| 1951 | Mayakkari | Tamil | Idhu Enna Vedhanai | P. Adinarayana Rao | |
| 1951 | Mayakkari | Tamil | Raajaa Koluvaai Vandhaar | P. Adinarayana Rao | Pithapuram Nageswara Rao |
| 1952 | Chinna Kodalu | Telugu | Jo Jo Jo Vayyarikade Jo Jo Jo | G. Aswathama | |
| 1952 | Chinna Kodalu | Telugu | Ra Rado Rachiluka | G. Aswathama | A. M. Rajah |
| 1952 | Manavati | Tamil | O Malaya Maaruthame | Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao | S. Rajam |
| 1952 | Manavati | Telugu | O Malaya Pavanama | Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao | M. S. Ramarao |
| 1952 | Manavati | Telugu | Phalimpava Naa Asalu | Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao | |
| 1952 | Manavati | Telugu | Tana Pantame | Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao | |
| 1952 | Prema | Telugu | C. R. Subburaman | ||
| 1952 | Thai Ullam | Tamil | Malai Nila Vara Vendum | Chittor V. Nagaiah & Adepalli Rama Rao | T. A. Mothi |
| 1952 | Priyuralu | Telugu | Unduvo Madhuranagari | Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao | |
| 1953 | Devadasu | Telugu | Andam Choodavaya Anandinchavaya | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Devadasu | Telugu | Tane Marena Nanne Marachena | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Devadasu | Telugu | Imta Telisiyumdi | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Devadas | Tamil | Santhosham Vendumendral | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Devadas | Tamil | Anbe Pavama | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Devadas | Tamil | Paaramugam Yenayya En Swami | C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy & M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 1953 | Naa Chellelu | Telugu | Hayi Kada Mana Ilvanamu | C. N. Pandurangan | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Naa Chellelu | Telugu | Ma Prema Ghada Madurmmugada | C. N. Pandurangan | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Naa Illu | Telugu | Adigadigo Gagana Seema Andamaina Chandamama Adigo | Chittor V. Nagaiah & Adepalli Rama Rao | Jikki |
| 1953 | Pitchi Pullaiah | Telugu | Ella Velalandu Nee Chakkani Chirunavvulakai | T. V. Raju | Ghantasala |
| 1953 | Parobakaram | Tamil | Manme Sugamne Perumo | Ghantasala | |
| 1954 | Rajee Na Pranam | Telugu | Mallepoolu Mallepoolu | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1954 | Rajee En Kanmani | Tamil | Malligaipoo Jathi Roja | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1954 | Rajee En Kanmani | Tamil | Sundara Malare | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1954 | Rajee En Kanmani | Tamil | Amma Vareero | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1954 | Rajee En Kanmani | Tamil | Thoongaayo Dhuraiye | S. Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1954 | Aandi Petra Selvam | Tamil | Amma Amma | S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1954 | Raju Peda | Telugu | Amma Amma | S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1955 | Asai Anna Arumai Thambi | Tamil | Kannaithan Parikkuthu | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1955 | Asai Anna Arumai Thambi | Tamil | Sugam Peruveno | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1955 | Jayasimha | Telugu | Madiloni Madhura Bhavam Palikenu Mohana Ragam | T. V. Raju | Ghantasala |
| 1955 | Jayasimha | Telugu | Manasaina Cheli Pilupu | T. V. Raju | A. P. Komala |
| 1955 | Jayasimman | Tamil | Malarodu Madhura Mevum Manam Kaanum Mohana Ragam | T. V. Raju | Ghantasala |
| 1955 | Jayasimman | Tamil | Malar Thara | T. V. Raju | A. P. Komala |
| 1955 | Pasupu Kumkuma | Telugu | Hayi Hayi O Papayi | ||
| 1955 | Nalla Kalam | Tamil | Vazhvu Malarnthu Manam Veesiduthe | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1955 | Nalla Kalam | Tamil | Maname Un Vaazhvil Nee | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1955 | Mangaiyar Thilakam | Tamil | Neela Vanna Kanna Vada | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1955 | Valliyin Selvan | Tamil | Amma Amma Endru | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1955 | Valliyin Selvan | Tamil | Kanne Vada kaniye Vada | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1956 | Tenali Raman | Tamil | Thangam Pongum Meni Undhan Sondham Ini | Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy | |
| 1956 | Tenali Ramakrishna | Telugu | Jhan Jhan Kankanamuluga | Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy | |
| 1956 | Dhampatyam | Telugu | Tanemi Talacheno | Pasupuleti Ramesh Naidu | A. M. Rajah |
| 1956 | Marma Veeran | Tamil | Thudikkum Valibame | Vedha | |
| 1956 | Jaya Gopi | Tamil | O Muthu Papa | Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy | |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Kandu Konden Naane | S. V. Venkatraman | T. A. Mothi |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Kandu Konden Naane (pathos) | S. V. Venkatraman | T. A. Mothi |
