R. Balasaraswathi Devi

Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi
Born
Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi

(1928-08-28) 28 August 1928 (age 96)
Occupation(s)Actress, playback singer
FamilySee Nidudavolu Family
AwardsRamineni Foundation Award

Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi (born 28 August 1928) is an Indian singer and actress who performed from 1930 to the 1960s in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She was the first light music singer on All India Radio and the first playback singer in the Telugu cinema.[1]

Early life

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Balasaraswathi was born in Venkatagiri in 1928.[citation needed] She learned music from Allathuru Subbayya and lent her voice for the first solo gramophone by HMV recording company at the age of six.[citation needed]

Career

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She acted as child actor Ganga and also sang in the films Sati Anasuya and Bhakta Dhruva, both directed by C. Pullaiah in 1936.[2] Observing her talent, director K. Subramaniam invited her to act in Tamil films. In the following years, she acted in Tamil films like Bhaktha Kuchela (1936), Balayogini (1937), and Thiruneelakantar (1939). She played the role of Tukaram's daughter in Tukaram (1938). The Tukaram role was portrayed by Musiri Subramania Iyer in the Tamil version and by C. S. R. Anjaneyulu in the Telugu version. In 1940, she acted with S. Rajeswara Rao in Illalu, directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam.

In Bhagya Lakshmi (1943) of Sri Renuka Films of V. Nagayya, she sang for Kamala Kotnis on screen, this being the first instance of playback singing in Telugu cinema.[citation needed] The song Thinne Meedha Sinnoda was composed by Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao.[citation needed]

She lived for some years in Mysore, and then shifted to Hyderabad.[citation needed] After her husband's death, she has lived with her son in her grandson's house in Secunderabad.[citation needed]

Music composers she sang for

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She worked with G. Ramanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, C. R. Subburaman, S. V. Venkatraman, Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao, R. Chinnaiah, S. Hanumantha Rao, S. Rajeswara Rao, P. Adinarayana Rao, G. Aswathama, Ogirala Ramachandra Rao, Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao, Adepalli Rama Rao, C. N. Pandurangan, V. Nagayya, T. V. Raju, Ghantasala, Naushad, L. Malleswara Rao, S. Dakshinamurthi, Vedha, M. Ranga Rao, Master Venu, R. Sudarsanam, Pamarti Krishna Murty, G. Govindarajulu Naidu and M. B. Sreenivasan.[citation needed]

With playback singers

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She sang duets mostly with Ghantasala and A. M. Rajah.[citation needed] She sang with T. M. Soundararajan, T. A. Mothi, Seerkazhi Govindarajan, S. Rajam, M. S. Ramarao, Pithapuram Nageswara Rao and Subramanyam. [citation needed]

She also sang duets with Jikki, A. P. Komala, M. S. Rajeswari, K. Rani, P. Susheela and P. S. Vaideghi.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Playback singer

