Padma Bhushan to veteran singer P. Susheela

Padma awards given by the Government of India have been announced for this year on January 25, 2008. Veternal playback singer P. Susheela won the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. She will be conferred Padma Bhushan by President of India on the occasion of Republic Day. P. Susheela was born in 1935 in Vijayanagaram of Andhra Pradesh. She sungs several thousands of songs in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Simhalese.

Hindi playback singer Asha Bhosle got Padma Vibhushan. Hindi actress Madhuri Dixit and actor Tom Alter won Padma Shree.

Akkineni Nageshwar Rao

Full Name : Akkineni Nageshwar Rao
Title: Natasamrat
Date of Birth: September 20, 1924
Place of Birth: Venkataraghavapuram, Krishna District
Debut Film: Seetharama Jananam
Awards: Padmasri, Padmabushan, Dada Saheb Phalke award, Raghupati Venkaiah Naidu award

Akkineni Nageshwar Rao was born on September 20, 1924 in Venkataraghavapuram in Krishna district. His first film was released in 1941. Devadasu was the biggest hit in the begining of his career. He acted in many classic super hits like Mangalya balam, Missamma, Mayabazar, Dasara Bullodu, Premnagar, Premabhishekam etc. His wife's name is Annapurna. His younger son Nagarjuna is a film hero.

He is the recipient of Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the greatest honor for an actor in this country. He is also the recipient of 'Raghupati Venkayya Award', the best award for any actor at state level. He also grabbed the 'Kalidasu' award granted by MP Government at national level.

He is the first person to cause the shift of Telugu film industry to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from Chennai, Tamilnadu in an attempt to bring together the mother tongue of industry and industry itself. Soon after the move to Hyderabad, Nageswara Rao founded his own production house, Annapoorna Studios located in Banjara Hill.

Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao

Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao was born on December 4, 1923 in Choutapalli, near Gudivada. His inspiration and his teacher was his father Surayya, an itinerant singer of tarangalu, and mridangam player. Sadly, Surayya passed away when Venkateshwara Rao was only 11. The family was supported by his maternal uncle Ryali Pichiramaiah.

He acted as a child actor in plays like Chintamani and Sati Sakkubhai. He was apprenticed to the school of Susurlu Krishna Brahma Sastry and graduated from a music school at Vijayanagaram, while earning a living as an singer and beggar. He received the title of Vidhwan in 1941.

As a freedom fighter he was jailed for two years in Alipore. He worked with All India Radio for sometime. He got married to Savitri of Pedapulivarru. It was in this village that he met Samudrala Raghavacharya. He reached Madras for film chances on the advice of Samudrala.

Prathiba Balaramaiah gave him first chance as a character artist. He then worked under the music director Subbaraman for the film 'Ratnamala'. He worked as a asociate music director for 'Balaraju'. He was music director for the film 'Lakshmamma.' His first film as a singer was 1945 (Swargaseema), singing duets with Bhanumati to Nagaiah's score.

He served as the 'Aaasthana Gaayaka' (court musician) for the TTD. He was also a recipient of the Padmashri. He sang more than 10,000 songs and composed music for more than 125 movies. Some of the most famous renderings of Ghantasala include Bhagawadhgeeta, Pushpa Vilapam etc.

