Chittoor V. Nagaiah

Chittoor V. Nagaiah was a stage artist, actor, singer, music director, directory, and producer. His actual name is Uppalam Nageswaram. He was first person from India to be awarded Padmasri from the film background. Nagaiah was born on 28th March, 1904, in Gogunur village in Chittoor district. His first acted on stage in his school days. Later went to Tirupathi for studies. He was associated with the Sarswathi Vilasa Gaana Sabha in Tirupathi and performed numerous plays. He began his career as a teacher for a short period. He also worked as a clerk in a government office. Famous actor Ballari Raghava was his mentor who offered him a superior in his play Bhakta Ramdas.

He was associated with Dadasaheb Phalke for a short period where he was supposed to do the editorial work. Later on he was separated with him and opted for acting. He was highly depressed due the death of his wife and went to Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi Ashram for mental peace but returned home after the demise of his father. He worked as a music composer for Hutchins Gramphone Company for a short period. He was introduced to H.M. Reddy and was offered the lead role in Griha Lakshmi which was his debut film. All films in which he performed in the lead role were a big hit. A unique image for the lead actor in Telugu films as a hero was initiated with Nagaiah. He acted in the films like ‘Tyagayya’, ‘Potana’, ‘Vemana’ etc. He was the most costliest actor who charged Rs. 100,000 in 1940s.

Filmography
Actor

1. Iddaru Ammayilu (1972)
2. Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971)
3. Shrimanthudu (1971)
4. Poola Rangadu (1970)
5. Thalli Thandrulu (1970)
6. Aadarsa Kutumbam (1969)
7. Mooga Nomu (1969)
8. Brahmachari (1968)
9. Bhama Vijayam (1967)
10. Rahasyam (1967)
11. Bhakta Potana (1966)
12. Navarathri (1966)
13. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966)
14. Shri Krishna Pandaviyam (1966)
15. Preminchi Choodu (1965)
16. Bobbili Yudham (1964)
17. Devatha (1964)
18. Ramadasu (1964)
19. Lava Kusa (1963)
20. Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham (1963)
21. Dakshayagnam (1962)
22. Siri Sampadalu (1962)
23. Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961)
24. Sabash Raja (1961)
25. Vagdanam (1961)
26. Shantinivasam (1960)
27. Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960)
28. Jayabheri (1959)
29. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957)
30. Tenali Ramakrishna (1956)
31. Muddu Bidda (1956)
32. Anarkali (1955)
33. Gumasta (1953)
34. Naa Illu (1953)
35. Beedala Patlu (1950)
36. Mana Desam (1949)
37. Navajeevanam (1949)
38. Yogi Vemana (1947)
39. Thyagayya (1946)
40. Swargaseema (1945)
41. Bhagyalaxmi (1943)
42. Chenchulakshmi (1943)
43. Bhakta Potana (1942)
44. Devatha (1941)
45. Sumangali (1940)
46. Vishwamohini (1940)
47. Vande Mataram (1939)
48. Grihalakshmi (1938)

Composer

1. Ramadasu (1964)
2. Gumasta (1953)
3. Naa Illu (1953)
4. Yogi Vemana (1947)
5. Thyagayya (1946)
6. Swargaseema (1945)
7. Bhakta Potana (1942)
8. Devatha (1941)
9. Vande Mataram (1939)

playback singer

1. Gumasta (1953)
2. Naa Illu (1953)
3. Yogi Vemana (1947)
4. Thyagayya (1946)
5. Swargaseema (1945)
6. Bhakta Potana (1942)
7. Devatha (1941)
8. Sumangali (1940)
9. Vishwamohini (1940)
10. Vande Mataram (1939)
11. Grihalakshmi (1938)

Director

1. Ramadasu (1964)
2. Naa Illu (1953)
3. Thyagayya (1946)

Producer

1. Naa Illu (1953)

Writer

1. Thyagayya (1946)