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Year Film Language Song Music Co-singer
1939 Mahananda Telugu Cheyandamma Cheyandi Motibabu
Kori Kori Vasinnche
Jagame Jagame Jagamega Lalitha & C. Krishnaveni
Therichoodu Ee Vanasobha Lalitha & C. Krishnaveni
Marachipotivaa Maamaa
1940 Illalu Telugu Suma Komala Kanulela Kala S. Rajeswara Rao S. Rajeswara Rao
Kavyapaanamu Chesi Kaipekkinaane S. Rajeswara Rao
1941 Apavadu Telugu Eemaanupainundi S. Rajeswara Rao K. Raghuramaiah
Adugadugo Poga Bandī
Enni Chinnelu Nerchadammaa
Thelisinademo Theliyanidemo
Paanakammulo Pudaka Netikitu
1941 Chandrahasa Telugu Javvaname Sresṭhamainadaho Motibabu
Sugandha Pushpa Sumambul
1943 Bhagyalakshmi Telugu Tinne Meedi Chinnoda Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao
Chestanu Pendlikodukunu
1944 Chenchu Lakshmi Telugu Elukovayya Elukovayya R. Chinnaiah & C. R. Subburaman
Eri Eri Naa Samanulu
Kanipinchitiva Narasimha
Madhuramugaa Aahaa Ee Jeevithame S. Venkatraman
1947 Radhika Telugu Gopala Krishnudu Nallana S. Hanumantha Rao
1948 Bilhana Tamil Sri Jaya Saraswathi Devi Thaaye Papanasam Sivan
Innisaiye Ganarasa Innamudhe Ennuriye
1948 Chakradhari Tamil Ammaa Ammaa Ena M. D. Parthasarathy
Kanne Vaadaa Maniye Vaadaa
1948 Suvarnamala Telugu Ravoji Jilvana Jyoti Adepalli Rama Rao
Gopala Baludu
Gopala Radhalola
Premaleelaye Noyi Surya Narayana
Yadhakumara Giridhara
1949 Laila Majnu Tamil Veen Pazhi Thane Prabho En Mel C. R. Subburaman
1949 Laila Majnu Telugu Ela Pagaye Ipudela Pagaye C. R. Subburaman
1950 Aahuti Telugu O Priyabalanura Ne Manajalanura S. Rajeswara Rao Ghantasala
Janana Maraṇa Lila Premaye Ghantasala
Hansavale O Padava Ghantasala & T. Kanakam
Premaye Janana Maraṇa Lila Ghantasala
Punnami Vachinadī Ponginadī Ghantasala
1950 Modati Rathri Telugu Mamatho Yemo Chandrudela Pendyala Nageswara Rao M. S. Ramarao & G. Varalakshmi
1950 Shavukaru Telugu Deepavali Deepavali (pathos) Ghantasala
Deepavali Deepavali Santha Kumari
Palukaraadate Chilukaa Ghantasala
Palukaraadate Chilukaa
1950 Swapna Sundari Tamil Ohoho Maharaja C. R. Subburaman
Nee Sariye Madhana
Nee Inbam Ulakinil Thaane Ghantasala
Komagane Nee Maha Thiyagiye
Thedi Alainthene Unnai Ghantasala
Pagattum Penne Yeno
1950 Swapna Sundari Telugu Ohoho Maharaja C. R. Subburaman
Natanalu Thelusune
Ee Seema Velasina Ghantasala
Oh Paradesi
O Swapna Sundari Ghantasala
Ninne Valache Konara
1951 Mayakkari Tamil Kanbeno Kanbeno P. Adinarayana Rao Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
Kaavinil Koovum Kogilam Thaano Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
Idhu Enna Vedhanai
Raajaa Koluvaai Vandhaar Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
1951 Mayalamari Telugu Ledemo Ledemo P. Adinarayana Rao Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
Koyila Koose Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
Valachina Priyude
Rani Vedaale Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
O Paradesi
1952 Roopavathi Telugu Reethiye Leni Naa Vraatha C. R. Subburaman
Vennelni Chinnabuchche Paata
1952 Chinna Kodalu Telugu Jo Jo Jo Vayyarikade Jo Jo Jo G. Aswathama
Ra Rado Rachiluka A. M. Rajah
Paruve Baruvaayega
Pillanagrovi Patakada
1952 Manavathi Tamil O Malaya Maarudhame Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao & H. R. Padmanabha Sastry S. Rajam
Anbu Kondaendhum
Thanadhu Adamae Thaan
1952 Manavathi Telugu O Malaya Pavanama Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao & H. R. Padmanabha Sastry M. S. Ramarao
Phalimpava Naa Asalu
Tana Pantame
1952 Kaadhal Tamil C. R. Subburaman
1952 Prema Telugu Ooho! Idigada! C. R. Subburaman
1952 Priyuralu Telugu Anandam Mana Jeevana Ragam S. Rajeswara Rao Ghantasala & Jikki
Undumu Madhuranagarilo Krishna
Evarida Venugīti Pillagalito
