Cinare a star in Telugu literary firmament

Hyderabad: When poets and lyricists from coastal Andhra region like Aarudra, Athreya and Sri Sri were dominating in Telugu cinema, young Telugu lecturer-turned-lyricist C Narayana Reddy rose like a star with his felicity in Telugu language. Even though, popular lyricist and Telangana-born Dasaradhi made a distinct mark, but CNR spread the Telangana culture,

language in various debates and also through his works. “CiNaRe wore Telangana culture on his sleeve and took on the mighty Andhra-born poets and authors in various debates. With his command over Telugu language, he became a leading light in literary and film firmaments,”

said national-award winning lyricist Sudhala Ashok Teja, who recalled thespian actor NTR’s assurance to CNR, when the latter asked former to pen lyrics. “CNR bluntly told NTR that he would like to enter film industry through `simha dwaram’ (main door) and not by backdoor by penning one or two songs.

NTR kept his promise for `Gulebakavali Katha’ and young poet wrote thousands of soul-stirring songs on love and other human emotions, besides thought-provoking ones on social disparity, deteriorating human values and also penned songs in Leftist-oriented films,” he added.

Another legendary actor ANR predicted a ‘great future’ for CNR and the poet-author bagged coveted Jnanpith award, besides Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan. He was elected to Rajya Sabha for one term. Some of the enchanting numbers from his four decade-old career include “Nannu Dochukunduvake,’ `Chellikade Ninnu Rammani Piluva,

’ `Oohalu Goosa Goosa Lade,’ Krishna Nee Peru Thalachinna Chalu’ and `Thelisindile Thelisindile Nellaraja Neerupoo,’ `Annaiya Sanidhi Aade Naaku Pennidi’ and `Gunna Mamidi Chettu Meeda,’ Ballare Vichitram Haiyare Vichitram’ and `Maarali Maarali Manushula Nadavadi Maarali’ and `Jejamma Jejamma’ in Arundhati showcased his writing prowess.

“Cinare’s hallmark was simplicity in words which conveyed varied human emotions in-depth and endeared him to masses and classes alike, without compromising on the sanctity of rich Telugu language,” he added.Ghazal Srininivas said,`Without him, I wouldn’t have earned my bread and butter, so he is like a God to me. He is adept in discovering talent in young writers and singers and encouraged them,” he concluded.

By BVS Prakash