Vijayawada: Telugu drama needs good stories, said Dr P Brahmananda Rao

Vijayawada: "Telugu drama needs good stories to regain past glory," said Dr P Brahmananda Rao, senior actor.

In an interview with 'The Hans India' Dr Brahmananda Rao, 65-year-old actor, who is running a primary health clinic in Vijayawada said that drama was his passion and started acting in 1972. He was born to Pavuluri Veeraraghavulu and Panchakshari and brought up in Pedamaddala, Krishna district. He was attracted to drama in childhood and started acting at the age of 17. His first experience as actor was when he acted 75-years-old person's character in a playlet titled "Pellichupulu" and received appreciations from the audience. Since then he was fascinated towards stage and continued till now.

Brahmananda Rao acted and directed many plays like 'Wanted fathers', 'Masterji', 'Pareeksha chaduvulu', 'Tulasi teerdham', 'Kavu Kavu', 'Ameeba', etc.

Rao also penned several playlets like 'Badhyata', 'Naree naree naduma parar', etc.

Brahmananda Rao recollected his early days of staging dramas and said that he will never forget the encouragement given by V Kameswara Rao, who was inspired and given guidance to march forward in theatre. He also said that his acting abilities were moulded and improved by his co-artiste R Adiseshaiah, yesteryears actor, while acting in the playlet "Tulasi Teerdham" written by Appalacharya.

Brahmananda Rao started a cultural organization namely "Jyothirmayi" and giving shows on the same banner since 1985. He was also a successful in conducting KS Murthy Memorial Nataka Parishad for a period of six years.

He said that the playlets "Badhyata", Tulasi teerdham" and 'Treatment' have received number of awards and appreciations. Rao also acted in some mythological plays 'Sati Sakkubai' and 'Chintamani' and also directed "Ravana Kalyanam". He bagged many awards for his acting, script and also for direction. He received prestigious 'Nandi' award for his direction for the play "Paramatma Vyavasthitaha"

Brahmananda Rao requested the government to conduct 'theatre workshops' and 'seminars' to improve and upgrade the artistic talent among the old and present generation artistes. He also wishes that Telugu drama also will find its place in international festivals.