Okasaraina Nī Madhuralapana Ghantasala
Vinaravo O Vintalokama Ghantasala
Vennelni Chinnabuchche Paata
1952 Santhi Telugu Aha Netiki Naapai Jaali C. R. Subburaman
Voogudhune Ooyale
1952 Thai Ullam Tamil Malai Nilaa Vara Vendum V. Nagayya & Adepalli Rama Rao T. A. Mothi
1953 Devadas Tamil Santhosham Vendumendral C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy
& M. S. Viswanathan
Anbe Pavama
Paaramugam Yenayya En Swami
1953 Devadasu Telugu Andam Choodavaya Anandinchavaya C. R. Subburaman, T. K. Ramamoorthy
& M. S. Viswanathan
Tane Marena Nanne Marachena
Imta Telisiyumdi
1953 En Veedu Tamil Bhoomiyile Oru Punniya Kathai V. Nagayya & Adepalli Rama Rao Jikki
1953 Naa Chellelu Telugu Hayi Kada Mana Ilvanamu C. N. Pandurangan A. M. Rajah
Ma Prema Ghada Madurmmugada A. M. Rajah
1953 Naa Illu Telugu Adigadigo Gagana Seemao V. Nagayya & Adepalli Rama Rao Jikki
Vinnara Janulara Veenulara Jikki
1953 Pichi Pullayya Telugu Ella Velalandu Nee Chakkani Chirunavvulakai T. V. Raju Ghantasala
1954 Nalla Penmani Tamil Anbe Nee Kanne Valarnthaal Petra P. S. Divakar
Dhevi Dhevi Agathi En Vinai
Nin Dhayavaale En Mana Thuyaram
Anbe Nee Kanne Valarnthaal Petra A. M. Rajah
Vaadi Ularumo Vaazhkai Malarumo
1954 Nirupedalu Telugu Raavamma Nidura Raavamma T. V. Raju
1954 Rajee En Kanmani Tamil Malligaipoo Jathi Roja S. Hanumantha Rao
Sundara Malare
Amma Vareero
Thoongayo Duraiye Soppanam
Manadhinile Vethanai
1954 Rajee Na Pranam Telugu Mallepoolu Mallepoolu S. Hanumantha Rao
Meraina Choosi
Amma Ivigonamma Dayatho
Nindhu Vennela Mallelalo
Managalana Soonyamu
1954 Panam Paduthum Padu Tamil Maname Sugame Perumo T. A. Kalyanam
Endrum Ilaa Inbam Idhe
1954 Vaddante Dabbu Telugu Mansaemo Chalinchaneyo T. A. Kalyanam
Endhukohoyi Naku Endhukamma
1955 Aada Bidda Telugu Kalyani Subhadayini Amarnath
Galimedalena Naa Jīvitasalu
Talatala Merise Vennelalo
Laagaraa Ailesaa M. S. Rama Rao & Pithapuram Nageswara Rao
1955 Asai Anna Arumai Thambi Tamil Kannaithaan Parikkudhu K. V. Mahadevan
Sugam Peruveno
1955 Jaya Gopi Tamil O Muthu Papa Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1955 Jayasimha Telugu Madiloni Madhura Bhavam Palikenu Mohana Ragam T. V. Raju Ghantasala
Manasaina Cheli Pilupu A. P. Komala
1955 Jayasimman Tamil Malarodu Madhura Mevum Manam Kaanum Mohana Ragam T. V. Raju Ghantasala
Malar Thara A. P. Komala
1955 Mahakavi Kalidhas Tamil Pesum Kiliye Vaanil Parandhaai C. Honnappa Bhagavathar
Vaaraai Vaaraai Vaaraai V. N. Sundaram
1955 Mangaiyar Thilakam Tamil Neela Vanna Kanna Vada S. Dakshinamurthi
1955 Nallakalam Tamil Vazhvu Malarnthu Manam Veesiduthe K. V. Mahadevan
Maname Un Vaazhvil Nee
1955 Pasupu Kumkuma Telugu Hayi Hayi O Papayi M. Ranga Rao
1955 Sri Jagannatha Mahatyamu Telugu Kadha Yide Mrdumadhuramu Mallik & B. Gopalam
Bhramara Yidemaya Ento
1956 Bhagyachakra Kannada Doora Doora Doorake Vijaya Bhaskar
Jhalukina Jhalukina Loka
1956 Bhagyodaya Kannada Anandha Gokula L. Malleswara Rao K. Rani & Subramanyam
Namaste Saradha Devi.... Vaani Veena Paani
1956 Bhaktha Markandeya Kannada Dagudu Mootalu Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1956 Bhaktha Markandeya Telugu Dagudu Muthalu Natona Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1956 Kannin Manigal Tamil Kandu Konden Naane S. V. Venkatraman T. A. Mothi
Kandu Konden Naane (pathos) T. A. Mothi
1956 Mangala Gauri Tamil Ambaa Mangala Gowri Ogirala Ramachandra Rao
1956 Marma Veeran Tamil Thudikkum Valibame Vedha
1956 Moondru Pengal Tamil Enadhu Ullame Poothu Kulungum K. V. Mahadevan
1956 Nalla Veedu Tamil Kalaimathiye En Kaadhal Krishnamurthi & Nagaraja Iyer P. B. Sreenivas
Vidhiyin Sodhanai Idhuthaanaa
Idhayame Sorgamaagum
1956 Sri Gauri Mahatyam Telugu Ambaa Mangala Gowri Ogirala Ramachandra Rao & T. V. Raju