| 1956 | Vanaratham | Tamil | Sudar Thaari Sabaiyil Unai Kanen Nane | Naushad | |
| 1956 | Vanaratham | Tamil | Nenjin Ilamai Ensolven | Naushad | |
| 1956 | Bhagyodaya | Kannada | Anandha Gokula | L. Malleswara Rao | K. Rani & Subramanyam |
| 1956 | Bhagyodaya | Kannada | Namaste Saradha Devi.... Vaani Veena Paani | L. Malleswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Mahadhevi | Tamil | Singara Punnagai Kannara Kandale | Viswanathan Ramamoorthy | M. S. Rajeswari |
| 1957 | Peddarikalu | Telugu | Lali Lali Nanu Kannayya | ||
| 1957 | Peddarikalu | Telugu | Vennela Rada Vedanalena | ||
| 1957 | Raja Rajan | Tamil | Kalaityatha Asai Kanave | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1957 | Raja Rajan | Tamil | Kalaityatha Asai Kanave (Pathos) | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1957 | Baagyavathi | Tamil | Ellorum Unnai Nallavan Endre | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1957 | Baagyavathi | Tamil | Dhinasari En Vazhvil Thirunale | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1957 | Veera Kankanam | Telugu | Amdala Rani | S. Dakshinamurthi | A. M. Rajah |
| 1957 | Baktha Markandeya | Tamil | Inggum Anggum | Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy | |
| 1958 | Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu | Telugu | Dharaniki Giri Bharama Giriki Taruvu Bharama | Ghantasala | |
| 1958 | Thai Piranthaal Vazhi Pirakkum | Tamil | Eliyorai Thaazhthi Valiyorai Vaazhthum | K. V. Mahadevan | T. M. Soundararajan |
| 1958 | Uthama Puthiran | Tamil | Muthe, Pavalame....... Aala Pirantha En Kanmaniye | G. Ramanathan | A. P. Komala |
| 1958 | Anbu Enge | Tamil | Sollu Nee Raja | Vedha | |
| 1959 | Thayaipola Pillai Noolaipola Selai | Tamil | Nalla Kudumbam | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1959 | Yaar Paiyan | Tamil | Kannaamoochi Aattam | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1959 | Pelli Sandadi | Telugu | Rave Premalata Oho Kaviraja | Ghantasala | Ghantasala |
| 1959 | Sumangali | Tamil | Vithi Seitha Sathiyo Athan | M. Ranga Rao | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1959 | Penkulathin Ponvilakku | Tamil | Pillai Kaniyamuthe Pedhai Enthan Pudhu Vazhve | Master Venu | |
| 1959 | Sahodhari | Tamil | Uravu Thanthai Kannale | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Sahodhari | Tamil | Malarum Malarum Nallarame | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Thozhan | Tamil | Vada Malarthene | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1959 | Sollu Thambi Sollu | Tamil | Soodatha Malarai | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1959 | Mala Oru Mangala Vilakku | Tamil | Aaduthu Poongkodi | ||
| 1959 | Gandhari Garva Bhangamu | Telugu | ne Arunodayavela | Pamarti Krishna Murty | |
| 1959 | Arumai Magal Abirami | Tamil | Nalla Pillai Endru Solli Unnai | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1959 | Maa Inti Mahalakshmi | Telugu | Chivurullo Chilukalaga | G. Aswathama | P. S. Vaidehi |
| 1960 | Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam | Tamil | Kanne Vada Kaniye Vada | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1960 | Raja Bakthi | Tamil | Paarmuzhuthum Irul Parappum | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | |
| 1961 | Thaiyilla Pillai | Tamil | Seerarum Paingkiliye | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1962 | Swargarajyam | Malayalam | Pandu Pandu Pande | M. B. Sreenivasan | |
| 1963 | Naan Vanangum Dheivam | Tamil | Dhayavillaiyo Annaiye | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1967 | Harichandra | Tamil | Oraam Maadham Udaladhu Thalarndhu | K. V. Mahadevan |
Actress
- Sati Anasuya (1936) Telugu
- Bhakta Dhruva (1936) Telugu
- Bhaktha Kuchela (1936) Tamil
- Balayogini (1936) Tamil
- Tukaram (1938) Telugu & Tamil
- Thiruneelakantar (1939) Tamil
- Illalu (1940) Telugu
- Apavadu (1941) Telugu
- Chandrahasa (1941) Telugu
- Dhaasippen (1943) Tamil
- Radhika (1947) Telugu
- Bilhana (1948) Telugu & Tamil
- Shantinivasam (1960) Telugu
- Sabash Raja (1961) Telugu
Awards
- Ramineni Foundation Award was given to her in 2003.
References
- ↑ "655 DhooL.com Song of the Day". Dhool.com. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
- ↑ "Stars : Star Profiles : Rao Balasaraswathi Devi to be felicitated on her 75th birthday". Telugucinema.com. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
- ↑ "Light Music By Rao Balasaraswathi Devi: Events in Hyderabad". Fullhyderabad.com. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
External links
- Interview with Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi. on YouTube
- Listen to some of the songs of R. Balasaraswathi at Old Telugu Songs.com