ML Narasimham’s ‘Paata Venuka Bhagotham’ is the story behind the timeless tune in Telugu cinema.

Long before the Chiranjeevi-Vijayashanti song, ‘Bhana Bhana Veluvhaye’ Gang Leader (1991) Became a sensation, ANR-B. Duet by Saroja Devi ‘Chitpata Chinukulu Padutobhunte’ Soul balm (1964) beautifully captures the mysticism and romance of rain in Telugu cinema. If the presence of Saroja Devi in ​​a scarf during that popular rain song seems unusual, there is a story behind it; She was recovering from a head injury while shooting for a Tamil movie, yet she bravely continued shooting, covering the injury with flowers and a scarf. The song, composed by KV Mahadevan, written by Atreya, and sung by Sushila and Ghantsala, became a massive hit, setting a trend for rain songs in Telugu cinema.

Have you ever wondered what inspired the songwriters to create those songs? Did the composer have the melody in mind first, or was the lyricist already equipped with the words? Was the song born out of a specific situation, or did a great composition naturally find its way into the film? Many such questions are addressed I split the leaves, A book by veteran film journalist and writer ML Narasimham.

the book Pata Venuka Bhagotam

Pata Venuka Bhagotam A fascinating volume in which the author carefully explores the scenes and situations behind 60 songs that have become iconic in the 90-year history of Telugu cinema. Vijaya Publications B. Published by Viswanadha Reddy aka Vishwam, this 292-page book revives a series of the same name that was originally published in Telugu Film Magazine. victory picture Between 1984 and 1985, by Narasimham, who was the editor in charge. He is also famous for his popular Blast from the Past column Hindu For almost three decades.

The song ‘Kuricindi Bhana Na Gundelona’ from the 1972 film Bulemma Bullodu This is an example of a hit song that doesn’t necessarily feature top stars. The song was picturized on the film’s versatile character actor and producer Chalam and Vijay Lalitha known for her villainous roles. Lyricist, Indukuri Ramakrishnamaraju, aka Rajsree, struggled to find the right words while staying at the Madras International Hotel on Mount Road in Chennai until a sudden rainstorm inspired him. The moment the skies opened up, the opening line ‘Kuricindi bhana na gundelona’ was born.

ML Narasimham

It is fitting that Narasingham begins with his book Misammer The song, ‘Brindavanamadi Andaridi Gobindudu…’ was released in 1955, the film starred NTR, ANR, Savitri and Yamuna. Lyrics were by Pingali Nagendra Rao, and music was composed by S Rajeshwar Rao. P. Sung by Sushila and AM Raja, the song became a sensation in Telugu cinema and exceeded expectations in its Tamil version ‘Brindavanam Nandakumaranum’. Misiamma. A few years ago, a Chinese-Malaysian performer brought this song to life on stage and his rendition went viral, garnering worldwide acclaim. In Hindi films Miss MaryMusic director Hemant Kumar, while composing new tunes for the soundtrack, was so enthralled by ‘Brindavanamadi’ that he retained Rajeswara Rao’s original tune. The Hindi version, ‘Brindavana Ka Krishna Kanhaiya’, sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi, became a special feature of the film.

If there’s one song that every contestant bravely tries on the music reality show, it’s the 1961 NTR-starrer ‘Shivashankari, Shivanandalahari…’Jagdeka Viruni Katha. In this song, NTR portrays five distinct characters, each playing a unique instrument while singing. The lyricist composed a devotional hymn in praise of the rich power of literary depth. Composer Pendyala Nageswara Rao has set it to a challenging mix of Darbari and Kannada ragas from the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. The Telugu film was inspired by the 1944 Tamil classicJagdal Pratapan.

ANR and B. Saroja Devi in ​​the song ‘Chitpata Chinukulu Padutobhunte’Soul balm.
| Photo credit: Special Arrangements

Ghantsala spent a whole week rehearsing the song, putting all other projects on hold. When it came time to record it, he perfectly delivered it in a single take. Contrary to the misconception that singer JV Raghavulu has sung parts of the song, Narasimham clarified that the performance is entirely Ghantsala’s. The recordist, Vallabhjosula Sivaram, who was present at the Vauhini studio during the recording, confirmed this. The tracks were expertly layered to create the impression that five different voices were singing.

Pata Venuka Bhagotam A treasure trove for Telugu film enthusiasts, the author has painstakingly collected sources and anecdotes about each song. Lyrics printed at the end of each chapter evoke nostalgia, reminiscing about the days when one would buy aUnderworld book (Songbook) Out of the Theater. “My connections with my employers, who also own Vijaya Productions, helped me source my content,” notes Narasimham. As a result, the film’s opening song, ‘Brindavanmadi Andaridi’ and the ending song ‘Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo’.Mayabazar (1957)Coming from Vijaya Productions banner.

(Pata Venuka Bhagotham, Published by Vijaya Publications, Chennai. Page 292; Price ₹300.)