Filmography
Playback Singer

1. Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974)
2. Bhakta Tukaram (1973)
3. Deshoddharakulu (1973)
4. Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973)
5. Jeevana Tarangalu (1973)
6. Badi Panthulu (1972)
7. Bala Bharatam (1972)
8. Iddaru Ammayilu (1972)
9. Koduku Kodalu (1972)
10. Pandanti Kapuram (1972)
11. Tata Manavadu (1972)
12. Chinnanaati Snehithulu (1971)
13. Dasara Bullodu (1971)
14. Prem Nagar (1971)
15. Rajakota Rahasyam (1971)
16. Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971)
17. Shri Krishna Satya (1971)
18. Shrimanthudu (1971)
19. Alibaba 40 Dongalu (1970)
20. Ammakosam (1970)
21. Balaraju Katha (1970)
22. Dharma Daata (1970)
23. Kathanayika Molla (1970)
24. Poola Rangadu (1970)
25. Thalli Thandrulu (1970)
26. Adrushtavanthalu (1969)
27. Aadarsa Kutumbam (1969)
28. Aatmiyulu (1969)
29. Buddhimanthudu (1969)
30. Ekaveera (1969)
31. Mooga Nomu (1969)
32. Nindu Hridayalu (1969)
33. Saptaswarulu (1969)
34. Vichitra Kutumbam (1969)
35. Brahmachari (1968)
36. Bagdad Gajadonga (1968)
37. Bandhavyalu (1968)
38. Bangaru Gaajulu (1968)
39. Kalisochchina Adrushtam (1968)
40. Niluvu Dopidi (1968)
41. Umachandi Gauri Shankarula Katha (1968)
42. Undamma Bottu Pedata (1968)
43. Varakatnam (1968)
44. Kanchukota (1967)
45. Bhakta Prahlada (1967)
46. Bhama Vijayam (1967)
47. Chadarangam (1967)
48. Goodachari 116 (1967)
49. Kambojaraju Katha (1967)
50. Prana Mithrulu (1967)
51. Privetu Mastaru (1967)
52. Rahasyam (1967)
53. Saakshi (1967)
54. Shri Krishnavataram (1967)
55. Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna (1967)
56. Sudigundaalu (1967)
57. Ummadi Kutumbam (1967)
58. Aastiparulu (1966)
59. Adugu Jaadalu (1966)
60. Bhakta Potana (1966)
61. Chilaka Gorinka (1966)
62. Kanne Manasulu (1966)
63. Letha Manasulu (1966)
64. Navarathri (1966)
65. Palnati Yudham (1966)
66. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966)
67. Potti Pleader (1966)
68. Rangula Ratnam (1966)
69. Shri Krishna Pandaviyam (1966)
70. Shri Krishna Tulabharam (1966)
71. Aatma Gowravam (1965)
72. Antastulu (1965)
73. Bangaru Panjaram (1965)
74. Chandrahasa (1965)
75. C.I.D (1965)
76. Gudi Gantalu (1965)
77. Manashulu Mamatalu (1965)
78. Naadi Aada Janme (1965)
79. Preminchi Choodu (1965)
80. Satya Harishchandra (1965)
81. Sumangali (1965)
82. Tene Manasulu (1965)
83. Todu Needa (1965)
84. Uyyala Jampala (1965)
85. Aatma Balam (1964)
86. Amarshilpi Jakanna (1964)
87. Babruvahana (1964)
88. Bobbili Yudham (1964)
89. Daagudumootalu (1964)
90. Devatha (1964)
91. Dr. Chakravarthy (1964)
92. Manchi Manishi (1964)
93. Murali Krishna (1964)
94. Poojaphalam (1964)
95. Ramudu Bheemudu (1964)
96. Velugu Needalu (1964)
97. Vivaha Bandham (1964)
98. Manchi Chedu (1963)
99. Narthanasala (1963)
100. Tirupathamma Katha (1963)
101. Lakshadhikari (1963)
102. Bandipotu (1963)
103. Paruvu Prathishta (1963)
104. Lava Kusa (1963)
105. Savati Koduku (1963)
106. Valmiki (1963)
107. Irugu - Porugu (1963)
108. Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham (1963)
109. Apta Mithrulu (1963)
110. Chaduvukunna Ammayilu (1963)
111. Karna (1963)
112. Mooga Manasulu (1963)
113. Penchina Prema (1963)
114. Punarjanma (1963)
115. Yedureetha (1963)
116. Atma Bandhuvu (1962)
117. Raktha Sambandham (1962)
118. Swarnamanjari (1962)
119. Mahamantri Timmarasu (1962)
120. Gundamma Katha (1962)
121. Dakshayagnam (1962)
122. Bhishma (1962)
123. Tiger Ramudu (1962)
124. Gaali Medalu (1962)
125. Gulebakavali Katha (1962)
126. Aradhana (1962)
127. Constable Koothuru (1962)
128. Kula Gothralu (1962)
129. Manchi Manasulu (1962)
130. Pavithra Prema (1962)
131. Siri Sampadalu (1962)
132. Taxi Ramudu (1961)
133. Kalasivunte Kaladu Sukham (1961)
134. Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961)
135. Santa (1961)
136. Pendli Pilupu (1961)
137. Sati Sulochana (1961)
138. Intiki Deepam Illalu (1961)
139. Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961)
140. Batasari (1961)
141. Bharya Bharthalu (1961)
142. Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)
143. Krishna Kuchela (1961/II)
144. Pandava Vanavasam (1961/I)
145. Papa Pariharam (1961)
146. Sabash Raja (1961)
147. Usha Parinayam (1961)
148. Vagdanam (1961)
149. Bhatti Vikramarka (1960)
150. Bhakta Raghunath (1960)
151. Bhakta Shabari (1960)
152. Chivaraku Migiledi (1960)
153. Deepavali (1960)
154. Harishchandra (1960)
155. Magavari Mayalu (1960)
156. Mahakavi Kalidasu (1960)
157. Mangalyam (1960)
158. Runanubandham (1960)
159. Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani (1960)
160. Samajam (1960)
161. Shantinivasam (1960)
162. Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960)
163. Vimala (1960)
164. Balangamma (1959)
165. Illarikam (1959)
166. Jayabheri (1959)
167. Bhagya Devatha (1959)
168. Krishna Leelalu (1959)
169. Maa Inti Mahalakshmi (1959)
170. Nammina Bantu (1959)
171. Pelli Sandadi (1959)
172. Raja Makutam (1959)
173. Rechukka Pragatichukka (1959)
174. Sabhash Ramudu (1959)
175. Pelli Naati Pramanalu (1958)
176. Raja Nandini (1958)
177. Bhookailas (1958)
178. Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958)
179. Atha Okinti Kodale (1958)
180. Chenchu Lakshmi (1958)
181. Mangalya Balam (1958)
182. Mundadugu (1958)
183. Shri Krishna Maya (1958)
184. Suvarna Sundari (1957)
185. Maya Bazaar (1957)
186. Aalu Magalu (1957)
187. Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam (1957)
188. Bhagya Rekha (1957)
189. Bhale Bava (1957)
190. Dongallo Dora (1957)
191. Maya Bazaar (1957)
192. M.L.A. (1957)
193. Nala Damayanti (1957)
194. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957)
195. Preme Daivam (1957)
196. Sarangadhara (1957)
197. Sati Savitri (1957)
198. Todi Kodallu (1957)
199. Varudu Kavali (1957)
200. Vinayaka Chaviti (1957)
201. Chiranjeevulu (1956)
202. Tenali Ramakrishna (1956)
203. Bhakta Markandeya (1956)
204. Bhale Ramudu (1956)
205. Charana Daasi (1956)
206. Chintamani (1956)
207. Jayam Manade (1956)
208. Kanakatara (1956)
209. Muddu Bidda (1956)
210. Sontha Ooru (1956)
211. Jayasimha (1955)
212. Donga Ramudu (1955)
213. Kanyasulkam (1955)
214. Santanam (1955)
215. Rojulu Marayi (1955)
216. Anarkali (1955)
217. Ardhangi (1955)
218. Missamma (1955)
219. Rani Ratnaprabha (1955)
220. Shri Krishna Tulabharam (1955)
221. Vadina Gari Gajulu (1955)
222. Parivartana (1954)
223. Raju-Peda (1954)
224. Rechukka (1954)
225. Todu Dongalu (1954)
226. Vaddante Dabbu (1954)
227. Chandraharam (1954)
228. Bangaru Papa (1954)
229. Chakrapani (1954)
230. Peddamanushulu (1954)
231. Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam (1954)
232. Pitchi Pullaiah (1953)
233. Bratuku Theruvu (1953)
234. Chandirani (1953)
235. Chandirani (1953)
236. Devadasu (1953)
237. Jatakam (1953)
238. Jatakaphalam (1953)
239. Kanna Talli (1953)
240. Oka Talli Pillalu (1953)
241. Pardesi (1953)
242. Pempudu Koduku (1953)
243. Pratigna (1953)
244. Palletooru (1952)
245. Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952)
246. Prema (1952)
247. Tingu Ranga (1952)
248. Malliswari (1951)
249. Patala Bhairavi (1951)
250. Navvite Navaratnalu (1951)
251. Palletoori Pilla (1950)
252. Shavukaru (1950)
253. Samsaram (1950)
254. Swapna Sundari (1950)
255. Mana Desam (1949)
256. Laila Majnu (1949)
257. Raksharekha (1949)
258. Gunasundari Katha (1949)
259. Balaraju (1948)
260. Vindhyarani (1948)
261. Palnati Yudham (1947)
262. Ratnamala (1947)
263. Swargaseema (1945)

