Saluri Rajeswara Rao (11 October 1922 – 25 October 1999) was an Indian composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and music producer, known for his work in Telugu cinema.[1] Rajeswara Rao is noted for integrating Indian classical music into Telugu cinema for over five decades. His innovative compositions and mastery of classical and folk music earned him widespread recognition.[2]

Saluri Rajeswara Rao
సాలూరి రాజేశ్వరరావు
Background information
Also known asSaluri Rajeswara Rao
Born11 October 1922
Sivaramapuram, India
OriginSivaramapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died25 October 1999(1999-10-25) (aged 77)
GenresIndian film scores
OccupationComposer
Instrument(s)Harmonium
Tabla
Dholak
Mrudangam
Flute
Electric Guitar
Piano
Violin
Years active1934–1986

Early life

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Rajeswara Rao was born in 1922 in the village of Sivaramapuram near Salur in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh.[3] His father, Sanyasi Raju, was a mrudangam player in the troupe of the renowned violinist, Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu. Rajeswara Rao was recognized as a child prodigy and began performing on stage at the age of four.[4] Under his father's guidance, he trained with Venkataswamy Naidu in tabla and harmonium.[3]

Career

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Rajeswara Rao's career in cinema began in 1934 when recording technician Mr. Huchins discovered him and took him to Bangalore to record the "Bhagavad Gita". He later traveled to Calcutta and was cast as Lord Krishna in the Telugu film Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935). Subsequently, he did films like Keechaka Vadha and Uttara Gograhanam and met musical legends such as Kundan Lal Saigal and Pankaj Mullick, from whom he learned Hindustani music.[3]

Rajeswara Rao's first role as a music director came with the film Jayaprada (1939). He went on to score music for a number of successful films in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Some of his notable films include Malliswari (1951), Missamma (1955), and Chandralekha (1948). He was known for his use of Indian classical ragas and experimentation with foreign musical styles, including Western, Persian, and Arabic influences.

Rajeswara Rao was associated with Gemini Studios in the 1940s and composed music for many of their major films. He is credited with helping popularize light music in Telugu cinema. He was also known for his collaborations with directors like B. N. Reddy and Vijaya Productions.

Musical style

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Rajeswara Rao's compositions were known for their classical underpinnings, particularly his use of ragas such as "Mohanam", "Abheri", "Kalyani", and "Sindhu Bhairavi". He blended Indian classical music with other styles, creating scores that captured a wide range of emotions. His works in films like Kurukshetram (1977) and Tandra Paparayudu (1986) demonstrated his mastery over classical compositions. He was also among the first to incorporate Persian musical elements in Indian film scores.

Personal life

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Rajeswara Rao was married to Rajeswari Devi, with whom he had five sons and four daughters. His sons, Saluri Ramalingeswara Rao, Saluri Poornachandra Rao, Saluri Vasu Rao, and Saluri Koteswara Rao (Koti), followed in his footsteps as musicians in the Telugu film industry. His elder brother, Saluri Hanumantha Rao, was also a music director in Kannada and Telugu cinema.[3]

