Cinare A multifaceted litterateur

Cingireddy Narayana Reddy popular as “Cinare” was a towering presence, with an unwavering hold on the Telugu literary scene for over six decades. And the void he has left is hard to fill

Intense eyes that captured images resonating in words, stubborn curls that framed his face, speech that reflected sublime clarity and a pen that embraced words with the flourish of an artist painting images on canvas, Cingireddy Narayana Reddy popular as “Cinare” was a towering presence, a Colossus with an unwavering hold on the Telugu literary scene for over six decades.

A multifaceted personality who wove magic with words, his very presence elevated a gathering lending it eminence, respect and credibility. From a humble farming background in Hanumajipet, a small hamlet of Telangana, Dr Reddy’s meteoric rise in the literary firmament is a tale of hard work, tenacity and genius in the right proportions.

His early education in Urdu medium under the Nizam’s rule and influence of Harikatha and Burrakatha in the rural milieu were to cast a deep influence on his literary style and enrich his poetic career which began in his early teens.

The Man
A smiling countenance and an all-encompassing attitude won him many friends, admirers and followers who are acutely aware that he lives on through the rich body of work that he leaves behind. Teacher, poet, playwright orator, lyricist and guide to aspiring writers, Dr Reddy wore many hats with ease and enjoyed each role with equal relish. Old age or illness could never keep him away from literary gatherings where he marked his presence till the very end. Recipient of many honours and accolades including the Jnanpith, the highest literary award in the country for his magnum opus “Vishwamabara”, his writings firmly established the pre-eminence of Man and his role in the Cosmos. It outlines the eternal journey of Man from the day of his creation.

The mind plays a pre-eminent part in the many forms assumed by Man. Alexander, Christ, Ashoka, Socrates, Buddha, Lenin, Marx and Gandhi depict different aspects of man’s ingenuity. His journey is described as three-fold, cultural, scientific and spiritual with obstacles only strengthening his resolve to move forward.

In the Cosmic drama of life, Man moves forward, undeterred, unscathed. Vishwambara brings out in bold relief the poet’s undying faith in the destiny of man and his ultimate victory. Dr Shiv K Kumar, the well-known poet, professor and literary critic in his foreword to the book calls it a contemporary epic and says, “It seems to invite comparison with Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ and Dante’s La Divina Commedia because it is also concerned with such fundamental problems as free will, evil and redemption.”

Dr Reddy’s definition of the expansive nature of man is both insightful and astounding. “Man’s Mind is at the root of all emotions…saintliness, animal instincts, culture, degeneration, purity, contraction, anger and compassion all emanate from it. It is the point of origin, it is the balance, it is the sheath that envelopes him.

It is his consciousness that pervades the infinite universe and it is the all illumining eternal truth”. Apart from making him the second Telugu writer to win the Jnanpith “Vishwambara” won Sahitya Akademi awards for both the Hindi and Sanskrit translations making it a work of extraordinary value.

Continuing his pre-occupation with the man in his book of poetry called “Earth, Man and Sky” (Matti, Manishi, Akasham) Dr Reddy through exquisite poems traces the role of the man who is the bridge between the Earth and Sky and the victorious hero who conquers time and space. The Man is as close to the creator as he can get.

“Making the world his stage

………………….. The sky his crown
Seeing his reflection in all,
Revved into eternal consciousness through the fine-tuned aspirations of all
Man is…
A character that does not exist
…… is unbound,
…… and one who defines the pace of progress in this infinite universe”

Film career
Finding resounding success with his very first film ‘Gulebakaavali Katha’ at the instance of legendary actor and former chief minister NT Rama Rao in 1962, “Cinare” penned several memorable and haunting numbers that are sung with pride to this day by music lovers and film buffs.

“Nannu Dochukunduvathe, Vannela Dorasani”, his first film song created a sensation, with the besotted hero wondering how he had been stolen ( a reference to his heart) and the heroine coyly singing back “Kannulalo daachukondu ninne naa swami” (You are safely hidden in my eyes, my lord).