Music Director

1. Alibaba 40 Dongalu (1970)
2. Thalli Thandrulu (1970)
3. Rahasyam (1967)
4. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966)
5. C.I.D (1965)
6. Gudi Gantalu (1965)
7. Raktha Sambandham (1962)
8. Gundamma Katha (1962)
9. Sati Sulochana (1961)
10. Pandava Vanavasam (1961)
11. Sabash Raja (1961)
12. Bhakta Raghunath (1960)
13. Deepavali (1960)
14. Shantinivasam (1960)
15. Pelli Sandadi (1959)
16. Sabhash Ramudu (1959)
17. Pelli Naati Pramanalu (1958)
18. Maya Bazaar (1957)
19. Bhale Bava (1957)
20. Sarangadhara (1957)
21. Vinayaka Chaviti (1957)
22. Chiranjeevulu (1956)
23. Jayam Manade (1956)
24. Kanakatara (1956)
25. Kanyasulkam (1955)
26. Vadina Gari Gajulu (1955)
27. Chandraharam (1954)
28. Bratuku Theruvu (1953)
29. Palletooru (1952)
30. Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952)
31. Patala Bhairavi (1951)
32. Shavukaru (1950)
33. Vali Sugriva (1950)
34. Mana Desam (1949)
35. Raksharekha (1949)
36. Balaraju (1948)

Producer

1. Bhakta Raghunath (1960)
2. Sontha Ooru (1956)

Actor

1. Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960) (guest appearance)

Allu Ramalingaiah

Allu Ramalingaiah was born on October 1, 1922 in Palakollu. He acted as a comedian and comedy villain. His first movie is Putillu. He acted in more than 1000 movies. He practised homeopathy before films. He was arrested during the Quit India Movement. He played dramas for Praja Natya Mandali before joining films. He was awarded the title 'Hasya Kala Prapoorna' by Nritya Kala Mandali.

He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathy Venkaiah award by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema for the year 2001. A statue of his was inaugurated by Chiranjeevi in Visakhapatnam on RK beach road. He was awared Padmasri by the government of India. He is father of ace producer Allu Aravind, grandfather of Allu Arjun and father-in-law of Megastar Chiranjeevi. He passed away on July 30, 2004.