Filmography

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Year Film Language Director Banner Notes
1935 Sri Krishna Leelalu Telugu Ch. Narasimha Rao Vel Pictures Actor
1936 Maya Bazar Telugu P. V. Das Vel Pictures Actor
1939 Jayaprada Telugu Ch. Narasimha Rao Sree Sarada Rayalaseema Films Ltd Actor and Music director
1940 Illalu Telugu Gudavalli Ramabrahmam Indira Devi Films Actor and Music director
1940 Jeevanmukti Telugu T. V. Neelakantan Gemini Studios
1941 Apavadu Telugu Gudavalli Ramabrahmam Kasturi Films
1941 Kamadhenu Tamil Nandalal Jaswantalal The Madras United Artists Corporation with T. A. Kalyanam
1941 Madana Kama Rajan Tamil B. N. Rao Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1942 Bala Nagamma Telugu C. Pullaiah Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1942 Bhaktha Naradar Tamil S. Soundararajan Tamil Nadu Talkies Background Score
1942 Nandanar Tamil Murugadasa Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1942 Santha Bala Nagamma Telugu S. V. S. Rama Rao Royal Pictures
1943 Chenchu Lakshmi Telugu S. Soundararajan Tamil Nadu Talkies
1943 Dhaasippen Tamil Ellis R. Dungan Devi Films with Lalitha Venkatraman
1943 Mangamma Sabatham Tamil Acharya Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1944 Dasi Aparanji Tamil B. N. Rao Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1944 Bhishma Telugu Ch. Narayana Murthy Bhavani Pictures
1945 Paduka Pattabhishekam Telugu K. B. Nagabhushanam Gemini Studios
1947 Miss Malini Tamil Kothamangalam Subbu Gemini Studios with Parur S. Anantharaman
1948 Chandralekha Hindi S. S. Vasan Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1948 Chandralekha Tamil S. S. Vasan Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy
1948 Vindya Rani Telugu C. Pullayya Vyjayanthi Pictures with Emani Sankara Sastry
1949 Apoorva Sagodharargal Tamil Acharya Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy & R. Vaidyanathan
1949 Nishaan Hindi Acharya Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy & R. Vaidyanathan
1950 Apoorva Sahodarulu Telugu Acharya Gemini Studios with M. D. Parthasarathy & R. Vaidyanathan
1950 Aahuti Telugu R. S. Junnarkar Naveena Films
1950 Vali Sugreeva Telugu Jampana Ashoka's Gali Penchala Narasimha Rao, Master Venu, Ghantasala & Pendyala Nageswara Rao
1951 Malliswari Telugu B. N. Reddy Vauhini Studios
1951 Mantra Dandam Telugu K. S. Ramachandra Rao Sri Gnanambika Pictures Background Score
1952 Priyuralu Telugu Gopichand Bharathalakshmi Productions with Addepalli Rama Rao
1953 Manam Pola Mangalyam Tamil P. Pullayya Narayanan and Company
1953 Pempudu Koduku Telugu L. V. Prasad Prasad Art Pictures
1953 Vayyari Bhama Telugu P. Subba Rao Ajantha Pictures
1953 Vazha Pirandhaval Tamil T. R. Ramanna R. R. Pictures with G. Ramanathan
1954 Raju Peda Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1954 Vipra Narayana Telugu P. S. Ramakrishna Rao Bharani Studios
1955 Missamma Telugu L. V. Prasad Vijaya Vauhini Studios
1955 Missiamma Tamil L. V. Prasad Vijaya Vauhini Studios
1954 Vipra Narayana Tamil P. S. Ramakrishna Rao Bharani Studios
1956 Balasanyasamma Katha Telugu P. Subba Rao Zoya Films
1956 Bhale Ramudu Telugu Vedantam Raghavayya Narasu Studios
1956 Prema Pasam Tamil Vedantam Raghavayya Narasu Studios
1956 Charana Daasi Telugu T. Prakash Rao Lalitha Films
1956 Mathar Kula Manickam Tamil T. Prakash Rao Lalitha Films
1957 Alladin Ka Chirag Hindi T. R. Raghunath Jai Sakthi Pictures with S. Hanumantha Rao
1957 Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam Telugu T. R. Raghunath Jai Sakthi Pictures with S. Hanumantha Rao
1957 Allavudeenum Arputha Vilakkum Tamil T. R. Raghunath Jai Sakthi Pictures with S. Hanumantha Rao
1957 Bhale Ammayilu Telugu Vedantam Raghavayya Narasu Studios with S. Hanumantha Rao
1957 Iru Sagodharigal Tamil Vedantam Raghavayya Narasu Studios
1957 Sati Savitri Telugu K. B. Nagabhushanam Varalakshmi Pictures M. Balamuralikrishna, Mallik, P. Suribabu, Babu Rao, J. Lakshminarayana, H. R. Padmanabha Sastry & Master Venu
1957 Sathiyavan Savithri Tamil K. B. Nagabhushanam Varalakshmi Pictures with Babu Rao
1958 Aada Pettanam Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Prabha Productions with Master Venu
1958 Chenchu Lakshmi Tamil B. A. Subba Rao Navayuga Films
1958 Chenchu Lakshmi Telugu B. A. Subba Rao Navayuga Films
1958 Kadan Vaangi Kalyaanam Tamil L. V. Prasad Vijaya Vauhini Studios
