 | This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. (May 2018) |
Ghantasala | |
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&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Ghantasala_Venkateswara_Rao_2003_stamp_of_India.jpg) Ghantasala on a 2003 stamp of India | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ghantasala Venkateswararao |
| Born | 4 December 1922 Chowtapalli, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Died | 11 February 1974 (aged 51) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Genres | Film music (playback singing), Indian classical music |
| Occupations | Singer, composer |
| Years active | 1942–1974 |
| Spouse(s) | Savitri and Sarla Devi |
| Website | www |
Ghantasala Venkateswararao (4 December 1922 – 11 February 1974), 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.[1] 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'.[2][3] 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.[4]
Ghantasala performed in the United States, England and Germany, and for the United Nations Organisation. The government of Andhra Pradesh marked the occasion of 25 years of his film career as Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Ghantasala in Hyderabad on 1 February 1970. More than 30,000 people attended the function held at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad.[5] Ghantasala continues to be popular. Statutes of his likeness have been installed across Andhra Pradesh. Every year, the anniversaries of his birth and death are celebrated in India and overseas.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]
- ^ "Akkineni Nageswara Rao interview". The Times of India. 15 January 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
And in came Ghantasala, who not only went on to become the voice of ANR melodies, but also one of the greatest singers Telugu cinema has seen.
- ^ "Honouring a legend". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 February 2003. Archived from the original on 19 October 2003.
- ^ K. Kumara Sekhar (14 February 1974) No Mere Singer. Indian Express.
- ^ SriJa (4 December 2013). "Gana Gandharva Ghantasala". Andhra Wishesh. Wishesh Digital Media. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ "Assorted Photographs". Ghantasala.info. 1 February 1970. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ "Rich tributes paid to Ghantasala". Indian American. 14 December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ "kiranextras: Ghantasala statues across state". Kiranextras.blogspot.com. 5 December 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ "Ghantasala's statue to adorn Guntur". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 December 2005. Archived from the original on 12 December 2006.
- ^ "Ghantasala music fest today". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 3 December 2010.
- ^ "NATIONAL / ANDHRA PRADESH: Statue of Ghantasala unveiled". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Tributes paid to Ghantasala. The Hindu (19 February 2011)
- ^ Stage set for Ghantasala fete. The Hindu (30 September 2012).
- ^ Rich tributes paid to Ghantasala. The Hindu (12 February 2015). Retrieved on 15 November 2018.
- ^ "Tribute to Ghantasala". The Hindu. 28 September 2018.