1956 Tenali Raman Tamil Thangam Pongum Meni Undhan Sondham Ini Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1956 Tenali Ramakrishna Telugu Jhan Jhan Kankanamuluga Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1956 Vanaratham Tamil Sudar Thaari Sabaiyil Unai Kanen Nane M. B. Sreenivasan
Nenjin Ilamai Ensolven
1957 Aandi Petra Selvam Tamil Amma Amma S. Rajeswara Rao
1957 Aavathellam Pennale Tamil Vennila Raajaa Vegamaai Nee Vaa Jeevan
1957 Baagyavathi Tamil Ellorum Unnai Nallavan Endre S. Dakshinamurthi
Dhinasari En Vazhvil Thirunale
1957 Bhaktha Markandeya Tamil Inggum Anggum Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1957 Dhampatyam Telugu Tanemi Talacheno Ramesh Naidu A. M. Rajah
Nadhi Veedhilo Jeevitham
Ledhemo Aanandhaṁ Ipuḍi
Vennelaajaa Vegame Raavaa
1957 Evari Abbayi Telugu Kallamootakaalam Kadura Raajaa T. M. Ibrahim
1957 Mahadhevi Tamil Singara Punnagai Kannara Kandale Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy M. S. Rajeswari
1957 Peddarikalu Telugu Lali Lali Nanu Kannayya Master Venu
Vennela Radha Vedanalena
Padavamma Maayam P. Susheela & P. S. Vaidhegi
1957 Raja Rajan Tamil Kalaityaadha Aasai Kanave K. V. Mahadevan
Kalaityaadha Aasai Kanave (Pathos)
1957 Rani Rangamma Telugu Natiroju Yela Radhu S. Dakshinamurthi
1957 Sankalpam Telugu Nidurapoora S. Dakshinamurthi
Naa Aasalanni
1957 Veera Kankanam Telugu Amdala Rani S. Dakshinamurthi A. M. Rajah
Siggulu Chigurinchene
Kalakaadhu Chelee Kaadhu Jikki
1957 Yaar Paiyan Tamil Kannaamoochi Aattam S. Dakshinamurthi
1958 Anbu Enge Tamil Sollu Nee Raja Vedha
1958 Booloka Rambha Telugu Devi Dayaganave Bhavani C. N. Pandurangan
1958 Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu Telugu Dharaniki Giri Bharama Giriki Taruvu Bharama Ghantasala
1958 Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum Tamil Eliyorai Thaazhthi Valiyorai Vaazhthum K. V. Mahadevan T. M. Soundararajan
1958 Uthama Puthiran Tamil Muthe, Pavalame.... Aala Pirantha En Kanmaniye G. Ramanathan A. P. Komala
1959 Arumai Magal Abirami Tamil Nalla Pillai Endru Solli Unnai V. Dakshinamoorthy
1959 Bala Nagamma Tamil Aararo Ennaasai Raajaa Pamarti
1959 Gandhari Garva Bhangamu Telugu Ne Arunodayavela Pamarti
1959 Maa Inti Mahalakshmi Telugu Chivurullo Chilukalaga G. Aswathama P. S. Vaidhegi
1959 Mala Oru Mangala Vilakku Tamil Aaduthu Poongkodi C. N. Pandurangan
1959 Pedda Kodalu Telugu Vennelaradha Vedanelena M. Ranga Rao
1959 Pelli Sandadi Telugu Rave Premalata Oho Kaviraja Ghantasala Ghantasala
Hailelo Naa Raaja Jikki
1959 Penn Kulathin Perumai Tamil Pillai Kaniyamuthe Pedhai Enthan G. Ramanathan
1959 Sahodhari Tamil Uravu Thanthai Kannaale R. Sudarsanam
Malarum Malarum Nallarame
1959 Sollu Thambi Sollu Tamil Soodaadha Malarai K. V. Mahadevan
1959 Sumangali Tamil Vidhi Seidha Sadhiyo Atthaan M. Ranga Rao Seerkazhi Govindarajan
1959 Thayapola Pillai Noolapola Selai Tamil Nalla Kudumbam Miga Nalla Kudumbam K. V. Mahadevan
1959 Thozhan Tamil Vada Malarthene G. Ramanathan
1959 Vachina Kodalu Nachindi Telugu Emo Emanukoneno Na Matha S. Dakshinamurthi
1960 Chinna Marumagal Tamil Namaste Saradha Devi.... Vaani Veena Paani L. Malleswara Rao
1960 Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam Tamil Kanne Vaadaa Kaniye Vaadaa S. Dakshinamurthi
1960 Raja Bakthi Tamil Paarmuzhuthum Irul Parappum G. Govindarajulu Naidu
1961 Thayilla Pillai Tamil Seerarum Paingkiliye K. V. Mahadevan
1962 Swargarajyam Malayalam Pandu Pandu Pande M. B. Sreenivasan
1963 Naan Vanangum Dheivam Tamil Dhayavillaiyo Annaiye K. V. Mahadevan
1968 Harichandra Tamil Oraam Maadham Udaladhu Thalarndhu K. V. Mahadevan
Naranaiyum Nee Padaitthaai
1980 Sangham Chekkina Shilpalu Telugu Poyi Rave Amma Poyi Ravamma Ramesh Naidu