1958 Paanai Pidithaval Bhaagyasaali Tamil T. S. Durairaj Marakatha Pictures with S. V. Venkatraman
1959 Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu Telugu L. V. Prasad Vijaya Vauhini Studios
1959 Aval Yaar Tamil K. J. Mahadevan Sudarsanam Pictures
1959 Illali Adrustame Intiki Bhagyamu Telugu T. S. Durairaj Marakatha Pictures with S. V. Venkatraman & Jeevan
1960 Nammina Bantu Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Navayuga Films with Master Venu
1960 Pattaliyin Vetri Tamil Adurthi Subba Rao Navayuga Films with Master Venu
1960 Petra Manam Tamil A. Bhimsingh National Pictures
1960 Rani Ratnaprabha Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1961 Bhakta Jayadeva Telugu P. V. Rama Rao Lalitha Kala Nikethan
1961 Iddaru Mitrulu Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Annapurna Pictures
1961 Bharya Bharthalu Telugu K. Pratyagatma Prasad Art Pictures
1962 Aradhana Telugu V. Madhusudhana Rao Jagapathi Art Productions
1962 Vikramaadhithan Tamil T. R. Raghunath & N. S. Ramadas Jaya Bharat Productions
1962 Bhishma Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1962 Kula Gothralu Telugu K. Pratyagatma Prasad Art Pictures
1962 Pathi Gowravame Sathikanandam Telugu K. J. Mahadevan Sudarsanam Pictures
1963 Chaduvukunna Ammayilu Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Annapurna Pictures
1964 Amara Shilpi Jakkanna Telugu B. S. Ranga Vikram Studios
1964 Amarashilpi Jakanachari Kannada B. S. Ranga Vikram Studios
1964 Bobbili Yuddham Telugu C. Seetaram Republic Productions
1964 Desa Drohulu Telugu Bolla Subba Rao Sri Rama Pictures
1964 Doctor Chakravarti Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Annapurna Pictures
1964 Mahiravana Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1964 Manchi Manishi Telugu K. Pratyagatma Chaya Chitra with T. Chalapathi Rao
1964 Pooja Phalam Telugu B. N. Reddy Sri Sambu Pictures
1964 Sirpiyin Selvan Tamil B. S. Ranga Vikram Studios
1965 Aatma Gowravam Telugu K. Viswanath Annapurna Pictures
1965 Dorikithe Dongalu Telugu P. Subrahmanyam Chandamama Films
1965 Veera Marthanda Telugu T. R. Raghunath & N. S. Ramadas Jaya Bharat Productions
1966 Aatma Gowravam Telugu K. Viswanath Annapurna Pictures
1966 Bhakta Potana Telugu Gutha Ramineedu Bharat Films
1966 Bala Nagamma Kannada P. R. Kaundinya Sanathana Kalamandira
1966 Chilaka Gorinka Telugu K. Pratyagatma Aatma Arts
1966 Mohini Bhasmasura Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1966 Palnati Yudham Telugu Gutha Ramineedu Sri Anurupa Films
1966 Rangula Ratnam Telugu B. N. Reddy with B. Gopalam
1966 Sangeeta Lakshmi Telugu Giduturi Suryam Seetaramanjaneya Pictures
1967 Bhakta Prahlada Tamil Chitrapu Narayana Rao AVM Productions
1967 Bhakta Prahlada Telugu Chitrapu Narayana Rao AVM Productions
1967 Gruhalakshmi Telugu P. S. Ramakrishna Rao Bharani Studios
1967 Pula Rangadu Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Annapurna Pictures
1967 Mulla Kireetam Telugu P. Subramanyam Neela Productions with K. Devadasu
1967 Rakhta Sindhooram Telugu C. Seetharam Republic
1967 Vasantha Sena Telugu B. S. Ranga Vikram Studios
1968 Veeranjaneya Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Maheeja Films
1969 Aatmiyulu Telugu V. Madhusudhana Rao Saradhi Studios
1969 Aadarsa Kutumbam Telugu K. Pratyagatma Prasad Art Pictures
1969 Bangaru Panjaram Telugu B. N. Reddy Vijaya Vauhini Studios with B. Gopalam
1969 Bhale Basava Kannada B. S. Ranga Vikram Productions
1969 Dharma Patni Telugu B. A. Subba Rao B. A. S. Productions
1969 Mamaku Thagga Kodalu Telugu C. S. Rao Balaji Films
1970 Chitti Chellelu Telugu M. Krishnan Nair AVM Productions
1970 Desamante Manushuloyi Telugu C. S. Rao Filmkrafts
1970 Jai Jawan Telugu D. Yoganand Navayuga Films
1971 Amaayakuraalu Telugu V. Madhusudhana Rao Annapurna Pictures
1971 Bangaru Talli Telugu Tapi Chanakya Babu Pictures
1971 Pavitra Bandham Telugu V. Madhusudhana Rao Venus Pictures & Ashok Movies
1971 Ramalayam Telugu K. Babu Rao Ramavijeta Films with Ghantasala
1971 Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavam Telugu Lakshmi Films P. D. Prasad
1972 Neeti-Nijayiti Telugu Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Shri Sanjeevi Movies
1972 Bala Baratham Tamil Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Venus Maheeja Films
1972 Bala Bharatha Kannada Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Venus Maheeja Films
1972 Bala Bharatam Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Venus Maheeja Films
