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It's obvious that parents do have unending love towards their
offspring. Even my parents are no exception to that fact.
Nannagaru has a special recognition, status and respect in
the society. He is used to be very jovial at home. He used
to take us to beach and hotels in the evenings though he was
a busy man.
Right from the childhood, all we knew was music. Our day starts
in a different way. It starts with Nannagaru browsing through
news papers followed by doing 'sangeeta sadhana'. Nannaguru's
assistant 'Sangeeta Rao' used to stay in our out house. Myself
and Shaymala sister used to learn 'Veena' from him. We are
five siblings. Nannagaru wanted to teach Veena to Shyamala,
Sitara to me, Piano to Vijaya Kumar, Violin to Ratna Kumar
and Vocal to Shanti. He wanted to have an orchestra with six
of us and give programs on the name of 'Ghantasala Gatra Kacheri'.
Lot of colleagues, singers and other musicians used to come
to our house and all music sittings used to happen in the
main hall of our house. After the recording is over Nannagaru
used to tell about the happening to our mother. I remember
him telling mother that after singing 'Ghanaghana sundara'.
He expressed that he used different variations while singing
the word 'Pandurangaa.....'.
Though his we could not fulfill his wish of making a troop
of six, I am happy because we had an opportunity to sing along
with him for "Saibaba" audio recording done by HMV
company. Nannagaru has penned the lyrics and composed
music for 'Saibaba' audio. We can never forget giving chorus
to him in that album. After the recording is over each of
our five siblings are given Rs 100/- by the Manager of HMV.
We gave all the money to our mother. And it was the first
remuneration for us. I cannot forger seeing satisfaction in
Nannagaru's eyes at that time.
At the time of Nannagaru's demise I was 14 years old.
When we were thinking that Nannagaru is recovering from his
ailment and he will be back home soon ... Sadasiva Rao uncle
came to our school to take us to the hospital. By that time
we reached the hospital, Nannagaru expired.
Prior to that day I remember Nannagaru promising me
an ice cream at Woodlands followed by a visit to Malati Chandur
aunt's home. Those were the last words spoken to me by Nannagaru.
Though he is not there among us, the only satisfaction that
consoles us is that love of people towards Nannagaru
songs.
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