Filmography

1. Indra (2002)
2. Devullu (2001)
3. Maavichiguru (1996)
4. Alluda Mazaaka (1995)
5. Mutamestri (1993)
6. Aa Okkati Adakku (1993)
7. Mechanic Alludu (1993)
8. Parugo Parugu (1993)
9. Aapathbandavudu (1992)
10. Ashwamedham (1992)
11. Peddarikam (1992)
12. Rowdy Alludu (1991)
13. Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam (1991)
14. Gang Leader (1991)
15. Raja Vikramarka (1990)
16. Kodama Simham (1990)
17. Jagadeka Veerudu Attilokasundari (1990)
18. Kondaveeti Donga (1990)
19. State Rowdy (1989)
20. Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu (1989)
21. Chalaki Mogudu Chadastapu Pellam (1989)
22. Khaidi No. 786 (1988)
23. Yamudiki Mogudu (1988)
24. Manchi Donga (1988)
25. Aakhari Poratam (1988)
26. Donga Ramudu (1988)
27. Donga Mogudu (1987)
28. Chantabbai (1986)
29. Magadheerudu (1986)
30. Kiraathakudu (1986)
31. Ravana Brahma (1986)
32. Vijetha (1985)
33. Adavi Donga (1985)
34. Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (1985)
35. Jwala (1985)
36. Donga (1985)
37. Chattamtho Porattam (1985)
38. Muchataga Mugguru (1985)
39. Rustum (1984)
40. Inti Guttu (1984)
41. Mahanagaramlo Mayagadu (1984)
42. Hero (1984)
43. Goonda (1984)
44. Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)
45. Sangarshana (1983)
46. Manthrigari Viyyankudu (1983)
47. Prema Pichollu (1983)
48. Adavi Simhalu (1983)
49. Mundadugu (1983)
50. Rendu Jella Seetha (1983)
51. Mondighatam (1982)
52. Billa Ranga (1982)
53. Idi Pellantara (1982)
54. Subhalekha (1982)
55. Bobbili Puli (1982)
56. Justice Chowdhary (1982)
57. Nireekshana (1982)
58. Kirayi Rowdylu (1981)
59. Nyayam Kavali (1981)
60. Todu Dongalu (1981)
61. Agni Poolu (1981)
62. Kondaveeti Simham (1981)
63. Mosagadu (1980)
64. Saptapadhi (1980)
65. Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980)
66. Kothala Raayudu (1979)
67. Shankarabharanam (1979)
68. Vetagadu (1979)
69. Manavoori Pandavulu (1978)
70. Gorantha Deepam (1978)
71. Sivaranjani (1978)
72. Premalekhalu (1977)
73. Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam (1976)
74. Bhakta Kannappa (1976)
75. Manushulanta Okkate (1976)
76. Secretary (1976)
77. Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club (1976)
78. Muthyala Muggu (1975)
79. Yamagola (1975)
80. Banthrotu Bharya (1974)
81. Andala Ramudu (1973)
82. Sharada (1973)
83. Iddaru Ammayilu (1972)
84. Tata Manavadu (1972)
85. Bomma Borusa (1971)
86. Balaraju Katha (1970)
87. Poola Rangadu (1970)
88. Sambarala Rambabu (1970)
89. Thalli Thandrulu (1970)
90. Buddhimanthudu (1969)
91. Ranabheri (1968)
92. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966)
93. Aatma Gowravam (1965)
94. Preminchi Choodu (1965)
95. Daagudumootalu (1964)
96. Narthanasala (1963)
97. Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham (1963)
98. Chaduvukunna Ammayilu (1963)
99. Mooga Manasulu (1963)
100. Gundamma Katha (1962)
101. Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)
102. Krishna Leelalu (1959)
103. Pelli Naati Pramanalu (1958)
104. Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958)
105. Maya Bazaar (1957)
106. Bhagya Rekha (1957)
107. Todi Kodallu (1957)
108. Donga Ramudu (1955)
109. Santanam (1955)
110. Missamma (1955)
111. Parivartana (1954)
112. Vaddante Dabbu (1954)
113. Puttillu (1953)