As a lyricist par excellence, Dr Reddy leaves behind more than 3,500 songs covering a gamut of human emotions. “Thotalo naa Raju thongi choosenu naadu, neetilo aa Raju needa navvenu nedu” (My Lord walked into my garden yesterday and today his reflection laughs at me from the shimmering waters) from the film ‘Ekaveera’, voices an enchanted heroine’s emotions. In “Ee nallani raallalo ye gundelo daageno (What are the hearts hidden behind these black stones?) “Cinare” is able to see the compassion that gives heart to stone.

Poetry and innovation of Telugu ghazals
The poetry of Dr Reddy’s youth was full of romantic enthusiasm both in keeping with his age and the need for the times but always rooted in realism. ‘Jalapatham’, ‘Narayana Reddy Geyalu’ and ‘Divvela Muvvalu’ are some of his early works that reflect this mood.

“Nagarjunasaagaram” was a masterpiece known for its thematic excellence and elegant style. “Karpoora Vasantha Rayalu” a beautiful long poem that depicts the love story of a medieval Reddy King Kumara Giri and his court dancer the beautiful and talented Lakuma is known for its haunting melody, arresting imagery and expressive language.

Experimenting with an array of poetic traditions in Telugu that included both free verse and poems set to metre, “Cinare” was the first person to use Urdu words in Telugu and introduce “Telugu Ghazals” to the world. This innovation resulted in works of great poetic value and lyrical magnetism infusing new dynamism to the language.

Endowed with a melodious voice he could mesmerise listeners by rendering these ghazals. Those who spent evenings in literary discussions with him, recall with fondness his passionate rendering of poetry and ghazals, which added depth to beautifully sculpted words and made them even more attractive.”

“Parulokosam paatupadani naruni brathuku denikani? Mooganelaku neerandivvani vaagu parugu denikani?” (What is the use of this human life that doesn’t strive for others and what is the use of the stream that flows onward, if it cannot provide water to the silent earth?), he questions in a beautiful ghazal.

The musical play “Ramappa” based on the Kakatiya dynasty and a collection of ten plays called “Narayana Reddy Natikalu” bring out his skill as a playwright, while “Modern Telugu Poetry: Tradition and Experiment” Aadhuinakandhra kavitvamu: Sampradayamu, Prayogamu) is an analysis of Telugu poetry which is almost like a textbook for lovers of Telugu literature. Innumerable works of literature came to life through Dr Reddy’s pen and he published a new compilation of poetry every birthday. His love for Telugu was immense and he wrote:

“Kadali anchulu daati kadalindi Telugu
Yadala lothulu meeti Yegasindi Telugu”
(The fame of Telugu has crossed the shores. It has struck deep chords in our hearts).

Cinare – the teacher

His stints as a lecturer in various colleges and at the Osmania University saw him inspire students to study Telugu literature. Holding many positions in the state intended to support language and culture and through association with the Saraswath Parishad, he made long-lasting contributions to the language. His travelogues and translations of his work have helped non-Telugus understand the fragrance and inherent beauty of the language along with typical nuances that define it.

Encouraging upcoming, and established writers, and honouring women writers every year with the “Susheela Narayana Reddy Award” instituted in his wife’s memory have been a regular feature of life for this man of letters over the years. His “prapanchapadulu” a unique style of poetry rendered in a mellifluous voice reflect his philosophy of life with examples that tug at your heart strings. The poet exhorts us to go through the grind in our pursuit of higher goals.

“Ningi lothunu Choodagorithe, Neeti chukkano kalusuko
Rathnatatvam Choodagorithe Raathi mukkani kalusuko”
(If you wish to discover the depth of the sky, delve deep and connect to the water drop that joins it ...
If you want to know the mettle of a diamond, first meet the stone).
These gems of wisdom replete with mysticism and irrefutable facts reflect his thoughts with a lucidity that is at once endearing and profound.

“Needalaaga nee venta padedhe nikkamaina keerthi,
Mruthyubaahuvulakandalenidhe nithyamaina keerthi”
(True fame is one that follows you like a shadow,
And eternaldame stays on…evading the arms of death).
The hallowed sphere of eternal fame remains with him just as he defined it, unwavering, everlasting and enduring.