Tearful farewell to veteran musician Rajanikanta Rao

Vijayawada: Funeral of veteran writer, singer and musician Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao was performed with State honours at Swargapuri in Krishna Lanka in the city on Monday. The multifaceted writer and composer had passed away at his residence in Seetarampuram on Sunday morning. The district officials paid tributes to the departed soul by placing the national flag on the body and with gun salute.

Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari, District Collector B Lakshmikantham, Joint Collector -2 Pidugu Baburao, the district officials, family members, relatives and others attended the funeral and paid final tributes to the multi-talented personality. Speaking on the occasion, Nannananei Rajakumari recollected her association with the noted writer and artiste.

She said Rajanikantha Rao made invaluable services in the fields of music and radio programmes. The name of Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao was well known among Telugu people for many decades, she said. District Collector B Lakshmikantham had paid floral tributes and recalled the services of Rajanikantha Rao, popularly known as Rajani among the radio listeners.

He said the departed artiste was a great musician and had a great following among music and literary circles.  Rajanikanta Rao passed away at the age of 98 in Vijayawada on Sunday morning. He is the only artiste in the state to win the Central government Sahitya Academy award and Sangeeta Nataka Academy award.