Kosaraju Raghavayya (23 June 1905 – 27 October 1987), known mononumously by his surname Kosaraju, was an Indian lyricist and poet known for his works in Telugu cinema. He wrote about 3,000 songs in 350 films.[1][2] His lyrics are steeped in Telugu folklore and rural idiom. He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his contribution to Telugu cinema in 1984.

Kosaraju
BornKosaraju Raghavayya
(1905-06-23)23 June 1905
Appikatla, Guntur district, India
Died27 October 1987(1987-10-27) (aged 82)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
OccupationLyricist, poet, actor
Literary movementRaithu Udyamam
SpouseSeetharamamma

He wrote memorable songs like "Eruvaka Sagaro", "Niluvave Vaalu Kanuladhana", "Illarikamlo Unna Maza", "Chethilo Dabbulu Poyene", "Anukunnadokkati Ainadi Okkati", "Ye Nimishana Yemi Jaruguno", "Jayammu Nischayammu ra", "Maa Voollo Oka Paduchundi".

Early life

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Born in an agricultural family in Appikatla village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, Kosaraju studied Telugu literature, epics and puranas. Kosaraju was influenced by a Telugu scholar Kondamudi Narasimham Pantulu in whose play based on the Ramayana he acted when still in his teens.

Initially, he worked as a journalist in the Raithu Patrika where he met the famous writer Samudrala Sr. and the director Gudavalli Ramabrahmam. He published his first poetry anthology, Kadagandlu. He died in 1987.

Film career

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Kosaraju acted in the Telugu film Raithu Bidda (1939). Later, he shifted his focus to writing lyrics for films. He penned humorous lyrics for K. V. Reddy's Pedda Manushulu (1954), followed by one of his most famous songs, "Jebulo Bomma Je Jela Bomma" (in B. A. Subba Rao's Raju Peda, 1954). He was well known for his earthy poetry, often referring to popular tales of morality and ethics. Kosaraju wrote about 3,000 lyrics for 350 Telugu films.

He wrote memorable songs like "Eruvaka Sagaro", "Illarikamlo Unna Maza" and "Chethilo Dabbulu Poyene".

Filmography

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Year Film Songs
1939 Raithu Bidda Actor
1954 Pedda Manushulu Nandamaya Guruda Nandamaya
1954 Raju Peda Jebulo Bomma Jejela Bomma
1955 Nammina Bantu Chengu Chenguna Gantulu Veyyandi
1955 Rojulu Marayi Eruvaaka Sagaroranno Chinnanna
1957 Thodi Kodallu Aaduthu Paaduthu Panichestunte
Townu Pakkakelloddura Dingari
1958 Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu Anukunndokkati Ainadi Okkati Bolta Kottindile Bulbul Pitta
Kalavari Swartham Nirupeda Dukham Yenatikaina Marena
1959 Illarikam Bhale Chansele.. Illarikam lo Unna Mazaa
Niluvave Vaalukanuladaanaa!
1959 Jayabheri Unnaaraa Jodunnaaraa, Mammodinche Vaarunnaaraa
1962 Kula Gothralu Ayyayo Chetilo Dabbulu Poyene
1962 Manchi Manasulu Maama Maama Mama Eme Eme Bhaama
1963 Chaduvukunna Ammayilu Emitee Avataram
1963 Lava Kusa Ye Nimishaniki Yemi Jaruguno Evaroohinchedaru
1963 Mooga Manasulu Gowaramma Nee Mogudevaramma Evaramma Vaadevaramma
1964 Devatha Mavooru Madarasu Naa Peru Ramdasu
1964 Ramudu Bheemudu Desammu Maarindoy Kaalammu Maarindoy
Saradaa Saradaa Cigarettu
1965 Antastulu Dulapara Bulloda Dummu Dulapara Bulloda
1966 Sri Krishna Pandaviyam Bhala Bhala Naa Bandi Parugu Teese Bandi
Mattu Vadalara Niddura Mattu Vadalala
1967 Aada Paduchu Rikshavaalanu Nenu Pakshilaga Pothanu
1967 Ave Kallu Maa Voollo Oka Paduchundi Dayyamante Bhayamannadi
1967 Poola Rangadu Neetiki Nilabadi Nijayateega Padara Munduku Padara
1968 Varakatnam Sai Sai Jodedla Bandi
1970 Dharma Daata Evvarikosam Evadunnaadu Pondiraa Pondi
1971 Bomma Borusa Bomma Borusa Pandem Veyyi Needo Naado Paicheyi
1971 Chelleli Kapuram Bhale Bhale Maa Annayya
1971 Sampoorna Ramayanam Ramaya Tandri O Ramaya Tandri.. Maa Nomulanni Pandinayi Ramaya Tandri
1972 Papam Pasivadu Manchi Annadhey Kaanaraadu
1975 Balipeetam Takku Tikku Takkuladi Bandira
Yesukundam Buddoda
1975 Pooja
1976 Manushulanta Okkate Muthyalu Vasthava Adigindi Isthava
1979 Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu

Awards and honours

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  • He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema in 1984.
  • He was given the titles Janapada Kavi Sarvabhouma and Kaviratna.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kosaraju Raghavaiah Profile". Veethi.com. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  2. ^ Rao, Akkina Mareswara (1997). "Celluloid and its past: Cultural and ideological mediation of Telugu cinema in colonial Andhra's Past" (PDF). Shodhganga. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
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