Actress

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Year Film Language Director Banner
1935 Sati Anasuya Telugu Ahin Chowdhary
1936 Bhakta Dhruva Telugu C. Pullaiah East India Film Company
1936 Bhaktha Kuchela Tamil K. Subramaniam Madras United Artists Corp
1937 Balayogini Tamil K. Subramanyam Madras United Artists Corp
1938 Tukaram Tamil B. Narayana Rao Star Combines
1938 Tukaram Telugu B. Narayana Rao Star Combines
1939 Thiruneelakantar Tamil P. K. Raja Sandow Trichy Thyagaraj Films Ltd
1940 Illalu Telugu Gudavalli Ramabrahmam Indira Devi Films
1941 Apavadu Telugu Gudavalli Ramabrahmam Kasturi Films
1940 Chandrahasa Telugu M. L. Rangaiah Vani Pictures
1943 Dhaasippen Tamil Ellis R. Dungan Devi Films
1947 Radhika Telugu K. Sadasiva Rao Sri Chatrapathi Pictures
1948 Bilhana Tamil B. N. Rao Mubarak Pictures
1948 Bilhana Telugu B. N. Rao Mubarak Pictures

References

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  1. ^ "Stars : Star Profiles : Rao Balasaraswathi Devi to be felicitated on her 75th birthday". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Light Music By Rao Balasaraswathi Devi: Events in Hyderabad". Fullhyderabad.com. Archived from the original on 23 May 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
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