1972 Bal Mahabharat Hindi Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Venus Maheeja Films
1972 Kalam Marindi Telugu K. Viswanath Venus Pictures
1973 Mannina Magalu Kannada B. S. Ranga Vikram Productions
1973 Neramu Siksha Telugu K. Viswanath Amrita Films
1973 Nindu Kutumbam Telugu Parvataneni Sambasiva Rao Seetharamanjaneya Movies
1973 Sri Kanakadurga Mahima Telugu Surati Durga Rao & P. D. Prasad Sri Prabhu Pictures with G. Aswathama
1974 Bangaaru Kalalu Telugu Adurthi Subba Rao Annapurna Pictures
1974 Jeevithaasayam Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Saptagiri Productions
1974 Jeevitha Rangamu Telugu Lakshmi Films P. D. Prasad
1974 Nitya Sumangali Telugu B.N.R Nalinasree Productions
1974 Palle Paduchu Telugu K. Satyam Mamta Combines
1974 Ram Raheem Telugu B. A. Subba Rao Raja Lakshmi Combines
1974 Tatamma Kala Telugu N. T. Rama Rao Ramakrishna Cine Studios
1975 Anna Thammulla Katha Telugu D. S. Prakash Rao Amrita Films
1975 Bharathamlo Oka Ammayi Telugu Dasari Narayana Rao Vijayavelangani Pictures
1975 Challani Thalli Telugu K. S. Rami Reddy Lalita Movies
1975 Yashoda Krishna Telugu C. S. Rao Premier Studios
1976 Dasavatharamulu Telugu K. S. Gopalakrishnan Karpagam Studios with K. Chakravarthy
1976 Manchiki Maro Peru Telugu C. S. Rao Sree Ramakrishna Films
1976 Manushulanta Okkate Telugu Dasari Narayana Rao Aditya Chitra
1976 Oka Deepam Veligindhi Telugu Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Sivaprasad Movies
1977 Eenati Bandham Yenatido Telugu K. S. R. Doss Amrita Films
1977 Idhekkadi Nyayam Telugu Dasari Narayana Rao Lalita Movies
1977 Kurukshetram Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Madhavi Padmalaya Combines
1978 Devadasu Malli Puttadu Telugu Dasari Narayana Rao Devi Art Productions
1978 Prema Paga Telugu B. V. Prasad Amruta Films
1978 Radhakrishna Telugu K. Raghavendra Rao Annapurna Kala Niketan
1978 Sneha Sedu Kannada V. Madhusudhana Rao Maheeja Films
1979 Indrudu Chandrudu Telugu T. Krishna Sri Lakshmi Art Creations with Saluri Babu
1979 Katha Marindi Telugu Madhu Sricharita Chitra
1979 Namala Thathayya Telugu K. Hemambharadhara Rao
1979 Pacha Bottu Telugu B.N.R Shri Nalini Combines
1979 Pavitra Prema Telugu D. S. Prakash Rao Srilakshmi Art Pictures
1979 Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Jaganmatha Arts
1980 Bapuji Bharatham Telugu Relangi Narasimha Rao Jayashree Chitra
1980 Bommala Koluvu Telugu Kommineni Seshagiri Rao Apsara Arts
1980 Chukkallo Chandrudu Telugu C. S. Rao Sri Pragathi Pictures with K. V. Mahadevan
1980 Ondu Hennu Aaru Kannu Kannada V. Madhusudhana Rao Maheeja Films
1980 Sri Vasavi Kanyakaa Parameswari Mahathyam Telugu Kamalakara Kameswara Rao Mani Art Enterprises
1980 Rojulu Marali Telugu Devadas Kanakala
1980 Veedani Bandalu Telugu K. M. Reddy & V. Madhusudhana Rao
1982 Illalu Chulallu Telugu
1982 Mummidivaram Balayogeswara Charitra Telugu Vijayaprakash
1982 Punnami Vennela Telugu P. Subramanyam Vijayashanti Arts
1982 Sri Lakshmi Nilayam Telugu T. Krishna Sudarshan Productions with Saluri Babu
1983 Muddula Mogudu Telugu K. S. Prakash Rao Maheeja Films
1984 Adarsavanthudu Telugu Kodi Ramakrishna Maheeja Films
1986 Tandra Paparayudu Telugu Dasari Narayana Rao Annapurna Studios & Padmalaya Studios
1987 America Abbayi Telugu Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Jayalakshmi Movies
1991 Lambadolla Ramdasu Telugu K. Babu Rao
1995 Yadagiri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Mahatyam Telugu A. Venugopal with S. Vittal Rao

Awards and honours

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Rajeswara Rao was the recipient of numerous awards and honours for his contributions to Indian cinema, including:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ M. L. Narasimham, "Trend-setter in Light Music" The Hindu, 12 March 1993.
  2. ^ "In a different league". The Hindu. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d "A Tribute to (Ra)Saluri Rajeswara Rao". Telugucinema.com. 27 October 2007. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  4. ^ "ర'సాలూరి'స్తూనే ఉన్న రాజేశ్వరరావు స్వరకల్పన!". NTV (in Telugu). 11 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  5. ^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
  6. ^ "Vadophil Issue". Quarterly Bulletin of the Baroda Philatelic Society (157–158): 20. January 2019.
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